The education department’s move to introduce books of Garhwali language in schools of Pauri district has elicited mixed public response. Some hail the move as a major step in preserving local language and culture while others have termed it unnecessary. Social worker Teerath Singh Rawat said that instead of introducing these books in the schools located in Pauri block where the students already speak the Garhwali language, the department should have selected areas where the people do not communicate in Garhwali. “These books are required to be implemented in English medium school in places like Dehradun. It appears that the department has introduced them without doing any homework,’’ he said.
A primary school teacher on condition of anonymity said that the authorities should stop experimenting with primary education. “They wake up with an idea on one fine morning and decide to implement in the primary schools. We are so engrossed in works and activities that time for academics is found wanting,’’ she added.
Shalini Bisht a resident of Raipur Road in Dehradun appreciated the move of the department and said that it would help the students to get acquainted with their culture. She got support from N S Gusain of Kotdwar who opined that the books should be introduced in all the schools of the state.
Meanwhile, unconcerned on the ongoing debate, about 5000 primary school students of Pauri block in Pauri district are happily reciting rhymes in their native dialect ‘Garhwali’ these days. On the initiative of the district magistrate (DM) of Pauri, Dhiraj Gabriyal the education department has decided to introduce books of Garhwali language for the primary students. The District Education Officer (DEO), Basic, Kunwar Singh Rawat told The Pioneer that the books contain short stories, rhymes and proverbs of Garhwali and children are enjoying them. He added that these books would soon be introduced in all the schools of Pauri. “The district administration has provided 5000 books to us and we have started them in one block. We need at least 51000 books to distribute them in all the schools,’’ he said.
The DEO made it clear that these books are only meant for familiarisation with the language and no evaluation would be taken. “The purpose is to make both the students and teachers familiar with Garhwali language,’’ he added.