Few takers for classical, regional languages at PPU
Patna: As Patliputra University (PPU) is set to close its admission process for its four-year degree part I courses for the 2025-29 batch under choice-based credit system (CBCS) on Thursday, it has come to fore that there are only a few takers for the classical and regional languages, much to the surprise of the academics.
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According to PPU dean of students' welfare (DSW) Rajiv Ranjan, the number of applications for classical and regional languages has been dismal. Only one application was received for Bengali, two for Bhojpuri, five for Magahi, one for Prakrit and four for Maithli — a clear indication of the declining interest in these languages among today's youth, he said.
In contrast, traditional academic disciplines continue to attract high volume of applicants.
History in the arts stream and zoology in science have emerged as the top choices for students this year, reflecting a strong preference for subjects with clearer academic and career pathways. While 29,313 applications were received for history alone, 14,153 applications were for zoology till Wednesday forenoon, the DSW said.
Among other major subjects in science streams that have garnered students' interest are botany, which has received 12,292 applications, followed by physics (11,933), chemistry (8,540) and mathematics (4,875).
In the arts stream, Hindi received 12,248 applications, followed by geography (15,206), economics (6,100), English (4,056), political science (18,125), psychology (3,022) and philosophy (800), the DSW said.
Academics and university officials have expressed concern over the dwindling interest in the classical and regional languages, which have deep cultural and historical significance. "It is an alarming trend.
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These languages form the bedrock of our literary and philosophical heritage, but students are drifting away due to perceived lack of career prospects," said retired teacher of Magadh University, Prof P B Lall.
The university's adoption of the four-year CBCS framework is in line with the National Education Policy-2020, which aims to provide flexibility and interdisciplinary learning. However, the lack of interest in language courses under this new system could pose challenges in preserving linguistic diversity and cultural education, retired principal of city-based BD College, Prof N K Srivastava, said.
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