Angela Merkel raises German language issue with PM Narendra Modi at Brisbane

NEW DELHI: The row over HRD Ministry’s decision to drop German as a third language in Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools was escalated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday as German Chancellor Angela Merkel requested him to look for a “pragmatic” solution to the issue on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Brisbane.

MEA official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said Merkel said Berlin would be grateful and appreciate if Delhi can work out a system whereby the children in Indian schools can learn German. “There are other mechanisms in India whereby foreign languages can be learned by children in colleges not as a third language, but as any other language. The PM and Chancellor Merkel are aware of this. There is no specificity in terms of what language it should be, but that Germany would be grateful if India can work out a system whereby children in Indian schools can learn German,” Akbaruddin said in Brisbane after the meeting that also discussed German investments in India, particularly in the manufacturing sector, and also about PM’s possible visit to Germany next April and Merkel’s visit to Delhi in the second half of 2015.

Modi told Merkel it was important for young children to learn as many languages as possible because it would help them in their growth, integration, job opportunities outside as well as in growing as individuals, Akbaruddin informed.