Mother tongue meets technology: The real gamechanger in classrooms
A child who hears stories, instructions, and everyday communication in their home language processes information faster and builds stronger foundations when taught in that same language, finds reams of research. Add technology to this equation, and suddenly classrooms have the power to democratise learning, break down barriers of access, and make education not only inclusive but also engaging.
Why mother tongue matters in learning
Language is not just a medium of instruction; it is the medium of thought.
Children think, dream, and question in the language they grow up with. Forcing them to immediately adapt to a second language in the early years often delays comprehension and creates a gap between understanding and expression. By teaching concepts in the vernacular, teachers allow students to grasp ideas directly, without the mental gymnastics of translation.
This does not mean sidelining English or other widely used languages.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
When the Camera Clicked at the Worst Possible Time
Lintmit.com
Read More
Undo
Rather, it means sequencing learning: Strengthen conceptual understanding in the familiar language first, then layer on additional languages as tools for expression and global communication. This progression is natural, less stressful, and more effective.
Where technology steps in
The challenge, of course, is scale. India has multiple regional languages and hundreds of dialects. Creating quality content for each language, training teachers, and ensuring consistent delivery can feel overwhelming.
That is where technology acts as the great equaliser.
Digital platforms and apps now provide lessons, quizzes, and videos in multiple Indian languages. A single lesson can be adapted and rolled out across states, ensuring both uniformity of core concepts and flexibility of language.
Interactive tools, starting from animated videos to gamified quizzes, help children learn difficult topics in their own tongue with ease, making lessons memorable rather than mechanical.
Voice-based technologies are breaking down literacy barriers. Students can listen, repeat, and interact with content without needing high reading levels.
In short, technology allows localisation at scale—something that would have been logistically impossible a decade ago.
Classrooms transformed by vernacular and Tech
Imagine a rural school where resources are limited. Traditionally, a teacher might have struggled to explain abstract concepts like photosynthesis in English. Today, the same concept can be introduced in the regional language with the help of a short video, followed by interactive exercises in the same language.
Students who might otherwise sit silently now engage, ask questions, and experiment with ideas.
Urban classrooms benefit too. With children often coming from mixed linguistic backgrounds, teachers can switch seamlessly between a local-language explanation and digital aids that offer subtitles or parallel versions in English. The result: No student is left behind, and advanced learners can still stretch themselves.
Teacher empowerment, not replacement
A common fear is that technology might replace teachers. In reality, when paired with vernacular instruction, it does the opposite: It strengthens the teacher's role. Technology takes care of repetitive tasks—like providing practice exercises, showing demonstrations, or offering instant feedback—so teachers can focus on higher-order activities such as mentoring, discussion, and personalised support.
Moreover, teachers themselves benefit from training modules in their own language. Many educators, particularly in non-urban areas, find English-heavy training materials alienating. Providing professional development in local languages helps them grow more confident and effective.
Barriers that still remain
While the vision is promising, challenges remain:
Digital divide: Many schools still lack consistent electricity, internet access, or devices.
Content quality: Translating isn't enough—content must be culturally relevant and pedagogically sound in each language.
Teacher training: Without proper guidance, technology risks being underused or misused.
Addressing these gaps will require investment, not just in gadgets, but in training, curriculum design, and infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
The combination of vernacular learning and technology isn't just a 'nice to have'; it is the most practical way to make education equitable in a linguistically diverse country. NEP's emphasis on mother tongue was a crucial policy step, but the real transformation lies in how schools, ed-tech companies, and governments implement it on the ground.
