By Tajdar H Zaidi
In a landmark move aimed at strengthening cultural integration and expanding learning opportunities for students, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that government schools in the state will now offer six major Indian regional languages — Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi and Bengali — as part of the vocational education curriculum.
Speaking at the inauguration of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 in Varanasi, Adityanath said the decision was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, which promotes national unity through linguistic and cultural inclusiveness.
He added that students would be free to choose any of these languages based on their interests and that the government would bear the cost of learning, ensuring accessibility for all sections of society.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the introduction of these languages would help bridge regional distances and deepen emotional and educational ties between the northern and southern parts of the country.
He stated that the initiative not only supports cultural exchange but also strengthens India’s identity by connecting young citizens through heritage, tradition and shared values.
Impact on Hindi-Speaking Regions
This significant step is expected to open new horizons for students in Uttar Pradesh, a predominantly Hindi-speaking region.
With increasing opportunities in higher education, technology, tourism, interstate trade and government services, proficiency in southern and eastern Indian languages will enhance employability and widen career pathways—especially in IT, healthcare, hospitality and public administration.
Experts believe that exposure to multiple languages at an early stage will improve cognitive skills, cultural sensitivity and national integration.
It can help reduce linguistic barriers often felt by students from North India when relocating to southern states for education or work.
The initiative may also increase inter-state migration for opportunities, boost tourism-linked industries and encourage deeper academic collaboration between universities.
Promoting Cultural and Spiritual Unity
Highlighting cultural and spiritual ties between Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Adityanath noted that thousands of UP residents visit pilgrimage destinations such as Rameshwaram, Madurai and Kanyakumari every year.
To support this connection, he announced that the tourism department will introduce special discounted travel packages to South Indian heritage sites.
He also referred to the ancient bond between Kashi and Tamil traditions—rooted in the worship of Lord Shiva and strengthened by Adi Shankaracharya’s establishment of major religious centres across India.
Visitors to Uttar Pradesh, he said, would experience the devotion of Kashi, the divinity of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir and the sacredness of Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam.
The Chief Minister said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam has now become a symbol of cultural renaissance and mutual respect among diverse Indian communities.
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