New Delhi, March 2 : The Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), a Delhi-based non-profit organization, marked a decade of pioneering efforts in enhancing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) across India. The milestone event, held at The Ashok, New Delhi, featured esteemed speakers including Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, IAS Secretary of School Education & Literacy Sanjay Kumar, and former Secretary of School Education Vrinda Sarup. Nearly 200 dignitaries from the education sector, including corporate and philanthropic partners, attended the conclave, underscoring LLF’s crucial role in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and driving the NIPUN Bharat mission since its inception in 2015.
Government Leaders Recognize LLF’s Contribution
In his keynote address, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the importance of multilingual education and its alignment with national educational priorities:
“India’s multilingualism is our greatest strength, enshrined in our Constitution and championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Under NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat, our government is committed to ensuring that all children master foundational literacy and numeracy through a multilingual approach. Language is the foundation of learning, and global research by UNESCO and the World Bank shows that 35-40% of children study in a language they do not understand. Just as we united for India’s independence, we must now come together to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy for all.”
Sanjay Kumar, IAS, emphasized the transformative role of language in education:
“As LLF marks a decade of impact, we reaffirm the NEP 2020’s vision that language is the cornerstone of cognition, creativity, and cultural identity. With 121 languages spoken by over 10,000 people in India, a multilingual teaching approach is essential to achieving NIPUN Bharat’s goals. Since 85% of brain development happens by age six, we must prioritize foundational literacy and numeracy to build a progressive and inclusive future. We should draw from LLF’s expertise to embrace language not just as a tool but as a shared expression that ensures every voice is heard and valued.”
Vrinda Sarup, former Secretary of School Education, commended LLF’s commitment to measurable impact:
“Under the leadership of Dhir Jhingran, LLF has maintained an outcome-driven approach, ensuring that both process and impact are prioritized. Their work in multilingual education is vital in helping children transition smoothly to their medium of instruction. With continued government support, I am confident LLF will drive transformative change and set new benchmarks in education reform.”
A Decade of Achievements and Future Roadmap
Since its establishment in 2015, LLF has significantly improved learning outcomes for 1.2 million children while impacting 16.2 million students across 236,000 schools in 10 states. By collaborating with state governments, LLF has enhanced classroom practices for 1.08 million teachers, leading to measurable improvements in reading fluency, comprehension, and numeracy.
The celebration featured key initiatives, including:
– The launch of bilingual textbooks in Halbi and Hindi for Grades 1 and 2
– The release of Kahani Kathan Utsav, a storytelling festival document promoting multilingual education in Bastar, Chhattisgarh
– The unveiling of a public goods platform for the FLN ecosystem by Dharmendra Pradhan
– A reflection on LLF’s decade-long journey by Founder and Executive Director Dr. Dhir Jhingran
Looking Ahead: Expanding LLF’s Reach by 2027
Reflecting on LLF’s journey, Dr. Jhingran emphasized the collective effort behind its success:
“Over the past decade, LLF, in collaboration with the Government of India, state governments, and partners, has worked to strengthen foundational learning for marginalized children through improved classroom practices. Our belief is simple: a strong foundation leads to a stronger future. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to ensuring every child reaches their full potential through an inclusive and equitable approach under NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat—leaving no child behind.”
By 2027, LLF aims to extend its reach to 35 million children, working closely with state governments to implement large-scale systemic change in foundational learning. The organization’s roadmap aligns with India’s goal of universalizing foundational education and ensuring that all children attain age-appropriate competencies in literacy and numeracy.
