Kohima: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has launched a formal protest against proposals to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject in Nagaland schools. Union leaders argue that forcing students to learn the language is unnecessary and ignores the state’s complex linguistic landscape, which already requires students to balance English, Hindi, and their own indigenous tribal languages.
DNSU general secretary Michael Kath stated that while the union holds no animosity toward the Sanskrit language, education policy must focus on choice rather than compulsion. On May 19, the union submitted a formal representation to the Nagaland governor. Copies of this grievance were also directed to the chief minister, education officials, and the Naga Students’ Federation.
Education secretary Kevin Gonmei highlighted that many students already struggle with Hindi. He warned that adding Sanskrit would impose an undue academic burden on them. Furthermore, union president P Hinoto Awomi noted that the National Education Policy 2020 explicitly discourages the imposition of languages and prioritizes the preservation of mother tongues. Awomi also pointed out that the state lacks the necessary trained teachers to implement such a curriculum in government schools, particularly in remote tribal areas.
The union has issued a warning to the Union Ministry of Education and local CBSE-affiliated schools, stating that they are prepared to launch democratic agitations if the policy is enforced. Beyond language education, the DNSU is also opposing the planned relocation of the Government Hindi Institute from Dimapur to Medziphema. Union officials contend that the current site has ample space for upgrades and that moving the facility would unfairly inconvenience local students and residents.
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