UGC initiates a project aimed at creating 22,000 books in Indian languages.

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the University Grants Commission (UGC), has embarked on a groundbreaking project named ASMITA-Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing. This ambitious initiative, inaugurated by Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education, aims to create 22,000 books in Indian languages over the next five years.

ASMITA is a joint effort between the UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee under the ministry. The project's primary objective is to promote Indian languages in education by developing a comprehensive repository of academic resources across 22 scheduled languages. According to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar, "The goal is to produce 1,000 books in each of the 22 languages, resulting in a total of 22,000 books in Bharatiya Bhasha."

In addition to ASMITA, the ministry has introduced "Bahubhasha Shabdosh," a unified repository for words across all Indian languages, along with their meanings and usage. Developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Shabdakosh aims to facilitate the incorporation of Indian language words, phrases, and sentences into modern domains such as IT, industry, research, and education.

Mr. Kumar elaborated on the project's broader objectives, stating, "These initiatives, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), will create a comprehensive pool of academic resources in 22 scheduled languages. They will bridge linguistic divides, promote social cohesion and unity, and empower our youth to become socially responsible citizens."

This initiative is expected to foster a robust ecosystem for translation and original book writing across various disciplines within higher education. By doing so, it aims to empower learners academically while preserving India's rich linguistic heritage.

The launch of ASMITA marks a significant stride towards enriching educational resources in regional languages, reflecting a steadfast commitment to bridging linguistic divides and fostering social cohesion through education.