Dr Gitanjali Chawla

Indigenous literature and cultural practices have emerged as important areas of contemporary research, offering valuable insights into identity, community, history, knowledge systems, and human behaviour. This article examines the significance of indigenous storytelling as an oral and dynamic cultural practice through which beliefs, memories, values, and social experiences are transmitted across generations. It highlights how indigenous narratives function as sociological and cultural archives that connect individuals, communities, and broader social structures while maintaining links between the past, present, and future. The transition from oral traditions to written documentation, particularly during the colonial period in India, also raises concerns regarding cultural misrepresentation, appropriation, marginalisation, and the loss of indigenous agency. Although early folklorists produced valuable records, their interpretations were often influenced by limited understanding of indigenous languages and cultures. Later scholarship contributed to restoring greater recognition of indigenous voices and narratives. The article argues for a methodological shift in the study of indigenous cultures, moving beyond rigid external theoretical frameworks toward interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches that recognize cultural diversity, oral memory, ritual, religion, and community knowledge. Meaningful engagement with indigenous communities is essential for developing nuanced interpretations and safeguarding cultural heritage. Strengthening institutional support, research initiatives, and dedicated programmes in folklore and indigenous studies can further promote the preservation and scholarly understanding of indigenous literatures and cultural practices.

The National Education Policy 2020 represents a significant attempt to reform the Indian education system through a decentralized, participatory, inclusive, flexible, holistic, and multidisciplinary framework. This article examines the policy with particular emphasis on its approach to multilingualism, indigenous knowledge systems, skill development, and the preservation of India's linguistic diversity. NEP 2020 seeks to address longstanding challenges in education while responding to rapidly changing technological, industrial, and social requirements. Its emphasis on regional and native languages, particularly during the early years of education, marks an important shift from the historical dominance of English in formal education. The policy also recognizes the cognitive, cultural, and social value of multilingualism and proposes institutional and technological mechanisms for language promotion, documentation, translation, and preservation. At the same time, the implementation of multilingual education presents considerable challenges, including migration, variations in local dialects, shortages of trained teachers and pedagogical resources, inadequate student teacher ratios, and the continuing perception of English as a language of economic and professional advancement. The article argues that successful implementation requires coordination between policy makers, educators, communities, and institutions, together with meaningful employment opportunities in regional languages. Strengthening indigenous languages within education can contribute not only to linguistic preservation but also to cultural continuity, social inclusion, cognitive development, and broader educational participation.