IGNOU MBA Study Material in Odia launched promoting Education in Regional Language under NEP 2020

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched IGNOU MBA Materials in Odia. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in translating the IGNOU MBA study materials into regional languages, including Odia and Hindi.

IGNOU MBA Study Material in Odia: In a groundbreaking move to make higher education more accessible and inclusive, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched its MBA study materials in Odia. The launch took place on Tuesday, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan officiating the event in Bhubaneswar. The initiative is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of imparting education in regional languages and mother tongues.

Importance of Education in Mother Tongue

During the launch ceremony, Minister Pradhan expressed his appreciation for the efforts of IGNOU in expanding access to quality higher education across the country, particularly in remote areas. He stressed that providing education in one’s mother tongue not only facilitates better understanding but also promotes innovative thinking. "Learning in one's native language fosters deeper comprehension and helps students engage more effectively with complex concepts," he remarked.

Pradhan also clarified that promoting education in regional languages does not diminish the importance of English or other languages. Rather, it enriches the educational experience and ensures that language diversity is celebrated within the educational system.

Significant Step for Regional Education in Odisha

The launch marks a milestone in Odisha’s education landscape, with Odia now added as a medium of instruction for the MBA program. The Minister pointed out that education in mother tongue is a key aspect of the state’s implementation of the NEP 2020, which advocates for a more inclusive and flexible education system. He praised the joint effort between IGNOU and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in translating the study materials into regional languages, including Odia and Hindi.

IGNOU and AICTE’s Collaboration to Promote Regional Languages

The collaboration between IGNOU and AICTE was formalized in March 2024 with an agreement to translate the university's MBA study materials into 12 Indian native languages, ensuring that learners across India, particularly in rural and underserved regions, are not left behind. This initiative aligns with the vision of NEP 2020, which advocates for the promotion of Indian languages and the democratization of higher education.

Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, along with T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, and Mrutyunjay Behera, Economic Advisor and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, were present at the ceremony. The initiative is expected to benefit students, especially those in Odisha, by providing educational opportunities in their mother tongue, which will enable a more inclusive learning experience.

Future of Education in Regional Languages

Pradhan also expressed hopes that in the coming years, IGNOU will continue to expand its offerings in regional languages. The move aims to cater to the linguistic diversity of India and bridge educational gaps in underserved areas, especially for youth and working professionals who may not have access to resources in English.

This development follows IGNOU’s ongoing efforts to make higher education more accessible to a diverse population, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. The MBA study materials in Odia are expected to serve as a model for other educational institutions across the country to embrace regional language education in their academic offerings.

Step Towards Inclusive Higher Education

The launch of the MBA study materials in Odia reflects a significant step toward ensuring that higher education is not only accessible but also inclusive. By embracing regional languages, India is taking a major leap toward equitable education for all.

As more programs are likely to be offered in regional languages in the future, the NEP 2020 vision of an inclusive and multilingual education system is gradually taking shape. With initiatives like these, IGNOU is solidifying its role as a catalyst for transforming higher education in India.

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