language is the principal medium to understand any subject, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a function to mark the release of the book languages and Cultural Diversity written by Professor Debi Prasanna Pattanayak here on Thursday.
The Chief Minister added that weakness in language at the primary stage hinders the ability to learn and leads to a stunted personal development. “Mother tongue-based education improves access to education, facilitates learning a second or foreign language, improves internal educational efficiency and improves children’s self-confidence and identity,” he stated, adding that weakness in language at the primary stage cannot sustain quality technological superstructure,” he said.
He said mother tongue is the best medium to start learning, especially during primary education. “This has been accepted in the UN document 1953, to which India is also a signatory,” he stated, adding that Odisha stands in the forefront of all States which have initiated multilingual education among 26 tribal language speakers.
“Our English teachers should find out a methodology to teach two or three languages in one class,” the CM said.
He cited the example of Indian students who opt to study in Russia. They are required to go through immersion training on Russian language for 12 weeks initially to facilitate further studies there.
He said his Government is committed to development of Odia language, literature and culture. “Odia has been declared as a Classical language establishing its ancient origin, extensive evolution and richness. A high-level committee has been set up taking eminent scholars, researchers to suggest modalities for taking further steps for development of Odia language,” he said.
Patnaik also informed that establishment of a centre of excellence to facilitate development of Odia language is being contemplated by the State Government.
The Chief Minister praised Prof Pattanayak for being a prolific writer on issues of language and education. “He has advocated for multilingualism and mother-tongue education all through his life,” he said. Among others, Uday Rao, Hara Prasad Das and Supriya Pattnayak were present at the meeting.