Teachers’ Training Programme

By: DISTRICT INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, Ahmedabad Rural

At. Vithalapur CRC/Paycenter B.R.C. Mandal
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Presented by: Mehul R Chauhan Asst.Teacher_Karshanpura Primary School

Ta.Mandal Dt.A’bad Dt. 07/06/2014 Saturday

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Education: Through Gujarati Medium or English Medium?

            The talk of the day, Education: should be given through mother language or English language? Many Educationalists have pondered over this fact and there are only two Poles as the answers to this question. First, Education should be given into English medium in order to compete with today’s world. Second, no doubt English should be taught as a subject but the medium of instruction must be Gujarati.

            There is an idiom in Gujarati that “I like Gujarati because my mother speaks it” [“Mane MatruBhasha Game Chhe Karnke Mari Mata Te Bole Chhe”] Another proverb says that, “A child should be taught in the medium in which he dreams”

            But we have to think seriously over it. Many issues have thrown in order to meet the present world’s needs. And today for a man, in order to achieve his goal and his job to earn livelihood, must have basic knowledge of English language. English knowing men are highly admirable, required and industrial-need to adjust with the work. We can compare two different persons having knowledge of English and not having knowledge of the same. The person who knows English will be easily workable with computers and other technologies, where as the insufficient knowledge of English leads a man to the difficulties with whatever document and instrument come with English. All over the world English is acceptable as the language of communication. English is a linguafranca of the world. Even at the domestic levels the entrance of foreign companies and exchange of trade English becomes highly popular and favourable language.

            Now, let’s ponder over Gujarati language. It is very important for every Gujarati to be able to know, to speak, to write and communicate in Gujarati language. There are some instances that an English medium studied Gujarati student don’t know Gujarati or unable to read and communicate in Gujarati. He only knows is Hindi and English! Now we have to decide whether to admit a child into Gujarati medium or English medium? The history of Gujarati deals with Gujarati Bhasha. The political leaders of Gujarat recommended “Swadeshi Clothes” and to depend on ourselves. Then how can we so miserable that we can’t understand even our Matrubhasha (Mother Tongue) Gujarati? No doubt English is inevitable in 21^st century but it is not that much cost that separates us from our roots. Gujarat and Gujarati Bhasha are our root and mother. How can we so unlawful to our soul? And there are many examples and inspirational leaders and personalities who have proved that English medium is not necessary to stand forth as the leading power. Mahatma Gandhi learned in Gujarati medium school became the barrister and national leader and Father of Nation, Sardar Vallabhbhai patel, Narendra D Modi is the new Prime Minister of India, is the latest instance for these real facts. There are many other personalities who have their mother tongue other than English, yet lead the life with success and have glorified various honourable posts and positions. So we must understand now that, “English is important but not English medium”

Questions:

·         In which medium you studied?                                  Gujarati______English______

·         Do you respect your mother tongue?                          Yes______No______

·         Which medium you prefer the most suitable for your child?

(If Girl) Gujarati______ or English______ (If Boy) Gujarati______ or English______

·         To which standard you educate your child in Gujarati Medium Schools?

(If Girl) ______ to ______ (If Boy) ______ to ______

·         What is the reason to choose English medium schools?

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·         What do you want to be your child?

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·         Do you like this article?

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·         Any suggestion for improve this article?

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·         Signature of Teacher