Miscellaneous - This Day That Age   

dated August 13, 1957: Language panel report

The Official Language Commission has expressed the view that it is neither necessary nor possible for it to pronounce now whether a general change-over from English to Hindi would be found practicable by 1965. The 20-member Commission, however, affirms that, in the light of the fully democratic basis of Indian polity, it is not possible to envisage English as India’s mass medium. The programme of compulsory elementary education can be conceived only in terms of Indian languages. This conclusion, says the report, which was placed on August 12 in both Houses of Parliament, along with the Chairman’s covering letter, and two dissenting notes saying the target date of 1965 is inadequate, has been reached not on grounds of prejudice against a foreign language or in disregard of the wealth of literature and scientific knowledge available in it or merely on grounds of patriotic sentiment. However, there is a vital distinction between the use of a foreign language for specific purposes or as a second language, and its use as the principal or general medium of education, administration, public life and the day-to-day business of the country. It is this aspect, which is sought to be rectified.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8990
Solution to puzzle 8989
Path to self-realisation religion
dated August 13, 1957: Language panel report
dated August 13, 1957: Directive to Govt. staff
dated August 13, 1957: Lalbagh centenary
Weather

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu