Central Education Minister Advocates for Indian Languages in Schools, Emphasizes Need for Innovators Over Translators Central Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the "Jagran Bharat Education Summit 2026" on Friday, defending the focus on Indian languages in the education system. He asserted that India needs "innovators, not translators," highlighting the importance of prioritizing native languages over foreign ones in classrooms. Pradhan argued that while learning foreign languages is valuable, it should not burden students. Instead, he emphasized that children should study in the language they understand best to grasp concepts effectively. The minister cited a review by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which revealed that only 1% of students across the board are studying foreign languages. Pradhan criticized the overemphasis on English and other global languages, stating that this approach risks neglecting the potential of Indian languages. He argued that India’s rapid growth in innovation, research, and manufacturing requires a shift toward nurturing creators and thinkers rather than relying on translators. Pradhan linked the push for Indian languages to India’s economic and technological progress. He noted that the country’s population has surged to 1.4 billion, and global southern nations are increasingly aligning with India. He stressed that India’s competitive edge lies in its capacity for innovation, cost-effective production, and research, which must be supported by a strong foundation in native languages. The minister also addressed criticism of the education system, calling for rational and relevant discourse in a democracy.#central_board_of_secondary_education #dharmendra_pradhan #central_education_minister #jagran_bharat_education_summit_2026 #indian_languages
