Hindi learning is not mandatory under the National Education Policy (NEP), the RSS-affiliated education body Vidya Bharati clarified amid ongoing debates around language imposition. Speaking at the organisation’s annual press conference at the Constitution Club, Vidya Bharati’s national president Ravindra Kanhare stated that the policy promotes learning in one’s mother tongue and does not force Hindi upon any student or state.
Emphasis on Language Flexibility
Kanhare explained that the NEP encourages a multilingual approach, allowing students to study in their regional language, along with one national and one foreign language. “If a child is from Tamil Nadu, they can study in Tamil; if from Kerala, they can study in Malayalam. The NEP clearly respects regional diversity. Hindi learning is not mandatory,” he said.
He stressed that Vidya Bharati supports education in the mother tongue, a principle also advocated in the 1968 education policy and reiterated in the NEP. “No language is being imposed. The draft policy was sent to all states, and feedback was incorporated. The aim is inclusive and accessible education, not uniformity in language,” he added.
Rising Fees in Private Schools Raise Concerns
Kanhare also addressed the issue of rising private school fees, especially in metropolitan areas. His comments follow a recent Delhi High Court rebuke of Delhi Public School in Dwarka, where the institution was called a “money making machine” that treats students like “chattel.”
He acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction among parents and highlighted the role of state governments in monitoring school fees. “There are district and state-level committees responsible for fee approvals. If parents raise their voices collectively, fee hikes can be re-evaluated,” he said.
He also urged parents to assess the quality of education their children are receiving in return for the high fees. “It is important to ask whether the fee charged is reflected in the quality of teaching and facilities provided. If not, parents should pressure the system for reforms,” Kanhare added.
Curriculum Changes and Historical Accuracy
On being asked about NCERT’s decision to remove references to the Babri Masjid from Class 12 textbooks, Kanhare responded that curriculum decisions are the domain of NCERT. He defended the changes by citing the need for historical accuracy.
“We must stick to verified historical facts in educational content. Over the years, misleading information has crept into textbooks. If certain content has now been removed to correct that, there is nothing wrong,” he said.
The response comes in the wake of criticism regarding alleged attempts to rewrite history. Kanhare, however, maintained that textbook revisions should reflect factual correctness rather than political narratives.
Celebrating Vidya Bharati’s Academic Success
Highlighting the achievements of Vidya Bharati schools over the past year, Kanhare shared that over 93 percent of their Class 12 students passed their board exams. More than 2,500 students scored above 90 percent, and 27 students cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination this year.
“These numbers speak to the academic strength and values-based education offered at our institutions. We aim to build future-ready citizens with strong roots in Indian culture,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Vidya Bharati’s statements come at a time when public discourse around the NEP, language choice, curriculum design, and school fees is more intense than ever. The clarification on Hindi learning not being compulsory may offer relief to many non-Hindi-speaking states concerned about linguistic imposition.
As discussions on educational reform continue, stakeholders across the country—including educators, parents, and policymakers—are expected to engage more deeply with the evolving structure of school education, ensuring it remains inclusive, affordable, and rooted in both academic and cultural excellence.
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