Latest news with #Kasturirangan
Mint
11-06-2025
- General
- Mint
Anurag Behar: CBSE's first-language approach to teaching is spot on
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a directive on 22 May. A few newspaper editorials and opinion pieces criticized this directive, but these were profoundly misleading. Since the criticism was levelled at the CBSE directive to introduce teaching in the mother tongue of students in primary classes, let's first examine what the notice actually says. It states that the first language of literacy—denoted as R1 or the language in which the child first learns to read and write—should be the child's mother tongue. If that is impractical due to the presence of children with different mother tongues in the same classroom, the children's next most familiar language—often the most widely used local language—should be used. In short, children should learn to read and write first in a language they already know. Also Read: Implement educational reforms in honour of Dr Kasturirangan (1940-2025) The CBSE circular further clarifies that R1 should naturally serve as the medium of instruction for other subjects, including literacy in a second language (R2). It adds that once a child gains literacy in both R1 and R2, either language could be used for teaching other subjects. Even those misguidedly criticizing the directive acknowledge what global research, experience and common sense affirm: Children learn to read and write far more effectively in a language they already know. This way, teachers leverage their existing linguistic and social knowledge, making it easy for students to connect known words with written symbols. Conversely, teaching literacy in an unfamiliar language compounds the difficulty, as children must simultaneously learn a new language and develop the capacity of reading and writing. The directive's critics conceded this fundamental principle, but their analysis still went wrong. Why? The error lies in making assertions such as the following: application of the same logic uniformly across our multilingual education system creates complexities; this makes it hard to choose the language of teaching in classrooms in cities and towns where students from different linguistic backgrounds are present. Also Read: India's consensus on school education makes space for optimism Such arguments suggest that criticism was aimed at the directive without full comprehension of it—or that it was driven by outrage at the idea of English being displaced. The CBSE directive addresses the complexities of multilingual environments rather than introducing them. Its logic leads to locally appropriate language choices for R1, which resolves—but does not create—multilingual challenges. On the other hand, the logic implicit in the arguments of critics is perverse: it advocates the uniform imposition of English in multilingual settings, which is a deeply flawed and dysfunctional approach because English is the most unfamiliar language for the vast majority of children in any of India's multilingual settings. In looking at this issue, one must not conjure up the image of one's own children or grandchildren—who likely represent 2% of the country. For 98%, English is alien, particularly in early childhood. A simple example illustrates this. Consider a Class 1 classroom in Mangalore, where the mother tongues of students may include Kannada, Malayalam, Urdu, Tulu and Konkani. Since these children live in Mangalore, most would have reasonable familiarity with Kannada, regardless of their mother tongue. It's highly unlikely any would know English. Thus, Kannada would be the most effective R1: for some, it would be their mother tongue; for others, a familiar language. English, by contrast, would be unfamiliar to all. Also Read: Three-language formula: Chhattisgarh offers an education case study This scenario repeats across India. Even in large metropolitan cities with migrants from other states, children are far more likely to know the local language than English. The CBSE directive, therefore, is the most educationally sound approach to literacy in the context of our multilingual is aimed at addressing one of our deepest systemic issues: how to enable the achievement of literacy, the foundation of all learning and subsequent education. The use of a familiar language alone is insufficient to tackle this task but is central and necessary. We need not reiterate the scale of India's literacy crisis or the urgency of addressing it—for improving education and making it more equitable and inclusive. The vice-like grip English holds on our elite imagination manifests in editorials and opinion pieces that seem reflexive, with inadequate thought devoted to them on technical matters of education. There is a good reason that we do not see such misguided takes on, say, hospital cardiac care protocols. It's too technical for shallow lay analysis. Yet, in education, even the most technical issues are dissected loosely. Also Read: Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy to improve educational outcomes No doubt, English remains socially and economically aspirational. So, many want every Indian child to learn the language. But critics fail to recognize that the CBSE's approach will be far more effective for both literacy and teaching English. Gaining literacy in a familiar language is more efficient; English can then be learnt afterwards. This is vastly different from forcing literacy in an unfamiliar English. The approach advocated by the directive's critics would not only make literacy goals difficult to achieve, but make learning English even more so. Visit so-called English-medium schools and you'll see children struggling with reading, writing and English itself. We should laud the CBSE for its educationally correct and brave approach, not condemn it. The author is CEO of Azim Premji Foundation.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Chandrayaan's success owes much to Kasturirangan's 'opinion swell', says ex-ISRO chief
