Tamil Sangamam Highlights Language Promotion Amidst Three-Language Formula Debate
The fourth edition of the Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi focuses on promoting Tamil learning, set against the backdrop of ongoing debates surrounding the three-language formula.
Photo by Vizag Explore
The fourth edition of the Tamil Sangamam, an event dedicated to promoting Tamil language and culture, is currently underway in Varanasi. This year, the focus is specifically on 'learning Tamil,' which is quite significant given the ongoing national discussion and occasional controversies surrounding the three-language formula.
What does this mean? The event, which includes cultural programs, debates, and discussions, aims to foster linguistic and cultural exchange. It brings together participants from various universities and institutions, highlighting efforts to integrate and celebrate India's diverse linguistic heritage, while also subtly addressing the sensitivities around language policy in education.
Key Facts
Fourth edition of Tamil Sangamam.
Event is taking place in Varanasi.
Focus is on 'learning Tamil'.
Context: three-language formula debate.
Participants include students and teachers from Tamil Nadu.
Previous editions included Kashi Tamil Sangamam.
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to official languages (Articles 343-351)
Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and its evolution
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's stance on language education
The Three-Language Formula: its origin, objectives, and implementation challenges
Federalism and linguistic autonomy of states
Cultural and educational rights (Articles 29, 30)
Visual Insights
Tamil Sangamam: Bridging Linguistic & Cultural Divides
This map visualizes the geographic connection fostered by events like the Tamil Sangamam, linking the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu with Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It highlights efforts to promote linguistic exchange and national integration amidst ongoing debates on language policy.
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More Information
Background
India is a linguistically diverse nation, with 22 official languages recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The issue of language policy, particularly the promotion of Hindi as an official language and the implementation of the three-language formula, has been a recurring theme in national discourse since independence.
Historical events like the anti-Hindi agitations in the South underscore the sensitivities involved. The Kothari Commission (1964-66) recommended the three-language formula to promote national integration and multilingualism.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Tamil Sangamam' event and language policy in India: 1. The recent Tamil Sangamam event, focused on 'learning Tamil', was held in Varanasi. 2. The three-language formula, recommended by the Kothari Commission, generally proposes the study of Hindi, English, and a regional language in non-Hindi speaking states. 3. Article 351 of the Constitution of India encourages the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct as per the news summary. The Tamil Sangamam is indeed focused on 'learning Tamil' and is underway in Varanasi. Statement 2 is correct. The Kothari Commission (1964-66) recommended the three-language formula, which generally implies the study of Hindi, English, and a regional language in non-Hindi speaking states (and Hindi, English, and another modern Indian language, preferably from South India, in Hindi-speaking states). Statement 3 is correct. Article 351 states, 'It shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India and to secure its enrichment by assimilating without interfering with its genius, the forms, style and expressions used in Hindustani and in the other languages of India specified in the Eighth Schedule, and by drawing, wherever necessary or desirable, for its vocabulary, primarily on Sanskrit and secondarily on other languages.'
2. With reference to the linguistic provisions in the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements: 1. The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution originally recognized 14 languages, and currently lists 22 languages. 2. Article 348 mandates that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in English, unless Parliament by law otherwise provides. 3. The President of India can constitute a Commission to make recommendations regarding the progressive use of the Hindi language for official purposes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. The Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages. Subsequently, Sindhi was added in 1967, Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali in 1992, and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali in 2004, bringing the total to 22. Statement 2 is correct. Article 348(1) explicitly states that 'Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Part, until Parliament by law otherwise provides—(a) all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in English language.' Statement 3 is correct. Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission by the President at the expiration of five years from the commencement of the Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of ten years from such commencement, to make recommendations regarding the progressive use of the Hindi language for official purposes of the Union.
3. Which of the following statements about the Three-Language Formula in India is NOT correct?
- A.It was formally adopted in the National Policy on Education, 1968.
- B.It aims to promote national integration by encouraging linguistic harmony.
- C.The National Education Policy 2020 has completely discarded the three-language formula, replacing it with a two-language policy.
- D.It has faced implementation challenges, particularly in non-Hindi speaking states regarding the compulsory study of Hindi.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct. The Three-Language Formula was formally adopted in the National Policy on Education (NPE) of 1968, based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission. Statement B is correct. A primary objective of the formula was to promote national integration by ensuring citizens learn languages from different regions, fostering understanding and communication. Statement C is NOT correct. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 *reaffirms* the three-language formula, emphasizing flexibility in its implementation and promoting multilingualism. It does not discard it or replace it with a two-language policy; rather, it encourages learning more Indian languages and offers greater choice. Statement D is correct. The formula has indeed faced significant implementation challenges, especially in non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu, where there has been strong resistance to the compulsory study of Hindi, often perceived as an imposition.