Latest news with #CensusofIndia
News18
17-07-2025
- General
- News18
'Sanskrit Going Extinct, Only Census Can Save It!': Truth Behind Viral Claim
Last Updated: Social media warns Sanskrit faces extinction without census support. But with ongoing use in rituals and education, the language remains alive and actively preserved A message circulating on social media warns of the possible extinction of the Sanskrit language, urging citizens to declare Sanskrit as their first language in the upcoming national census. The claim suggests that failure to do so may result in Sanskrit being labelled as 'extinct', which could subsequently lead to the withdrawal of government grants, educational assistance, and preservation efforts. While it is accurate that Sanskrit is spoken by a relatively small number of people today, this limited usage does not imply the language is extinct. The Census Push Social media posts claim that the census will be concluded by March 2027, and encourage people to select 'Sanskrit' when asked about their mother tongue and languages known. Although Sanskrit is not widely spoken in everyday conversation, it is still regularly used in daily worship, chanting, the recitation of shlokas, and during religious rituals. According to the 2011 Census of India, 24,821 people reported Sanskrit as their first language, a significant rise from 14,135 in the 2001 census. In certain villages such as Dimmar in Uttarakhand, Mattur in Karnataka, and Jhiri in Madhya Pradesh, Sanskrit remains in active daily use. Sanskrit, regarded as India's oldest and original language, holds deep cultural and religious significance. Various efforts continue to support its preservation. Numerous universities across India and abroad offer courses in Sanskrit, and some Indian states include the language as a compulsory or optional subject in schools. Educational institutions like Utkal University and the National Sanskrit University are dedicated to the teaching and research of Sanskrit. Furthermore, government bodies, including the Ministry of Education, have specific budget allocations for Sanskrit's promotion, and separate grants are provided to institutions engaged in its study and preservation. Census And Language Policy: Understanding The Link The census is a key instrument in collecting data related to population, socio-economic indicators, education levels, and languages spoken. This information assists in the creation of government policies and development plans. Data concerning the number of speakers of a language can help indicate whether targeted support or special schemes are necessary for its preservation. However, government grants and support for a language are not determined solely by the number of speakers. Factors such as a language's historical, cultural, and constitutional status also play a significant role. Sanskrit, for instance, is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which formally recognises its official importance. What Constitutes Language Extinction? A Closer Look The decision to classify a language as 'extinct' is not made lightly. It involves defined criteria established by international organisations such as UNESCO. A language is considered extinct when no person speaks it as their mother tongue and no younger generation is learning it. While several Indian languages are indeed endangered and at risk of extinction, the suggestion that Sanskrit will lose government support unless listed as a first language in the census is inaccurate and overstated. Sanskrit's Enduring Significance And Future Outlook Despite a decline in its everyday use, Sanskrit continues to be preserved through religious, educational, and scholarly practices. The language's historical, cultural, and religious value ensures that it remains eligible for ongoing government and institutional support, backed by dedicated budget allocations and national recognition. In conclusion, while raising awareness about Sanskrit's role and encouraging its learning is important, the claim that it faces extinction or funding loss unless declared as a first language in the census lacks factual basis. The language remains a living cultural treasure, supported by a broad network of public and academic institutions. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 10:17 IST News explainers 'Sanskrit Going Extinct, Only Census Can Save It!': Truth Behind Viral Claim | Fact Check Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Should learning languages be a part of higher education?