If done right, children in small villages and big cities alike will learn with the same confidence—because they will first understand, then apply, and finally express themselves in multiple languages. Classrooms will evolve from rote-driven to curiosity-driven. Teachers will evolve from information providers to facilitators. And technology, instead of being a distraction, will become the bridge that carries every child across the language barrier.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
here.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rakhsha Bandhan, protectors and repaying a debt of gratitude
Street Dogs are the biggest allies of women in a city where the biggest threat is Men A couple of years ago, as the Dhan Mill Compound in Chattarpur started to develop into this elite oasis of high art in the otherwise dark, Pataalok-esque neighbourhood, I found myself, after an art event, waiting for a taxi. It took almost 50 minutes for a cab to arrive, and it would have been terrifying except for one thing. Actually, two. Two brown-eyed Indies, unconditionally and instantaneously, became my besties for the hour, waited, demanded pets, all the time that I waited in that pitch-dark lane, a heartbeat away from becoming a crime file. I didn't have a scrap of food to give them; they had no reason to wait with me. No sooner had my cab come, they disappeared. Seeing me off to safety, back into that pitch darkness. These unconditional, instantaneous besties are the spirit of the Indian landscape. They will greet you in remote locations, lonely streets, offering their company, protection for absolutely nothing. If you're wondering why there is an overwhelming proportion of women in the street dog rescue movement, you will know how many of us have been offered their safety and guardianship, from the biggest predators on Delhi's streets — its men. Just a day before the shocking judgment of 11th August, I was talking to a friend about the whole 'dog' Rakhi trend, a big moment for pet-commerce. Animal lovers are laughed at for anthropomorphising our pets, and of course, some of it is comical — part of the whole giddy-cringe delightfest human-animal friendships bring out in us. But while putting a dress on your dog qualifies as genuine silliness (even if harmlessly fun) what is certainly not anthropomorphic, is our belief, our expression in the sacred nature of these friendships. Stray, community, pest or resource: The naming of dogs While the traditional term 'pet ownership', has been eased off in favour of 'pet parenthood', there are beautiful concepts across cultures. The Hawaiian term 'Kahu' meaning 'guardian' (of something precious), stands out for coming closest to capturing the essence of the relationship. Nepal famously celebrates Kukur Tihaar, an ode to the selfless friendship offered by dogs. And the mainstreaming of 'dog' Raksha Bandhan in the India of the 2020s, quite aptly includes our most fierce guardians/protectors. Most dog lovers would agree that such single-minded love and loyalty can, in no real measure, be returned. The little that we humans do in terms of food, shelter, treats, are just a minuscule fraction of repaying that debt. This is why the language of an animal hater (although they seldom own up to being one) is quite simply baffling. RWA uncles and several news media like using the term 'stray dog menace' with a poster of a dog, with blood dripping from its fangs, and bloodthirsty eyes, straight out of a Ramsay Brothers film. Some time back, a prominent media house featured a video story of a woman being 'attacked' by stray dogs in a parking lot. I saw the video. The dogs were wagging their tails, trying to play with her. They were also extremely young, about 8-9 months, fledglings, and this hulk of a woman shrieking at their playful pawing looked, quite frankly, comic. What isn't comic, however, is this building momentum of anti-dog bias, a certain kind of narrative that portrays stray dogs as killers and predators. An RWA personnel from our neighbourhood described a one-year-old baby-faced pet Bhutia dog as a 'wolf-like, vicious creature', when in fact it is a baby who jumps to hug anyone in sight. That people with a real phobia of dogs are now occupying positions of power, through RWAs, news channels, or city administration, means that this neurosis gets amplified to dangerous levels. What used to be a neurotic aunty in your neighbourhood, shrieking at the sight of a dog, is now the core of public debate. Earlier this week, a moderated discussion on a mainstream news channel had five journalists discussing the issue. Even the ones who purported to be 'animal lovers' were using the word 'pest'. One of them, who started out sounding very noble and animal-friendly, claimed that stray dogs try to 'hunt' you. Let's break down some things first. The current position of community dogs in Delhi is far from ideal. The unchecked population. The lack of a clear policy on aggressive 'biter' dogs. The neurosis machinery that feeds anti-dog bias. Most critically, this entire set of beings is invisibilised by the state. And— as I have written about elsewhere — by the development world. Their cause treated like zero priority, animal welfare activists have been reduced to caricatured feeders/rescuers. As I speak, our dog lovers colony WhatsApp group is circulating an Excel sheet recording the vaccination and sterilisation of all colony dogs. Every dog on that list is sterilised. Funded entirely from the pockets of those caricatured 'animal feeders'. Dogs in large numbers form packs and can look pretty intimidating, especially when they come charging at you threateningly. That's all it is, really. A warning. And an introduction. 