For a state that has kept the language fire burning furiously, it was no surprise that both the ruling and opposition parties of Tamil Nadu joined hands yet again to shoot down the three-language formula proposed by the National Educational Policy (NEP). They quickly dubbed the policy as yet another attempt to impose Hindi or Sanskrit on unsuspecting Tamils and swore by the two-language formula implemented since 1967.
Only this time contrarian voices against the two-language formula are ringing out loud and clear, raising questions if the concept has outlived its political utility. For the first time, the chief minister’s stand that the two-language formula would persist has been openly questioned by a well-known educationist. “The two-language formula deprived poor and rural students of government schools of learning an additional language while the rich and urban students of CBSE, Central, and private schools have the freedom to study any language they wish,” said E. Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor of Anna University.
This story is from the August 31, 2020 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 31, 2020 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Muslim Question
In the time of polarisation politics and othering, how to respond to the banality of hate?
Voters' Cold Wave
Heat wave, voter apathy and cyclic migration are blamed for the poor voter turnout in Bihar. Political parties are clueless about what impact will it have on election results
Occupy Ivy League
Students protesting in American universities are asking the US government to rethink its policy towards Israel
Left Side Story
Personal attacks, lower voter turnout and the BJP’s determined campaigning: how has Kerala voted this time?
Across the Pir Panjals
The newly carved-out constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri is set to witness a very close contest
Gashes in the Red Sand
Residents of the tribal district of Gadchiroli resist development models that destroy the environment
When Taps and Hope Run Dry
Peaking water scarcity and pervasive groundwater contamination have increased migration from many districts of Rajasthan.
Pilgrim's Politics
Two-time MP from Varanasi, Narendra Modi, is sculpting the eternal city in his image
Under The Model Town
Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad are dilapidated and neglected
The Master Strategist
The Assam chief minister enjoys popularity both as an administrator and a politician despite his relentless anti-Muslim rhetoric