In India's culturally and linguistically complex environment, language has a purpose beyond mere communication; it is a passage to deeper insight, closer ties, and greater chances. Yet in most universities today, language is taught only as an elective only if it relates to a student's individual interest or profession. As India and the rest of the globe become increasingly interconnected, it poses a valid question: must another language have to be learned in college as a compulsory course of study? India officially recognises 22 languages as per the Eighth Schedule, according to the Census of India 2011. This multilingualism is not limited to culture or tradition; it is deeply connected to how services, governance, and businesses operate in India. With growing urbanisation, graduates employed in healthcare, administration, development, or education tend to be posted in areas where the predominant language may not be not their own. Here, proficiency in a local language adds not just to professional competence but also helps build confidence and rapport with people. Compulsory language education in a university setting can instil this important skill early so that students are ready for the multilingual environment they will work in. Cognitive gains The gains in cognition due to learning a language are well documented. A study conducted in 2022 by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported that people who were bilingual or multilingual displayed enhanced memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. The study also documented heightened decision-making skills and flexibility... all abilities very important to competence in any field. For young people in demanding academic courses, in particular, multilingualism creates mental agility. It supports executive function following a plan, organising and alternating between activities efficiently. Language learning is more than learning vocabulary and grammar; it involves stimulating several areas of the brain to facilitate analytical thinking and interdisciplinary understanding. It helps improve academic performance, enhance retention, fosters creative and bestows a critical intellectual advantage. In a job market where versatility is prized, language skills can be a differentiator. Banking and finance, healthcare, education, hospitality, logistics, and even e-commerce are assigning greater importance to employees who can reach out to India's multi-lingual population. The rise of regional media, state-level governance, and grassroots development programmes have also created demand for professionals fluent in local languages. Moreover, as Indian businesses expand globally, bilingual or trilingual professionals fluent in English and an international language like Mandarin, Spanish, or French are increasingly sought after. By embedding language learning in higher education, students can gain not just academic enrichment but also a practical skill that expands their career horizon. Flexible system Although the argument in favour of requiring language learning is compelling, it has to be implemented with regard to academic diversity. A single requirement for all programmes can become a source of pressure, particularly in disciplines that have strict course structures like Medicine, Engineering, or Law. Alternatively, universities can follow a tiered or modular system. Language credits must be made obligatory but flexible and offer a combination of Indian and international languages based on student requirements and career aspirations. Courses may incorporate functional language instruction, professional communication modules, or vocabulary in areas of specialisation so that they are relevant and motivating. For example, medical students may study colloquial Hindi or Tamil to interact with patients, while business students may study Mandarin or Spanish to facilitate overseas operations. Language is more than an academic subject; it's a fundamental skill for navigating India's pluralistic society and succeeding in a complex workplace environment. By incorporating language acquisition into higher education as a mandatory and well-integrated component, universities can prepare students with building blocks of cognitive development, cultural understanding, and practical skills. The writer is the CEO of Globeducate, India.
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Andhra Pradesh Census to begin on March 2027
Amravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], July 11 (ANI): The government of Andhra Pradesh announced the process of population enumeration in the State will commence from March 1, 2027. Chief Secretary in the general administration department S Rawat issued a government order on Thursday to republish the notification issued by the Centre and published in the Gazette of India, in the AP Gazette with regard to conduct of population census in the state. The Central Government has decided to conduct a nationwide census in 2027. This aligns with the Centre's nationwide census schedule. The last census in Andhra Pradesh was conducted in 2011 as part of a larger Census of India. The Union Home Ministry had announced the dates for the country's population census. The Central Goverment will carry out the census in two phases, starting March 1, 