Uttarakhand Government makes Garhwali language compulsory for Primary Schools in Pauri

According to media reports, Uttarakhand Government has decided to make Garhwali language a compulsory subject in Primary School based in Pauri Region. As per the decision, Uttarakhand Government has made Garhwali a mandatory subject for students studying in Classes 1 to 5 in Pauri Region of the state. As per the official directive, the decision is expected to be implemented in over 80 primary schools based in Uttarakhand's Pauri district.

The decision to make Garhwali a compulsory subject has also been welcomed by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. Commenting on it he said that the move will help children to develop a better understanding about the region and its cultural heritage. UK State Education Minister Arvind Pandey has also expressed his belief in the initiative. He hopes that “The books will help in making the children aware of the environment and the culture as well.”

Announcing the decision, Pauri District Magistrate Dhiraj Singh Gabryal said “We have already started the course on Monday.” He also added that Garhwali language will be taught in the Devnagari script, which will make it easier for the students to follow it.

In terms of syllabus, 5 books i.e. 'Dhaguli,' 'Hansuli,' 'Chhubki,' 'Paijbi' and 'Jhumki' have been prescribed as part of the learning processes for the primary students from Classes 1 to 5, respectively. The books are based on historical significance of Garhwal region and also includes a chapter on Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali, who is termed as the hero of the 'Peshawar Kand'  during Independence Struggle. Following the decision, the books that are published by a private publisher will be made available to the students free of cost by the government, said KS Rawat, District Basic Education Officer of Pauri.

Commenting on the development, Ganesh Khugshal, a Garhwali language expert said “"For years together, we put up a lot of efforts to make a curriculum for the Garhwali language. Through this effort we have introduced local history, food, culture and other things in these books."