Tag: education news

EduConnect

Goa University Honours Shri. Ramrao S. Wagh for National Geospatial Award Achievement

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa University held a special felicitation ceremony at the University’s Conference Hall to honor Shri. Ramrao S. Wagh, who was recently conferred with the Emerging Faculty Fellow Award at the National Geospatial Awards 2025.

This distinguished recognition highlights Shri. Wagh’s contributions to geospatial science, research innovation, and his commitment to advancing academic excellence in India.

Faculty, students, and academic dignitaries gathered to celebrate this proud achievement, reflecting Goa University’s continued emphasis on fostering academic distinction and scientific exploration.

“Shri. Wagh’s work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and integrity that Goa University stands for,” remarked one of the senior faculty members during the ceremony.

The National Geospatial Awards, recognized across the country as a benchmark for scientific excellence in geospatial disciplines, acknowledge thought leaders and emerging researchers making impactful contributions to the field.

As Shri. Wagh continues to pave the way in geospatial technology and research, this honor stands as a testament to his dedication and scholarly brilliance.

Goa University congratulates him on this well-deserved accolade and looks forward to further milestones in his academic journey.

Human Interest

Maharashtra Withdraws Resolution on Three-Language Policy After Backlash

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, June 30, 2025 – The Maharashtra government has officially rescinded a recent resolution that sought to introduce Hindi as a mandatory language in primary schools, following widespread criticism from educators, language activists, and cultural groups. Officials have confirmed that a high-level committee will now be formed to review the larger three-language policy framework.

🧭 What prompted the reversal?

  • Strong public opposition: Teachers, parents, and advocacy groups raised concerns that mandating Hindi in Marathi-medium schools threatens the state’s linguistic heritage and could sideline Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra.
  • Fear among local educators: Many argued that the abrupt change would burden both students and teachers, who may lack the resources or training to teach Hindi effectively at the primary level.

🚨 Details of the original resolution

  • The now-revoked GR (Government Resolution) mandated Hindi instruction beginning in Class 1 in all government-run primary schools across the state.
  • This measure was aligned with the centre’s three-language policy, aimed at fostering national integration through language education.

🎯 What’s next?

  • Formation of a review committee: The government is setting up a multidisciplinary panel—including education experts, linguists, educators, and community representatives—to thoroughly evaluate the existing three-language framework.
  • State-wide consultations: The committee will hold public hearings and focus group meetings in various districts to gather input from grassroots stakeholders.
  • Policy recalibration: Based on feedback, the committee will propose adjustments that safeguard Marathi while promoting multilingual competence in students.

🔍 Why it matters

  • Balancing regional with national priorities: Maharashtra’s reversal highlights the delicate act of promoting national integration through Hindi without marginalizing regional languages.
  • Decentralised decision-making: By involving parents, teachers, and language activists, the government is signalling a shift toward more democratic and inclusive policymaking in education.
  • Potential ripple effect: This reversal could influence how other states implement the three-language policy, spotlighting the importance of local context in educational reforms.

💬 Response from educators and activists

  • Educators’ relief: Many teachers welcomed the decision, saying, “Stakeholder participation is essential before implementing policies that affect classroom teaching.”
  • Language activists say: “Marathi must remain central to foundational education. Any additional languages should reinforce—not replace—our mother tongue.”

➡ What to watch for

  • Committee launch: Keep an eye out for announcements on committee membership and timelines.
  • Consultation process updates: Regular progress reports are expected detailing public engagement and interim recommendations.
  • Revised language policy: The collective goal is a language curriculum that respects regional identity, promotes national unity, and empowers students to learn English and other languages.