2027. The first phase of 2027, which will focus on listing operations, is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. This phase will collect data on housing conditions, assets, and amenities. However, the second phase will include phase and population enumeration, which will commence on March 1, 2027, for the rest of the country. Meanwhile the Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has taken a strong exception to the state government's move to postpone the Urban Local Body (UBC) election reservation roster, asserting the the Urban Development Department has no legal mandate to alter a schedule issued by a constitution authority, as per an official statement. In the letter dated July 10, the SEC said, 'Your kind attention is invited towards clause (g) of Article 243P of the Constitution of India read with Section 2(31) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 and Section 2(38) of the Himachal Pradesh Minucipal Corporation Act, 1994, which in unambiguous terms provides that 'population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published' shall be used for the reservation purpose.' The order, signed by Special Secretary (Urban Development) Saurabh Jassal, had instructed that no reservation notification be issued or implemented 'until such time as the updated Census data is officially released.' Copies of the letter were marked to the Secretary, State Election Commission, and Director, Urban Development. (ANI)
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh Census to begin on March 2027
The government of Andhra Pradesh announced the process of population enumeration in the State will commence from March 1, 2027. Chief Secretary in the general administration department S Rawat issued a government order on Thursday to republish the notification issued by the Centre and published in the Gazette of India, in the AP Gazette with regard to conduct of population census in the state. The Central Government has decided to conduct a nationwide census in 2027. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cyprus investments might surprise you Investments Cyprus | search ads Get Info Undo This aligns with the Centre's nationwide census schedule. The last census in Andhra Pradesh was conducted in 2011 as part of a larger Census of India . The Union Home Ministry had announced the dates for the country's population census. The Central Goverment will carry out the census in two phases, starting March 1, 2027. The first phase of 2027, which will focus on listing operations, is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Live Events This phase will collect data on housing conditions, assets, and amenities. However, the second phase will include phase and population enumeration, which will commence on March 1, 2027, for the rest of the country. Meanwhile the Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has taken a strong exception to the state government's move to postpone the Urban Local Body (UBC) election reservation roster, asserting the the Urban Development Department has no legal mandate to alter a schedule issued by a constitution authority, as per an official statement. In the letter dated July 10, the SEC said, "Your kind attention is invited towards clause (g) of Article 243P of the Constitution of India read with Section 2(31) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 and Section 2(38) of the Himachal Pradesh Minucipal Corporation Act, 1994, which in unambiguous terms provides that 'population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published' shall be used for the reservation purpose." The order, signed by Special Secretary (Urban Development) Saurabh Jassal, had instructed that no reservation notification be issued or implemented "until such time as the updated Census data is officially released." Copies of the letter were marked to the Secretary, State Election Commission, and Director, Urban Development.
Mint
07-07-2025
- General
- Mint
Work from Tirunelveli: How Tamil Nadu turned ghost districts into industrial hotbeds
Chennai: Chittar Chatiram, a quaint village comprising a few hamlets, on the banks of the Chittar river, in southern Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, hides a dark history. In the 1990s, it was a hotbed for communal riots. Such was the frequency and ferocity of these clashes that residents of one of the hamlets, Karisal Kulam, chose to give up all their belongings and vacate the neighbourhood en masse in search of peace. For more than two decades, Karisal Kulam remained a ghost hamlet. Not any longer. Villagers have slowly begun to return over the last two years. The reason: an industrial park. It has sprung up at Gangaikondan, a town just across the river. Companies like Tata Solar, Yokohama Tyres, Britannia Industries, Bosch and First Solar have set up their units in the park. People around its villages have been offered jobs. Communal tensions have subsequently eased. 