NEW DELHI – Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) concluded a five-day national workshop on Thursday, underscoring the critical need to strengthen Indian languages within higher education. The workshop aimed to integrate the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into the core of academic learning, advocating for a decisive move away from outdated “colonial mindsets” prevalent in educational institutions.
Challenging the Colonial Mindset in Education
During the valedictory session, JMI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif addressed participants directly. He asserted that Indian universities must actively dismantle remnants of colonial thinking. Prof. Asif stated, “A false sense of modernity has had a toxic effect on our minds.” He emphasized the importance of correcting this by prioritizing and valuing India’s own rich knowledge traditions.
This focus aligns with a broader national initiative to promote indigenous knowledge. The workshop served as a practical step towards achieving this goal, specifically through language development.
Developing a Social Sciences Glossary
The workshop’s central objective was the creation of a Learner’s Glossary of Social Sciences . This glossary involves translating key academic terms from English into Hindi, making complex concepts accessible in a national language. The initiative seeks to empower students and scholars to engage with social sciences using culturally resonant terminology.
The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) , operating under the Ministry of Education , organized this collaborative event. It partnered with Jamia Millia Islamia’s Department of Political Science , pooling expertise from both government and academic sectors.
Scholars from various regions across India participated in the intensive five-day program. Their collective effort concentrated on translating fundamental social science terms. The goal extended beyond literal word-for-word translation, aiming instead to ensure the translated terms accurately reflect India’s unique historical, geographical, and cultural contexts.
This careful approach ensures the new glossary supports a deeper, more localized understanding of social science concepts, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.
The Art of Contextual Translation
Vice-Chancellor Asif, drawing on his extensive background as a translator and linguist, provided expert guidance on the complexities of language conversion. He highlighted that effective translation involves more than simply replacing words; it demands acute sensitivity to context and nuance. He urged the expert team to be aware of the limitations inherent in literal translation, particularly when working across different languages, including those officially recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution .
A dedicated 13-member expert group worked diligently throughout the workshop. This team successfully compiled and refined the new glossary, which represents a significant linguistic resource.
Historical Advocacy for Indian Languages
Workshop coordinator Prof. Naved Jamal provided historical perspective on the emphasis on Indian languages. He traced the roots of such efforts back to prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi , who passionately advocated for Hindi and Hindustani as national languages. Prof. Jamal also cited Bhartendu Harishchandra’s foundational call for fostering intellectual growth and expression in one’s native language.
Further recognizing past contributions, Prof. Jamal recalled the work of renowned physicist and educationist Prof. D. S. Kothari . Prof. Kothari, who once chaired the CSTT, was a strong proponent of developing scientific and technical terminology in Indian languages. His legacy directly informs current initiatives like the JMI workshop.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting Indian languages and integrating indigenous knowledge into the national educational framework, preparing students for a future rooted in their cultural heritage while embracing global understanding.