'Hello, I this is my lane. Don't act smart.' One of those TV anchors claimed that she needs to be ushered from the parking lot to her home by a male member to protect herself from stray dogs. The same could be said about men. Only, the women of this city do not ask for its entire male population to be bundled up into non-existent shelters, mostly because there is no room for such a discussion. Or because some of us know that, because of the actions of some men, you cannot put the entire male population into pounds. How, then, is this logic not applicable to stray dogs? It is also this quality of vigilance that makes them the best guards. A friend of mine, a resident of Alaknanda, reported a robbery sometime back in their society. The thieves had figured out the alarms and locks of most houses on a particular block. They only left the one building, which was guarded by an army of stray dogs. The resident of one of those flats used to feed them. Some RWAs have used these qualities to their advantage. In 2004, when I was a cub city reporter, our paper had carried a story about the Golf Links RWA, training its stray dogs to become colony guard dogs. Even in the present day, there are RWAs in West Delhi that are taking care of their dogs, treating them as members of their community. The dogs offer their guard services in return. Depending on how you channel them, the 'strays' and 'pests' can also be converted into 'assets' and 'resources'. The other arguments in favour of 'streeties' are, of course, the ecological ones. That completely stripping our dogs off the streets will disturb the ecological balance, causing the population of rats, monkeys — and other 'rabies-causing' animals — to grow. A public health professor at Edinburgh reported that stray dog removal will reverse rabies gains made over previous decades. But outside of these utilitarian reasons, the real reason to keep dogs — besides the fact that humans, in fact, don't own the planet — is simply this: they are our greatest friends. Our street dogs are part of our fabric, in the same way our languages are; they are the essence and the spirit of the Indian street, with its chaos, confusion, and screeching horns. They are part of our stories and legends, starting from Yudhisthir, who was tested for his 'loyalty' to a street dog (and only thus allowed into heaven), to the 19th Century yogi Baba Lokenath, who came disguised as a brown mongrel to his disciple's home, to see just how kind hearted he truly was. In the last week, as dogs have been increasingly stripped off the Indian streets, partly by 'unofficial white vans' and partly by dog rescue groups, the streets are beginning to look so bare, so sterile. The pick-ups & the protests As I type, dogs are being illegally picked up by 'unofficial' white vans, with the help of hired stooges who are paid per dog. My friend in New Friends Colony woke up on Saturday morning to find her streeties had just disappeared overnight. 'The entire lane has gone quiet,' she texted. There are videos of multiple dog carcasses that have been hastily dumped into drains. It is clear where these dogs are going. Meanwhile, the MCD 311 app, which registers all civic complaints, has not acted upon potholes, bad roads for months on end given by several of my neighbours, is suddenly, within minutes, assigning case workers to complaints pertaining to street dogs. This stands in contrast to video footage of haunted ABC centres in Delhi, deserted and unused. The locks in some look like they haven't been opened in years. On the other side, a catacomb of dog rescue groups has emerged in the city. Dog groups always existed, of feeders, or rescuers, dog lovers, colony-wise. Now, the entire city is connected. Through various channels, protest groups, night patrolling groups, and those monitoring key legal information, proof of dog abductions. Our colony group is fundraising to put all our dogs in a private shelter. People of every age group, every dispensation are on the groups. They are spending sleepless nights on Delhi's streets, working on night shifts. It seems, for every animal hater, every entitled 'human being' who believes the earth is solely for them alone, there are others. People who are fighting for their very soul, who are not bullied by sanctimonious armchair op-ed writers who are telling them this is a middle-class obsession ('why not focus on Gaza instead?'). Because finally, when you have a chance to protect our friend, you take that chance. And repay a debt towards the oldest friendship known to man. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- New Indian Express
A pinch of Tamil touch
