Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw supports NEP, calls multilingualism a talent

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of the Bengaluru based Biocon company has voiced her support for the National Education Policy (NEP) underlining the potential benefits of multilingualism. 

Also Read: NEP implementation, enhance teacher quality: Sanjay Padode on Union Budget 2025

Posting on X, she stated that "Being multilingual is a talent, which few possess. Making it part of the formal education system is a good way of developing such skills early on in life”. 

Being multilingual is a talent, which few possess. Making it part of the formal #education system is a good way of developing such skills early on in life. #NEPhttps://t.co/34jUEieV6o

— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw)

Being multilingual is a talent, which few possess. Making it part of the formal #education system is a good way of developing such skills early on in life. #NEPhttps://t.co/34jUEieV6o

— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) March 13, 2025

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In a response to a X user who was condemning the three-language policy as a “total waste of time”, she suggested studying an extra subject defending multilingualism. She also stated that she could speak 6 languages and its hugely helpful for her. 

She has made these remarks amid ongoing deliberations about the NEP’s three-language policy, which encourages students to learn multiple languages in their curriculum. 

Recently, Rajya Sabha MP and author Sudha Murthy also supported the policy by sharing her own experience in learning languages. "I have always believed that one can learn multiple languages, and I myself know 7-8 languages. I enjoy learning, and children can benefit greatly from it”,  she said.

The NEP aims to equip students with furnished linguistic skills to enhance their cognitive development, cultural understanding, and career opportunities in a globalized world.