This e-mail originated from outside of Times Of India And TimesGroup. Exercise caution before you click on any link or open attachments.Malay RayTimes News NetworkRourkela, February 25: Sundargarh district administration, reportedly the first district in the state, in an innovative approach through BaaB (Building as a Book) model aligned with National Education Policy, that transforms Anganwadi buildings into living learning spaces, is teaching the children in anganwadi centres in Sundargarh district, the child’s mother tongue in languages like Sadri, Munda, Oram, Khadia, Kudukh and Santali, based on the linguistic demography of each Anganwadi Centre, alongwith Odia, through multilingual, multisensory and play-based approach. Learning is being facilitated through wall paintings, wall-mounted 3D tactile designs, floor paintings, visual and video-based storytelling, connect-the-dots activities, indoor learning kits and outdoor play equipment, making language learning intuitive and engaging.For structured rollout, the district administration has selected 298 Anganwadi Centres across 17 blocks out of a total 3,919 AWCs in Sundargarh district. Since its launch in August 2025, the BaaB-based multilingual and multisensory model has been implemented in 71 AWCs, with phased expansion underway and completion targeted by April 2026.This multilingual, multisensory and play-based approach has transformed classroom experiences, making children visibly happier and more confident. They are seen eagerly exploring letters and pictures in their own language, enjoying reading and storytelling, and gradually building familiarity with Odia alongside their mother tongue. The model ensures a smooth and stress-free transition from the home language to the regional language, strengthening foundational literacy while preserving linguistic identity.Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), which strongly advocates mother-tongue-based education in early years, the Sundargarh District Administration adopted the BaaB model to address the learning barriers faced by tribal children due to the language gap between home and school. By embracing multilingualism at the Anganwadi level, the initiative makes early education inclusive, accessible and emotionally secure, laying a strong foundation for joyful and effective learning.To ensure sustainability and community ownership, extensive sensitization and capacity-building programmes have been conducted for Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, Anganwadi Workers, Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs), Self Help Group (SHG) cadres and parents. A notable example is the Sarnatoli Anganwadi Centre in Barilepta Panchayat of Nuagaon Block, where children are being taught in Sadri along with Odia, mirroring similar successful multilingual practices across other selected Anganwadis in the district. The qualitative impact of the multilingual education initiative has been highly encouraging. Feedback from parents and grassroots workers highlights improved attendance, longer attention spans, enhanced language comprehension, better classroom interaction and growing confidence among children, who now approach learning with enthusiasm rather than hesitation. Sushanti Bhengra, mother of Sajal Rani Oram, who studies in Sarnatoli Anganwadi centre in Barilepta panchayat in Nuagaon block is also very happy that her daughter and other children in the AWCs are being taught their mother tongue with Odia. “After this model has been implemented in anganwadi centre, I have noticed my daughter is showing more interest in her studies. She is being taught our mother tongue Sadri alongwith Odia.” said Sushanti BhengraPuspa Mohanty, Integrated Child Development Services(ICDS) Lady Supervisor of Barilepta panchayat of Nuagaon block sector of Sundargarh district, has lauded the BaaB model which the district administration has implemented. “This model is excellent and the process through which the children in AWCs are being taught their mother tongue alongwith Odia, is really transforming lives of anganwadi children.” said Pushpa MohantyDr. Subhankar Mohapatra, Collector & District Magistrate, Sundargarh, emphasized “ multilingual education helps children connect emotionally with learning, noting that the success of the initiative lies in its curriculum-based BaaB design, mother-tongue-first pedagogy, and joyful transition to the regional language.” said Mohapatra “All remaining selected Anganwadis will be transformed into engaging learning spaces by April 2026.” added MohapatraLooking ahead, IAS Probationer Ms.Fabi Rasheed stated “ encouraged by the success of the multilingual BaaB initiative, the district administration plans to scale up the model to all 3,919 Anganwadi Centres, transforming them into centres of excellence. To further strengthen the evidence base, a quantitative impact study in collaboration with NIT Rourkela is also being planned to assess language acquisition, learning outcomes and behavioural indicators, enabling this multilingual, child-centric innovation from Sundargarh to be replicated across other regions.” said Fabi Rasheed, IAS Probationer in Sundargarh district **********
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