I've noticed how something like pizza or momo tastes totally different here. I think it really comes down to the whole debate between authenticity and replicas. You can't really recreate something 100% authentically when you're not in its original place. The ingredients, the water, even the way people cook — it all changes things. We can notice this even in different regions in India. The spicy sambar in Tamil Nadu is completely different from the sweet sambar you get in Bangalore. And the iconic butter chicken in Delhi is nothing like the one you'd find in a restaurant in Mumbai. While we have excellent versions of these dishes available in other regions, you can't quite call them authentic if they're not from their origin. Ultimately, while the authenticity of a dish is integral, so is its adaptation. Sometimes, we might even find ourselves preferring the local version over the original. I'd honestly prefer my local spin on international cuisines over authentic versions of international cuisine. Why? Because the Indian flavours are richer and punchier — they hit right on the tongue. Westernised flavours are comparatively more subtle and mild in nature, so for someone like me who's loved and used to strong flavours, I'd find ways to make it more Indian to my liking. I think this is why so many of us who love Chinese food in India might not enjoy the authentic version abroad. I, for one, love it all: from 'chindian' chowmein and Schezwan noodles to masala pasta and tandoori paneer pizza. I absolutely think Tamil Nadu has a way of absorbing every food trend into its culture. And honestly, it's not just about Tamil Nadu — it's a characteristic of Indian culture as a whole. We have an amazing ability to take a food concept, completely make it our own, and in some cases, even revive practices that have been part of our history for decades. A great example is the success story of samosa. Its origins are actually in Central Asia, but we've completely absorbed and transformed it. What was once a simple pastry is now basically an Indian snack, with countless versions from spicy potato fillings to onion or meat. It's a perfect illustration of a foreign concept becoming a fundamental part of our culture. But here's the interesting part. While we absorb new trends, we're also bringing age-old practices back into the mainstream. For instance, the whole global focus on a plant-based diet and sustainable eating has always been a part of our heritage. Dishes like ragi dosa and millet adai are living proof that this isn't some new trend — it's just a rediscovery of our traditional way of life. I think this ability to adapt, absorb, and revive food is what makes the Indian culinary landscape so dynamic and rich. The reaction of international visitors perfectly highlights the dramatic difference in our culinary philosophies. A lot of international dishes, especially from the West, are all about letting one or two high-quality ingredients shine, which makes their flavours subtle and pure. A pasta in Italy, for example, is simple — it's about the fresh tomatoes, basil, or olive oil. In contrast, the Indian culinary philosophy is built on the art of layering a complex blend of spices to create a rich, powerful flavour profile. So, an Italian visitor who experiences a masala pasta is often stunned by both the sheer level of spice and the preparation method. To them, it's not even their food anymore; it's a completely new dish built on a different idea of flavor.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Haryana defines forests for first time, but will it leave out more of Aravalis than it includes?
Gurgaon: Haryana govt has, for the first time, codified what it considers "forest as per dictionary meaning", laying the foundation for better implementation of environment laws that have been affected by ambiguity about this basic premise. But the state's definition is narrower than the frame of reference directed by the Supreme Court in a 1996 ruling and contains riders that could leave out of the definition's ambit large areas the same environment laws seek to protect. According to a notification issued on Aug 18 by the state's forest, environment and wildlife department, land parcels of at least 5 hectares – equivalent to 10 football fields – in isolation or two hectares of forests adjoining notified forests qualify as 'forest' if have minimum canopy density of 0.4, or 40% of the land in question. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon | Gold Rates Today in Gurgaon | Silver Rates Today in Gurgaon Effectively, this means that small patches of forests, Aravali hillocks with low density vegetation, scrublands, grasslands and community common lands will not be considered as 'forests'. The state's criteria explicitly exclude linear, compact and agro-forestry plantations, and orchards beyond notified forest areas, regardless of their size or density. Examples of linear plantations are roadside green belts, which are just a few metres wide though these can stretch up to several kilometres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Compact forests are smaller scale areas with dense greenery. "The Governor of Haryana is pleased to define the expression 'forest as per dictionary meaning" for the state of Haryana as follows: A patch of land shall be deemed to be forest as per dictionary meaning if it fulfils the following conditions: Firstly, it has a minimum area of 5 hectares, if it is in isolation; and a minimum area of two hectares, if it is in contiguity with