Language Across the Curriculum (LAC) as Envisioned in NEP 2020: A Paradigmatic Shift in Multilingual Pedagogy

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces a transformative approach to the Indian education system, placing a high premium on multilingualism and the "power of language." This paper examines the policy’s vision for Language Across the Curriculum (LAC), exploring how it moves beyond language as a mere subject to language as a medium for holistic cognitive development. By analyzing the promotion of the mother tongue/local language up to Grade 5 and the flexible Three-Language Formula, this research discusses the pedagogical implications for subject teachers and the challenges of implementation in diverse classrooms.