Uttar Pradesh introduces Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, and Bengali in school vocational curricula, announced by CM Yogi Adityanath at Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0. Free for students, it promotes “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” cultural ties.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s bold move integrates six regional languages- Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, and Bengali – all south Indian languages into vocational education programmes across state schools.
Unveiled by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 2 December 2025 during the inauguration of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 in Varanasi, the policy allows students to select any language based on interest, with the state fully funding instruction costs.
This ensures accessibility for all, regardless of economic barriers, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” to weave cultural threads across India’s diverse fabric.
Adityanath highlighted the programme’s role in fostering empathy, stating it connects youth with the South’s rich heritage alongside Maharashtra and Bengal’s traditions. Vocational Education and Skill Development officials echoed this, noting integration with skill modules for practical use in tourism, trade, and exchanges.
As of 8 December 2025, implementation plans roll out swiftly, with teacher training underway to support rollout by the next academic session.
Voices from the Ground
Educators and community leaders welcome the shift. A Vocational Department spokesperson described it as “a bridge dissolving North-South divides, equipping students for a multilingual workforce.”
South Indian diaspora groups in UP praised the accessibility, with one Tamil association representative calling it “a heartfelt nod to our roots, inspiring children here to embrace pan-Indian identity.” Parents in Varanasi expressed enthusiasm, seeing opportunities for their children in hospitality and cultural sectors.
No opposition voices have emerged prominently, though some linguists urge monitoring to avoid overburdening curricula. Recent social media buzz, including Instagram reels from official handles, amplifies the positive reception, with thousands engaging on unity themes.
Historical Push for Multilingualism
Uttar Pradesh’s education landscape has long centred on Hindi and English, rooted in post-Independence policies prioritising national cohesion. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 catalysed change, advocating three-language formulas and mother-tongue instruction to honour India’s 22 scheduled languages.
Events like earlier Kashi Tamil Sangamams-cultural festivals blending Varanasi’s Sanskrit legacy with Dravidian traditions-laid groundwork, drawing lakhs since 2022.
This builds on central schemes promoting inter-state pairings under “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” pairing UP with Tamil Nadu among others. Past debates over Hindi imposition in non-Hindi states make this voluntary, opt-in model refreshing, countering narratives of linguistic hegemony.
Experts link it to economic gains: multilingual graduates could boost UP’s tourism, projected to contribute 10% to GDP by 2030 via cultural sites like Kashi.
Broader Implications for National Unity
Beyond classrooms, the policy eyes long-term harmony. By exposing Northern students to Dravidian scripts and literature, it dismantles stereotypes, nurturing dialogue in a polarised era.
Officials project enhanced employability, with language skills aiding IT, media, and diplomacy sectors where South Indian hubs like Bengaluru and Chennai lead.
Tourism stands to gain: UP’s spiritual corridors paired with Southern linguistic fluency could streamline pilgrim services, given millions of South Indian visitors to Kashi and Ayodhya annually.
Cultural exchanges, including student swaps and festivals, are planned to sustain momentum. This mirrors global trends, like Europe’s Erasmus programmes, proving language as unity’s cornerstone.
Challenges and Pathways Ahead
Implementation hurdles loom, including teacher shortages for niche languages. The government pledges recruitment drives and online modules, drawing from NEP’s digital thrust.
Rural schools may lag urban ones, prompting equity-focused monitoring. Success hinges on student uptake-pilots in Varanasi report 20% interest already.
Stakeholders suggest incentives like credits towards higher education to boost participation. Amid India’s linguistic federalism, UP’s model could inspire states like Bihar or Rajasthan.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This curriculum expansion radiates kindness and empathy, transforming potential divides into shared heritage through education’s gentle power.
The Logical Indian champions such steps fostering coexistence, dialogue, and positive change in our vibrant democracy. By prioritising harmony over uniformity, UP sets a beacon for inclusive growth.
