Against imposition

• The BJP-led government in Maharashtra plans to teach Hindi as a third language in English and Marathi medium schools from Class 1, as part of the National Education Policy 2020.

• The move is viewed as an attempt to imposition Hindi and potentially undermine Marathi.

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defends the move, stating Hindi is an acceptable language of communication.

• Practical challenges include logistics in teacher recruitment and training, and salary costs.

• Media reports and social media chatter suggest emerging hostility towards Hindi, possibly a response to the perceived imposition.

• The resentment is seen as a product of the BJP’s centralising agenda, seeking uniformity in a culturally and linguistically diverse nation.

• The Constitution recognizes and accommodates diversity, but the BJP’s reduced mandate has provoked resistance.

• The educational landscape is undergoing a radical transformation with developments in AI and neuroscience, suggesting consensus building is needed.