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By:

Shreesh Deopujari

31 January 2026 at 12:57:54 pm

Why the Three-Language Formula Deserves Support

The real issue is not opposition to foreign languages but the need for balance. The ongoing debate over the implementation of the Three-Language Formula (R–3) in Class IX by the Central Board of Secondary Education is not merely an educational matter. It is closely linked to India’s cultural continuity, cognitive development, constitutional spirit and educational inclusiveness. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against this policy raises concerns. It reflects how a limited yet...

Why the Three-Language Formula Deserves Support

The real issue is not opposition to foreign languages but the need for balance. The ongoing debate over the implementation of the Three-Language Formula (R–3) in Class IX by the Central Board of Secondary Education is not merely an educational matter. It is closely linked to India’s cultural continuity, cognitive development, constitutional spirit and educational inclusiveness. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against this policy raises concerns. It reflects how a limited yet influential section of society is attempting to obstruct an educational reform intended to benefit the overwhelming majority of Indian students. The petition advocates the teaching of foreign languages from Class VI onwards so that children of affluent families may pursue higher education in countries such as Germany, France and Japan.
India is not merely a political union but an ancient civilisational nation founded on linguistic diversity and cultural interconnectedness. Indian languages are more than mediums of communication. They carry knowledge traditions accumulated over millennia, along with values, science, art, literature, folk wisdom and cultural consciousness. Any educational policy that strengthens Indian languages, in effect, strengthens India itself. The implementation of R–3 in Class IX is consistent with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020. The policy considers multilingualism, mother-tongue-based education and the promotion of Indian languages as the foundation of holistic education and national integration. It is based on research showing that students learn more effectively, think more deeply and develop more fully within a familiar linguistic environment. Opposition to this policy appears limited. It may consist of only one or two per cent of students, institutions, publishers or urban elites whose educational orientation favours foreign languages. Every citizen has the democratic right to express concerns and opinions. However, it is important to consider whether the preferences of a small minority should deprive ninety-eight or ninety-nine per cent of students of the opportunity to continue studying an Indian language they have already learnt up to Class VIII. This issue is not about opposing foreign languages. India has always welcomed global knowledge traditions. Sanskrit scholars studied Greek astronomy. Indian mathematicians engaged with Persian and Arabic scholarship. Even today, Indian students learn numerous international languages, including English. The real issue is one of balance. A nation that neglects its own languages gradually weakens its cultural self-confidence, intellectual autonomy and social inclusiveness. The continuation of Indian language education up to Class X offers several benefits: Cognitive Development: Multilingual education enhances memory, creativity, analytical ability and problem-solving skills. Students proficient in multiple Indian languages often perform better in higher education and social participation. Social Inclusion: Indian languages democratise education. Excessive glorification of foreign languages creates artificial educational elitism, leaving rural, tribal and economically disadvantaged students at a disadvantage. Cultural Continuity: Languages preserve literature, folklore, philosophy, local knowledge and ethical traditions. Distancing students from their languages is equivalent to distancing them from their roots. National Integration: The study of Indian languages promotes mutual understanding among regions and strengthens emotional unity within India’s diversity. Educational Equality: Millions of students have already studied an Indian language up to Class VIII. Allowing them to continue for two more years ensures continuity and deeper proficiency. The litigation may also convey an unfortunate message. It suggests that Indian languages are somehow secondary to foreign languages. Such a mentality runs contrary to the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, founded on cultural self-confidence and intellectual independence. National unity is more important than the private interests of any individual or group. Institutions teaching foreign languages are readily available both physically and online. However, the status of Indian languages must never be diminished. There is a need for a nationwide public awareness movement in support of Indian languages. Educational institutions, teachers, parents, scholars, cultural organisations and civil society should actively support R–3. Awareness about the importance of Indian languages should be promoted through social media, print media, digital platforms, seminars and public discussions. Schools and institutions can contribute by:• Organising discussions and seminars on Indian language education.• Publishing articles, posters and videos supporting multilingual education.• Encouraging creative expression in Indian languages.• Promoting awareness of the constitutional and educational importance of linguistic diversity. India’s linguistic diversity is not a burden. It is one of the greatest strengths of this civilisation. Policies that strengthen Indian languages are not instruments of exclusion but means of national inclusion. Supporting the implementation of R–3 by the CBSE is therefore not merely support for an educational policy. It is support for educational justice, cultural continuity, intellectual pluralism and the future of India’s civilisational identity. (The writer is Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of Samskrita Bharati.)

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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