More than a subject

The Punjab government’s decision to make Punjabi a mandatory subject in all schools — public and private — goes beyond academia; it is a reaffirmation of linguistic and cultural identity. The move follows outrage over a CBSE draft that omitted Punjabi from its list of regional languages for Class X exams. Though the CBSE later clarified that its norms were only indicative, the controversy reignited concerns over the diminishing role of regional languages in national education policies. This issue is not confined to Punjab. Across India, debates over language policies have intensified, particularly around the three-language formula. States in southern India have resisted attempts to impose Hindi, while many in the northeast continue to demand greater recognition for their indigenous languages. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes multilingualism, but its implementation remains inconsistent, often favouring dominant languages over regional tongues. Punjab’s response, therefore, is not just about one language but part of a larger pushback against perceived linguistic homogenisation.

The decision to penalise non-compliant schools and nullify certificates without Punjabi as a main subject underscores Punjab’s determination to safeguard its language. However, this raises a fundamental question: should linguistic identity be preserved through mandatory policies, or should it be nurtured through organic cultural promotion? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. While compulsion ensures Punjabi’s presence in education, true preservation depends on fostering pride in the language beyond academic mandates.

In a country as linguistically diverse as India, balancing national cohesion with regional linguistic rights is a complex challenge. Punjab’s move reflects a broader demand — one that seeks not just recognition but also respect for India’s linguistic plurality. The real challenge, however, is ensuring that this respect translates into policies that empower all languages, not just a select few.