Education transcends the acquisition of knowledge, becoming a journey that fosters cultural understanding, inclusivity, and personal growth. Multilingual education, with its emphasis on linguistic diversity, exemplifies this ideal. My perspective on this matter is deeply rooted in my academic and professional experiences, including my time as an intern at the education vertical of NITI Aayog. During my internship, I came across documents that underscored the significance of multilinguality in fostering inclusive and culturally responsive education. It is this profound understanding that informs my vision of an ideal school—a space where multilingual education thrives as the foundation of holistic learning.

India, a land of unparalleled linguistic diversity, stands as a testament to the importance of multilingual education. The 2011 Census records over 19,000 spoken mother tongues, with 22 officially recognized languages. This richness presents an opportunity to create an inclusive education system that respects and celebrates linguistic diversity. However, the current framework often marginalised minority languages, overshadowing their cultural and intellectual significance.

An ideal school must embrace multilinguality not as a challenge but as a resource. This perspective aligns with Professor R. K. Agnihotri’s concept of “multilinguality,” which rejects rigid language boundaries and instead views linguistic abilities as fluid and interconnected. In such a setting, students would naturally switch or mix languages to communicate effectively, fostering cognitive and social growth.

In practice, multilingual education involves teaching in two or more languages across various subjects. For instance, a science class in an ideal school might explain core concepts in the regional language while introducing relevant terminology in English. Similarly, history lessons could include discussions in students’ mother tongues, allowing them to connect deeply with cultural narratives before transitioning to national or global contexts. This approach goes beyond language instruction, incorporating regional languages into mainstream subjects to reflect the socio-cultural context of learners. Research highlights that children learn........

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