The success that Chandrayaan enjoys today is possible only because of the " opinion swell " created in its favour by K Kasturirangan, former chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said A S Kiran Kumar , who headed ISRO between 2015 and 2018. A former colleague of Kasturirangan, Kumar, who said he had known him for more than 50 years, pointed out that it was not easy to convince the government about space missions in those days. "It required a lot of, one can say, 'opinion swell' among the scientific and technical organisations. And he deftly created scenarios and situations where people came together and talked about it," added Kumar on Wednesday, recalling his days with Kasturirangan. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Mute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniorinnen aus Wien lieben diesen Sommerschuh Sandalentrend Undo Kumar also recalled how Kasturirangan could think long-term. While India was moving ahead in technological aspects, scientists were often working in isolation, he said. "Kasturirangan possessed the knack to bring them together and make them work towards a common goal. This is no trivial task. We are now seeing the fruits of his tremendous capabilities. He was not only able to seed an idea but also make it work and bring it to fruition," said Kumar. Live Events A remembrance event honouring Kasturirangan was held at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), jointly organised by the RRI Trust and the Indian Academy of Sciences. More than 20 eminent speakers from Indian academia, science, education, and policymaking, including Kumar, paid tribute and shared their memories during the event. Among the speakers were Tarun Souradeep, Director of RRI, and Raghavan Varadarajan, President of the Indian Academy of Sciences. Ganesh Pillai, the newly appointed Scientific Secretary of ISRO, gave an overview of Kasturirangan's achievements that extend beyond his days at ISRO. He called Kasturirangan "a man with the Midas touch-whatever he touched flourished." Prof P Balaram, former Director of the Indian Institute of Science, and Prof V S Ramamurthy, former Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, also spoke about their long association with the scientist. The heartfelt reflections were moderated by Jyotsna Dhawan, Chair of the RRI Trust, who also shared her personal memories of him. Brinda Nagarajan, personal secretary to Kasturirangan, spoke on behalf of his family. RRI is a premier research institution pursuing cutting-edge fundamental research in select frontier areas of physics under contemporary research themes. It was founded by Indian science Nobel Laureate Sir C V Raman in 1948.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Environmentalists urge State govt. to reconsider Mahadayi basin projects
Members of Paryavarni Foundation, an advocacy group for environment protection, have urged the State government to reconsider the various projects planned in the Western Ghats portion of Belagavi district and surrounding areas, saying that they can lead to desertification of North Karnataka. They submitted copies of a memoranda to Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and district in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi at Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary recently. They also handed over copies of research papers by IISc and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research and field study reports to the Ministers for reference. The letter said that going ahead with the Kalasa and Banduri Nala projects will lead to deforestation and negatively impact rainfall in the Khanapur region, that can result in desertification of North Karnataka. Khanapur, which is part of the Western Ghats, is known as the Cherapunji of the South due to the heavy rain it receives. The evergreen forests of the region are responsible for the rain in the catchment area of the Malaprabha. Protection of Bhimgad forests is essential to ensuring water security of Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Nargund, Navalgund, Ramdurg, Gadag and surrounding areas. The Mahadayi river which originates in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is the lifeline of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and its associated reserve and protected forest and eco-sensitive zones of 1,000 sq km. Diverting the Mahadayi by the Banduri Nala project will stop the entire flow of the Nala into the sanctuary which will spell the death knell of the sanctuary. This diversion will have an irreversible and devastating effect on rain in Khanapur, water in Naviluteertha and push North Karnataka towards rapid desertification. 'We want to bring to your notice that Banduri, Kalasa and Haltara dams for diverting Mahadayi are located in eco-sensitive region category I, as per a report of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. And, they have been previously recognized as the most eco-sensitive regions by the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports,' they said. 