Language & Education policies maker must realise importance of mothertongue: Dr Joga Singh

Talwandi Sabo, November 1, 2013: The ‘New Punjab Day’ was observed by the Post Graduate Department of Punjabi, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo.

On the occasion, Prof. Joga Singh, Ex-Head, Department of Languages & Lexicography, delivering an illuminating speech, dwelt upon the International Research carried out about the framing of policies about Mother Tongue and stated that the Indian languages have not been accorded the place that they deserve after independence but their condition has further deteriorated during the last three decades. The English Language is so dominating in all works of life that it is becoming instrumental in eliminating Indian Languages. Now even the most developed country USA has come to realise that the consequences of English medium in imputing education to Non-English language citizens and ignoring their mother tongue are not good.
Dr Joga Singh also stressed that it is wrong to say that the student can’t learn about Science and Mathematics if he does not know English. Because Science is not tied to any particular language or culture The Russian, The Germans, and The French feel proud of their scientific inventions and they have achieved the same without the knowledge of English language. The study carried out in 2003 reveals that five top Mathematicians produce by Singapore, Korea, Honkong, China & Japan did not have English as their first language.
Dr. Joga Singh also stated that the world renowned researchers and experts bear testimony to the fact that success of Education is possible exclusively from Mother-tongue. But it is a pity that education policy makers in India have become so ignorant that they are paving from the top of their houses to learn English and English first and thus they are having the way for the murder of Indian education, Indian languages and Indian culture. Our main objective is to bring them out of this ignorance and make them realise that only and only Mother Tongue as the medium of instruction can ensure success.
Welcoming the Chief Guest, Dr. Joga Singh, Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Director (Planning & Development) GKU, laid emphasis to learn from the illuminating booklet ‘International Research about Language Policy’ by Dr. Joga Singh which will certainly become an eye-opener for the policy-makers. This booklet was released at the hands of Dr. N.S Malhi, Vice Chancellor GKU on this occasion. Dr.Malhi stated that the thought provoking speech delivered by Dr. Joga Singh is indeed an instrument for bringing about changes in our educational system which was established by the British according to their own needs but is not useful for us. Satish Goswami, Registrar, Dr. Sunil Kumar, HOD, Dr. Ravinder Kaur and Dr. Simarpreet Kaur from the Department of Punjabi were also present on this occasion. www.cityairnews.com

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