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Let Children Bloom in Their Own Soil.....By Archibald Furtado

Education is the foundation upon which a child’s future is built. The early years of schooling are not merely about textbooks and examinations; they are about shaping the mind, nurturing curiosity, and building confidence. In this context, choosing the right medium and the right school becomes one of the most important decisions parents make.

The Government of Karnataka has consistently encouraged primary education in the mother tongue — which, in most of our cases, is Kannada. Almost every village has at least one primary school within a radius of one or two kilometres. For decades, this system has served society well. Many of us now in our 50s and 60s began our education in Kannada medium schools. From Class V we learned English, from Class VI Hindi, and we grew up equipped to communicate effectively in multiple languages. Our foundation was strong because it was built in the language we understood best.

Today, however, the situation is rapidly changing — especially in districts like Udupi. Globalisation, the growing importance of English, smaller family sizes, and increased financial capacity have led many parents to prefer branded English medium schools. Attractive campuses, glossy brochures, school buses, air-conditioned classrooms, scholarships, and persuasive marketing have created a powerful image. Some institutions are genuinely committed to quality education, while others operate with strong commercial motivations.

Certainly, English has global value. It opens doors to higher education, employment, and international exposure. In unavoidable circumstances, such as transfers or prior English education, continuing in English medium may be practical and necessary. Moreover, young children possess remarkable capacity to learn multiple languages. We have all seen tiny tots comfortably conversing in three or four languages.

However, the concern arises when English medium education becomes more of a status symbol than an educational need.

For many children, especially those who speak Kannada or another mother tongue at home, learning entirely in English at an early age can become stressful. Instead of joyful learning, schooling turns into a struggle for comprehension. When a child does not understand the language of instruction, curiosity fades and fear grows. In some cases, childhood innocence and natural expression are suppressed under pressure to perform in an unfamiliar language.

Another important aspect is proximity. Branded schools are often located in towns or urban centres. Though school buses are provided, children from distant villages spend long hours commuting — time that could otherwise be spent playing, interacting with parents and grandparents, and engaging in creative activities. Mothers often face daily pressure to prepare children early, escort them to pickup points, and anxiously await their safe return. 

The strain silently affects the entire family.
Primary education in the mother tongue offers several proven advantages:
Better understanding and clarity of concepts
Stronger emotional and cultural grounding
Higher self-confidence and classroom participation
Natural development of thinking and creativity
Research and experience show that when a child learns in the language spoken at home, comprehension becomes easier, and the foundation becomes stronger. Once concepts are clear, learning additional languages like English becomes smoother and more effective. Early learning in the mother tongue is not a limitation — it is a strength.

Therefore, parents may consider the following:
Encourage children to study in their mother tongue at least up to Class V or VII.

Seek admission in the nearest good school to reduce travel stress.
Even if English is spoken at home, prefer a school located close to your residence.

Avoid placing excessive pressure on young minds at a tender age.
Evaluate your child’s capacity, interest, peer environment, and the overall quality of teaching — both in school and at home.

Education should never be a race for prestige. It is not about glossy uniforms, air-conditioned classrooms, or the label of “English medium.” It is about understanding, growth, and happiness.

Let us remember: early education in the mother tongue is not a status issue — it is a developmental necessity. A child blossoms best in familiar soil. When roots are strong, branches can reach the sky.

Let children first learn to think, feel, and dream in the language of their heart. English and other languages will surely follow.

Thank you.
Archibald Furtado.