'Better law and order situation plus job opportunities are bringing back the residents of Karisal Kulam," K. P. Karthikeyan, the managing director of Elcot, Tamil Nadu's nodal agency for promoting, developing and implementing IT and e-governance initiatives, said. He was, till recently, the collector of Tirunelveli district. At the other end of the state, in Krishnagiri district of northern Tamil Nadu, women were, till recently, seen as a liability. The district's sex ratio, at 963 women to 1,000 men, is lower than the state average of 996, the 2011 Census of India shows. Sex determination and abortion were rampant. Female literacy was a low 57% and girls were rarely educated beyond the 10th standard. Child marriage was common and so were teenage pregnancies. But a lot changed in the last few years. Enrolment of girls into colleges and polytechnic institutes have surged. In the last two years, the average age of marriage has risen from 14 years to 21 years, data from Krishnagiri collectorate shows. Child marriages have dropped significantly. It is only a matter of time before the sex ratio improves, experts said. In fact, Krishnagiri is fast losing its status as one of the most backward districts of Tamil Nadu. Industrial development, like in the case of Tirunelveli district, is at the heart of this transformation. EV maker Ola Electric, Tata Electronics and Fairway Enterprises, a footwear manufacturer, have invested in the district, predominantly employing women. All of a sudden, thousands of jobs have been created with salaries in the range of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month. Many families now regret not having a girl child at home. Both the regions mentioned above are success stories when it comes to the Tamil Nadu government's model of distributed development. It seeks to take industrial investments to the hinterland. This strategy is a clear break from the past where most investments centred around Chennai (northern Tamil Nadu) or large cities such as Coimbatore (western part of the state). North vs south The numbers tell the story. According to data from Guidance Tamil Nadu, the industrial promotion arm of the government, the state attracted investments to the tune of ₹7.51 trillion in the last four years. Of this, 38% went to north Tamil Nadu, 30% to the southern region, 11% to the west and 5% to the central region. 'Southern Tamil Nadu barely got any investments in the past. Today, it has received almost a third of the investment the state has attracted. That is a phenomenal change," explained T.R.B. Rajaa, state minister for industries, investment promotions and commerce. Central Tamil Nadu has also made a good beginning, he added. Besides Tirunelveli, the southern part of the state includes Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanyakumari districts. 'The Tamil Nadu government took a conscious decision to diversify its industrial base for two reasons. We wanted to bring about a more equitable development. Also, we wanted to ensure strong women participation in the workforce," Rajaa said. This strategy will also reduce pressure on large cities like Chennai and Coimbatore. But implementing this policy was not easy as demanding investors, spoiled for choice, preferred Chennai or threatened to move to another state. Winning VinFast A few years ago, VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle major, decided to invest ₹16,000 crore in a manufacturing facility in India. The company's officials visited six states and scoured 15 locations. 'I heard that they had almost finalised a location which was outside Tamil Nadu," recalled Rajaa. 'It was December 2023 and I decided to give one final shot." He packed his bags and landed in Vietnam. He almost regretted that decision. The VinFast team first sought Ford India's manufacturing facility which is not in operation today. When told that it would not be possible, as the US auto major had plans to restart operations, the company insisted on a suitable location in Chennai, an established automotive hub. But Rajaa pitched for Thoothukudi in southern Tamil Nadu. Initially, VinFast wasn't impressed. After three days of negotiations, the needle moved. The cost of land in Thoothukudi was far lower compared to Chennai; the region also had easy access to the Tuticorin port, less busier than the one in Chennai. The deal was struck. 'We wanted to serve not only the domestic market but also the external market. We wanted to be located very close to a seaport and an airport. Thoothukudi satisfied this requirement," Pham Sanh Chau, VinFast's Asia CEO, told the media later. The state government just didn't stop at selling the region. It ensured the availability of human resources. About 344 students from nine local polytechnic institutes were trained for 21 days on technical, aptitude and communication skills. They were next sent to VinFast for interviews. The company selected about 200 of them. Then came Jabil Similarly Jabil Inc, an American electronics manufacturer and a key supplier to Apple, wanted to invest ₹2,000 crore for a facility near Chennai. After all, 40% of all smartphones shipped from India come from Kanchipuram district, bordering Chennai. Foxconn and other smartphone manufacturers are located here. However, the state government proposed Tiruchirappalli in central Tamil Nadu. The company was convinced only after its executives visited the region. 'They were impressed by the Tiruchirapalli airport and the talent produced by higher education institutions in the area, such as NIT Trichy," said Arun Roy, industry secretary, government of Tamil Nadu. In September 2024, the company announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding to expand India operations in Tiruchirappalli. 