UGC Launches Initiative to Create 22,000 Books in Indian Languages

The Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have initiated a project to create 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years. This initiative, named ASMITA (Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing), was introduced by Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education. The project is a joint effort between the UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee under the ministry, aimed at promoting Indian languages in education.

Focus on Indian Languages

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted on X that the launch of ASMITA, Bahubhasha Shabdkosh, and Real-time Translation Architecture will boost learning in Bharatiya Bhashas. These initiatives aim to empower learners academically while preserving India's linguistic heritage. "These initiatives in line with the NEP will help create a comprehensive pool of academic resources in 22 scheduled languages, bridge linguistic divide, foster social cohesion and unity and also transform our youth into socially-responsible global citizens," he added.

According to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar, the goal is to establish a strong ecosystem for translation and original book writing in Indian languages across various higher education disciplines. The target is to produce 1,000 books in each of the 22 languages within five years, resulting in a total of 22,000 books. Kumar stated that thirteen nodal universities have been selected to spearhead this project, along with member universities from different regions.

Standard Operating Procedure

The UGC has developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the book-writing process in each designated language. This SOP includes steps such as identifying nodal officers and authors, allocating titles and subjects, writing and editing manuscripts, conducting reviews and plagiarism checks, finalising content, designing layouts, proofreading, and e-publication. Kumar elaborated on these steps to ensure a streamlined process for producing quality academic materials.

Additionally, the ministry launched Bahubhasha Shabdakosh, which serves as a single-point reference for words in all Indian languages along with their meanings. This initiative is being developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti. The Shabdakosh aims to facilitate the use of Bharatiya words, phrases, and sentences across various modern domains such as IT, industry, research, and education.

Empowering Learners

The ASMITA project is expected to significantly contribute to bridging the linguistic divide and fostering social cohesion. By creating academic resources in multiple languages, it aims to make education more inclusive and accessible. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) goals of promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity within the educational framework.

In conclusion, these initiatives mark a significant step towards enhancing educational resources in Indian languages. They aim to empower students academically while preserving India's rich linguistic traditions. The collaborative efforts of various universities and institutions are expected to create a robust ecosystem for academic writing and translation in Indian languages.