TV
Some intellectuals and locals have expressed their displeasure over excessive use of English language in a recently held district-level science exhibition in Khordha.
As per reports, a school science exhibition was held at BJB High School in Khordha where 50 students participated from different schools in the district showcasing their science projects.
However, controversy erupted after a lot of participants were seen presenting their projects in English language. Even the banners and project names were all printed in English attracting dissent from parents.
“It would have been better if Odia language was used more in this exhibition. The participants of this exhibition are mainly from English medium schools. Odia medium schools or Sishu Mandir schools for that matter have been ignored by the organisers,” alleged an intellectual Bimal Chandra Sarangi.
Replying to the allegations, Khordha District Secretary of OSSTA, Sudhakar Mohapatra said, “The allegation of putting more importance on English medium schools in this exhibition is not right. I would like to request the teachers of Odia medium schools and government schools to prepare the students for these kinds of events in the future.”
Similarly, Khordha District Science Observer Saroj Kumar Singh said that language is not a barrier and English medium school students are comfortable in English. “Language is not a barrier. Students of CBSE, ICSE boards and Odisha Adarsh Vidyalay have English language as their medium of study. So they are fluent in English. That is why the selected students from these schools present their projects in English language,” Singh said.
