Kamal Ghorui
Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, on May 13, 2026, launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC) at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
NEW DELHI: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, has launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC) here to promote exposure to Indian languages among school students. The programme was introduced at Dr Ambedkar International Centre and is part of ongoing school education initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.The initiative was launched by Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, who highlighted the role of multilingual education in strengthening foundational learning. Officials said the programme is intended to encourage structured language exposure through school-based and activity-driven learning.Focus on school-based language exposureThe BBSC is designed for students from Classes 1 to 12 and will be implemented through schools. Activities under the programme include storytelling, songs, theatre, games, folk traditions, conversations, art and cultural exchange sessions. Students are also introduced to basic conversational skills in an Indian language other than their mother tongue.The initiative highlights India’s linguistic diversity, with references to 1,369 languages and dialects across the country. Officials stated that the programme aims to provide structured exposure to this diversity through experiential learning formats within schools.NEP 2020 framework and multilingual approachSanjay Kumar said NEP 2020 places emphasis on multilingual education as part of improving communication skills and cognitive development in students. He noted that learning in the mother tongue, along with exposure to additional languages, supports better understanding and expression.Director, NCERT, said languages function as a medium for communication and idea exchange and added that mother tongue-based learning helps strengthen comprehension and creativity. He referred to NEP 2020’s focus on inclusive education and preservation of linguistic diversity.Programme features and implementationThe 2026 edition of BBSC includes Indian Sign Language (ISL) as part of its activities. Learning resources are made available through the PM e-Vidya DTH TV ISL Channel No 31, along with support from special educators and local organisations.An exhibition on multilingual education was also held, showcasing classroom practices and learning models related to language learning. Students from Kendriya Vidyalaya performed a street play highlighting multilingualism during the event.Officials said participation in the programme will be coordinated through schools under the guidance of education authorities. A vote of thanks was delivered by the Joint Secretary (I&T), DoSEL.