'We request you as a well-learned engineer, techno-savvy and genuinely concerned about the protection of our forest to immediately intervene and stop the diversion of the Mahadayi in the long-term interest of saving North Karnataka from desertification and devastation,' they said. Activist Sujit Mulgund also complained that the State government is trying to divert water from the Hidkal dam to Dharwad industrial area and water from the streams of Khanapur to the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad through the Banduri Nala project. These can dry up Belagavi district, he said. Members Captain Nitin Dhond, Nyla Coelho, Amrut Charantimath, Geeta Sahu, Neeta Potdar, Rajiv Topannanavar and others were present along with some farmers whose land are likely to be affected by the Mahadayi basin projects. Foundation's work The foundation was started by General S.C. Sardeshpande, a war hero and environmental conservationist. The foundation has been involved in fieldwork, data collection and research for over 15 years. It has convinced the Union and State governments to declare Bhimgad as a wildlife sanctuary. 'The objective of forming the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary was to create environmental security and water security for North Karnataka region, Khanapur and Belagavi areas. It also provides water security for Hubballi-Dharwad region because Bhimgad forest is responsible for causing rain in Khanapur and surrounding areas that are the catchment areas for the Mahadayi and the Malaprabha. Over 80% of water that collects in Naviluteertha is because of this rain. Damage to Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary will reduce rainfall in Khanapur which will ultimately result in reduction in water at Naviluteertha Dam,' they said. They have begun a movement, Save Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Save River Malaprabha, Save North Karnataka. The State government selected the foundation for the Parisara Mitra Award in 2011 for advocacy in getting declared Bhimgad as a wildlife sanctuary.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh schools directed to teach students about former ISRO chief Dr K Kasturirangan
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all the Basic Education schools to tell students about the achievements of former ISRO chief Dr K Kasturirangan, who died on April 25 at 84. The state on Monday directed all Basic Council schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas to share information about Kasturirangan's life, his scientific achievements, and contributions to educational reforms during morning assemblies, an official statement said. The schools were asked to display his portraits in schools and encourage students to adopt his life values, it said. Kasturirangan set India on the path to becoming a global force in space science and also played a transformative role in reshaping the education sector. The initiative is a part of the government's mission to raise the quality of education at every level and to ignite in students a curiosity for science, mathematics, and innovation, the directive said. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said, "With the demise of the great scientist and chief architect of National Education Policy 2020 , Dr K Kasturirangan, the nation has lost a unique education thinker and nation builder. His life is a source of inspiration for all of us." "We aim to transform every school in Uttar Pradesh into a laboratory of scientists, where every child dreams of becoming the next Kasturirangan," he added. Kasturirangan, who died in Bengaluru, was the Chairperson of the drafting committee on the New National Education Policy (NEP), and had also served as the Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission . For real-time updates, follow our AP SSC 10th Result 2025 Live Blog.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Students to be told about Kasturirangan's contributions during morning assembly
Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all state-run schools to apprise students about the contributions of ex-Isro chief late Dr K Kasturirangan 's life, his scientific achievements, and contributions to educational reforms during morning assemblies. Kasturirangan, an eminent scientist-administrator, passed away on April 25 at the age of 84. His portrait will be displayed in schools, and students encouraged to adopt his life values. This initiative is part of the Yogi govt's mission to raise the quality of education at every level and to ignite curiosity for science, mathematics, and innovation among students, said officials. Chief architect of NEP 2020, Kasturirangan established India as a global force in space science and played a transformative role in reshaping the education sector. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads View Deals Undo "Every moment of his life stands as a lesson for children — of dreaming big and achieving greatness through dedication and hard work," said a govt spokesperson. According to officials, children are to be inspired by the spirit of 'think, explore and achieve'. "Kasturirangan's life shows that individuals from humble beginnings can achieve greatness. Inspired by this, the UP govt is encouraging school students to dream big and pursue their goals," the official said. Experts believe that with the right guidance and resources, students can become future scientists, educators and policymakers. "The most meaningful tribute to Kasturirangan is to help build the knowledge-driven India he envisioned," said the official. Basic education minister Sandeep Singh said: "The Yogi govt is committed to apprising students of the Isro chief's ideals and nurturing scientific thinking, innovation and national service in them. Our true tribute will be to dedicate ourselves to building the India of his dreams. We aim to transform all schools into a laboratory of scientists, where every child dreams of becoming the next Kasturirangan."
