After successful facilitation of an introductory book in Jaunsari language for teachers and students of primary schools in the Jaunsar-Bhabar region, the education authorities are planning to introduce similar books in Garhwali and Kumaoni languages in regions where they are spoken as the mother tongues. The State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT) is planning to improve communication between teachers and students while further enhancing education by adding Garhwali and Kumaoni regional languages in the training and education plan for both teachers and students.
Focusing on the primary schools in core areas of Uttrakhand, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) came up with a book published in the regional language for primary schools of Jaunsar region three years ago. This book contains some common words and rhymes in Jaunsari language for classes I and II. The book was used by both teachers and students to facilitate better understanding and communication.
After the success of this attempt, the authorities are now planning to add Garhwali books in the Garhwal region and Kumaoni books in the Kumaon region. The Dehradun DIET principal Rakesh Jugran said, "The book which was developed by us three years ago ‘Aitiniti’ for the Jaunsar region contains commonly used Jaunsari words and rhymes aimed at developing better communication between teachers and students. The book has worked well in meeting its aim.
As teachers posted to such areas who may not be familiar with the local language often fail to relate because of the difference in language, this book has also been helpful in training them. The book has facilitated better two-way communication between the teachers and students. "
Explaining the future goal of DIET he said,"We are also planning to make books in Garhwali language so that native students in Garhwal find study interesting and teachers and students can communicate easily. We have already started with some workshops and soon will be holding more workshops in different places"
SCERT spokesman Nand Kishore Hatwal said, "We are developing some structure to endorse the use of Garhwali language in primary schools especially for classes I and II in the Garhwal region.
This will help enhance interaction between the teachers and students. It will also help in further improving the present form of education in primary schools situated in Garhwal. We are also working to get permission from National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in order to implement it,” he added.