govt-notified forests. Secondly, it has a canopy density of 0.4 or more. Provided that, all linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards situated outside the govt-notified forests shall not be treated as forest under the above definition," the notification signed by Anand Mohan Sharan, additional chief secretary (environment, forests and wildlife), read. Haryana's definition, formed nearly six decades after the state came into existence, is narrower than the principle defined by Supreme Court in its landmark ruling in the 1996 TN Godavarman vs Union of India case. The top court had said that forests must be recognised according to the 'dictionary meaning of forest' -- a criterion that means any area with characteristics of forests must be protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act, regardless of the land's status in govt records. This concept, which came to be known as 'deemed forest', widened the scope of FCA and allowed protection of all such green areas from urbanisation and deforestation. Experts on Tuesday said the state's definition would leave out a large chunk of the Aravalis from getting any legal cover. "This definition doesn't even consider the ground realities that are unique to the state. The Aravalis are majorly scrub forest and have a canopy density of 10% to 20%. This definition won't even protect the habitat of Haryana's state bird black francolin and state animal blackbuck because these species live in grasslands... This will only benefit the builder lobby," said MD Sinha, retired conservator of forests, Haryana (South). Others pointed out that Haryana, at just 3.6% of its geographical area, already has the lowest forest cover among all Indian states. "In the last 15 years, Haryana has been developing six-lane roads in every district, which has led to a decrease in strip forests. 90% of strip forests in Haryana are gone. It has just 5 to 7 block forests, and even those are encroached on. Also, the definition is not practical as Haryana has scrub forest. The five-hectare rule won't work because there are no large patches of forest land in the state," said RP Balwan, former conservator of forests, Haryana (South). The exercise to come up with a definition of forests as per dictionary meaning was ordered by SC, which on March 4 directed all states and Union territories to identify forests to prevent the loss of green cover. The court's order came while hearing a clutch of writ petitions that had challenged the central govt's amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act. Supreme Court cited its 2011 Lafarge judgment (linked to a case on environmental approvals for mining in Meghalaya) and told all states/UTs to form expert committees within a month. Principal chief conservator of forests Vineet Kumar Garg told TOI that the state govt-appointed committees can now begin their work. "The committees will need to survey landscapes, verify canopy cover, apply the five-hectare rule and mark areas for inclusion or exclusion. This process will decide how much of the Aravalis and other open land actually get legal protection under the Forest (Conservation) Act," Garg said. Asked about the narrowed definition than the 'dictionary meaning', Garg said all states were asked to come up with their own definitions. "The expert committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary carefully analysed the definition of other states. Fifteen other states had already adopted a forest definition, which relies on canopy density of 0.4 or more. Haryana also decided to go with the same. This is for areas outside of (notified) forests. So, this definition will not reduce areas," the PCCF said. Though Haryana is home to 1 lakh hectares of the Aravali hills, more than half of this range (55,000 hectares) in the state has no protection under FCA. Much of this also has to do with the ownership oddity in Haryana, where Aravali land was never given the 'forest' tag by the state. Most of Aravali area is under the ambit of the revenue department instead of the forest department. The only Aravali lands protected in the state are because of court rulings, such as the special sections 4 and 5 of Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1990, and the Aravali Notification of 1992. Protecting the Aravalis is critical not just for the state, but most of north-west India. The ancient hill range is the only barrier that stops the Thar desert from expanding towards the plains. It is also home to a rich and unique diversity of flora and fauna, among them endangered species such as leopards, Indian pangolins and white-rumped vultures. Forest analyst Chetan Agarwal, too, bashed the state's definition, saying that the Aravali regions receive less rainfall and the forests have adapted to thorny and dry-deciduous vegetation because of it. "It is a pity that Haryana has blindly followed the lead of states like Goa in choosing a minimum threshold of 40% forest canopy cover to identify an area as a deemed forest. At least in the Aravalli hills, open forest with 10%-40% canopy cover and scrub (0-10% cover) categories should have been treated as forest as per dictionary meaning. This decision opens up the Aravalis to the ravages of urbanisation and mining," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
