CBSE’s Language Policy Change Threatens French Heritage in Pondicherry

In the vibrant neighborhoods of Kurussukupam, a unique cultural phenomenon has thrived, largely fueled by the intertwining of local Indian traditions with French influences. Kel’nna, a beloved figure in this community, exemplified this blend. As the resilient wife of a rickshaw driver, she devoted herself to her family, using her hands, marked by hard work, to nurture her children. However, it was her adoption of the French language in her everyday interactions that made her standout. Whenever she assessed fruits or fabrics, she would tilt her head and ask, ‘Kel’nna?’—a playful adaptation of the French phrase ‘Combien, anna?’, merging local vernacular with remnants of colonial history.

Kel’nna’s imaginative flair extended to her children’s names, each infused with a whimsical French twist that reflected her aspirations for them. Arumugam transformed into ‘Six Visages’, Ezhumalai became ‘Sept Montagnes’, and Karuppusamy was affectionately dubbed ‘Noir Dieu’. Even her limping child was humorously named ‘Boiteux Noir’, while Paarthasarathi proudly took on the title ‘Boîte-à-Sardine’, or Sardine Tin. These names not only illustrated her creativity but also highlighted the cultural amalgamation that characterizes Pondicherry.

However, with the recent implementation of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) three-language policy, the future of such cultural expression appears to be at stake. Beginning this academic year, the policy mandates that students must learn at least two Indian languages. This shift has significant implications for students in Pondicherry, as it effectively sidelines French—once a vital part of the local educational framework. The new rule classifies English as a ‘foreign language’, thereby eliminating options for students to pursue French, German, or similar languages.

The decision has been met with considerable concern among residents and educators in Pondicherry, where French has historically been more than just a language; it is a living connection to the region’s colonial past and cultural identity. For many parents, the ability to study French was not merely an academic choice but a gateway to understanding their heritage and the diverse world around them. The gradual erosion of this linguistic option threatens to diminish the cultural richness that has long defined Pondicherry.

As the community grapples with these changes, it becomes increasingly clear that the sidelining of French education is more than a simple curriculum adjustment. It represents a broader challenge to preserve the unique cultural tapestry of Pondicherry, where the remnants of colonial history continue to influence daily life. For many like Kel’nna, who infused their everyday existence with French flair, the new educational policies may sever the last threads connecting them to a cherished and vibrant cultural legacy.

Source: scroll.in