language, a renewed attempt to implement the three-language formula is suggested, along

with an emphasis on the recognition of children’s mother tongues, including tribal

languages, as the best medium of education. The multilingual character of Indian society

should be seen as a resource to promote multilingual proficiency in every child, which

includes proficiency in English. This is possible only if learning builds on a sound language

pedagogy in the mother tongue. Reading and writing, listening and speech, contribute to the

child’s progress in all curricular areas and must be the basis for curriculum planning.

Emphasis on reading throughout the primary classes is necessary to give every child a solid

foundation for school learning.