'India is emerging as a key manufacturing hub. Our expansion in India will enable Jabil to meet and grow with the future needs of our customers and complement our existing facility in Pune, Maharashtra, in operation since 2003," Matt Crowley, executive vice president of global business units at Jabil, noted in a press statement. VinFast and Jabil didn't respond to Mint's request for comments till the time of going to press. District SWOT What is the rationale followed while nudging investors to places beyond Chennai? Such places are not shown blindly, said Roy. 'We map a region's strengths with the needs of the investor and offer a very compelling preposition," he explained. The government has completed an elaborate exercise to map each district's strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Kanyakumari district is not conducive for manufacturing. Land and labour availability is limited. The gross enrolment ratio for higher education is high. This district, officials said, is thus more suited for services-based investment. Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, on the other hand, are more suited for manufacturing. Labour is in abundance and so is land availability. Add to that the presence of the Tuticorin port. Export-import based sectors find this location ideal. Kallakurichi, Perambalur and Tiruvannamalai districts are primarily agriculture based with abundant supply of semi-skilled labour. It is ideally suited for sectors such as non-leather footwear which need not be close to airports/ports but need abundant semi-skilled people, especially women. Top non-leather footwear manufacturers in the world—such as Feng Tay, Shoe Town and Pau Chan—have invested in these areas or are in the process of doing so. Tata Electronics, meanwhile, chose to locate its facility in Krishnagiri as availability of semi-skilled labour was in plenty, both locally and in the neighbouring districts. Proximity to Bengaluru also helped. Ola Electric set up its bike unit there as nearby Hosur already had a strong automotive eco-system. A,B and C Tamil Nadu is classified into three categories—A, B and C—based on the extent of industrialization. 'C' category, which is the least industrialized, gets higher benefits, be it capital subsidy, concession for land costs or stamp duties. Incentives apart, investors often find less industrialized locations better for multiple reasons. Like we mentioned earlier, large parcels of land can be had at cheaper prices, keeping project costs under control. The cost of labour is lower, too, so are attrition levels. Other Indian states could emulate this distributed development model of Tamil Nadu, said M. Suresh Babu, director, Madras Institute of Development Studies. 'It will lead to a more balanced development and tackle the inequality India's economy is witnessing," he added. Tamil Nadu, he further said, has benefitted from historical factors and policies followed by successive governments. It is uniformly urbanized. Soft infrastructure is good across the state—be it educational institutions or healthcare facilities. So is hard infrastructure such as roads, airports, ports and availability of power. Any airport can be accessed in less than three hours and a sea port in six hours. Where's the pub? While the going is good, Tamil Nadu does face some challenges. Availability of land is one of them, particularly in hot destinations. The government says it is unable to push investments into western Tamil Nadu because of such issues. It is in the process of building a 50,000 acre land bank. A second area of concern is social infrastructure, particularly entertainment. There is a need for more 5-star hotels, malls and multiplexes, especially in smaller towns. For longer-term human resources development, such infrastructure is fast becoming a hygiene factor. Another issue is pubs. Think Bengaluru—pubs keep the city's young workforce hooked, post work hours. Most Tamil Nadu cities simply fade in comparison. 'While the Tamil Nadu government has no qualms in opening liquor shops in every nook and corner of the state, it sees cultural issues when it comes to licensing pubs and bars," said an entrepreneur who didn't want to be identified. 'This double standard puts us in a competitive disadvantage, especially in sectors that employ a lot of young people," he added. China play That said, the distributed development model appears to be working so far, as numbers cited above shows. But this is not the first time that Tamil Nadu has tried this. The first industrial estate was set up in Ranipet, in northern Tamil Nadu, way back in 1971. The 2007 Industrial Policy gave special incentives to investments made in southern Tamil Nadu. These measures did not bring about any rapid industrialization. What has worked now is a combination of factors—a more calibrated approach from the state as well as geo-political developments. 'China+1 is a great opportunity. Global brands want to de-risk their operations and find India and Tamil Nadu ideal to invest in," said industry minister Rajaa adding 'we will be doing a great injustice to future generations if we do not fully capitalize on this opportunity."
