Education Ministry Launches Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp to Promote Multilingual Learning
Nationwide initiative aligned with NEP 2020 aims to celebrate India’s linguistic diversity among school students
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, department of school education and literacy, ministry of education, visits an exhibition on multilingual education showcasing innovative practices in Indian language learning during the launch of the Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC) at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on Wednesday.
New Delhi: Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, department of school education and literacy, Ministry of Education, on Wednesday launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC) at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting multilingualism and celebrating India’s linguistic diversity among school students.
The programme is aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Viksit Bharat 2047, and seeks to encourage joyful, activity-based and experiential learning of Indian languages.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Kumar emphasised the transformative role of multilingualism in strengthening cognition, communication skills and foundational learning among children. He encouraged students to learn in their mother tongue while embracing multilingual learning to improve vocabulary and communication abilities.
He also highlighted the importance of language as a medium for communication and urged students to explore literature and appreciate the richness of Indian languages.
Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, said India’s linguistic diversity — comprising 1,369 languages and dialects — represents the country’s cultural richness and identity. He noted that multilingualism fosters national integration, emotional connection and mutual respect among people from different regions.
He encouraged students to utilise their summer vacations to learn Bharatiya Bhashas and deepen their connection with India’s cultural roots and traditions.
Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT, said India’s diversity is reflected in its many languages, which serve not only as tools of communication but also as mediums for expression, creativity and social connection. Referring to NEP 2020, he said the policy promotes multilingualism to encourage inclusive education, preserve linguistic diversity and strengthen national integration.
Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary (I&T), department of school education and literacy, delivered the vote of thanks and acknowledged the contributions of teachers, students, partner organisations and participating institutions.
Focus on Experiential Language Learning
The Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp will engage students from Classes 1 to 12 through activities such as:
- storytelling
- songs and games
- theatre and conversations
- folk traditions
- art and cultural exchange programmes
Students will be encouraged to learn basic conversational skills in an Indian language other than their mother tongue while gaining exposure to diverse cultural traditions across the country.
According to the ministry, more than 5 crore students participated in BBSC 2025 during the academic year 2025–26.
Indian Sign Language Included
A major highlight of BBSC 2026 is the inclusion of Indian Sign Language (ISL) as part of the programme to promote inclusive and equitable education.
Schools have been encouraged to utilise ISL learning resources available through the PM e-Vidya DTH TV ISL Channel No. 31 and collaborate with local organisations and special educators to facilitate meaningful exposure to sign language learning.
The event also featured an exhibition on multilingual education showcasing innovative practices in Indian language learning, along with a Nukkad Natak on multilingualism presented by Kendriya Vidyalaya students, highlighting the message of linguistic inclusivity and unity in diversity.
