Uttarakhand Students In 15 Govt Schools Learn Mandarin, China’s Official Language – News18

Last Updated:March 26, 2025, 09:57 IST

Mandarin is known as one of the most challenging languages to master, requiring knowledge of 3,000 to 5,000 characters.

Doon University has launched an initiative to teach China’s official language, Mandarin, to over 250 students from Class 11 and 12 in 15 government schools across Uttarakhand. The program, launched to enhance students’ language skills, aims to open doors to global job markets while also supporting national security in light of ongoing border tensions with China, as reported by the Times of India.

Launched in 2023 by Pauri Garhwal DM Ashish Chauhan, the initiative stemmed from discussions between former CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and Doon University VC Surekha Dangwal in 2021.

“This is the first time in India that Mandarin is being taught in government schools under such an initiative,” said Shanky Chandra, HoD of Chinese Studies at Doon University, reported TOI. He added that the pilot program, which began in 2023, has received a positive response from students, prompting its continuation.

Chandra, a Harvard alumnus, emphasised the career opportunities it presents, noting, “Learning Mandarin opens doors, especially as China is one of India’s largest trade partners. Three of our Class 12 graduates last year landed lucrative jobs in China because of their language skills.”

The initiative also holds promise for national security, with demand for Mandarin-speaking personnel increasing in defence and security sectors due to ongoing border tensions.

Mandarin, with its complex characters and tonal nature, is known as one of the most challenging languages to master, requiring knowledge of 3,000 to 5,000 characters. The program is currently being run in 15 PM-SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) schools with online facilities due to the lack of physical classroom resources.