Bihar CM Welcomes Inclusion of Maithili in CBSE Curriculum

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday welcomed the decision to include Maithili as a subject in the CBSE curriculum at the secondary level from the 2026–27 academic session, calling it a significant step towards strengthening India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the introduction of the Maithili language at the secondary level, a move widely seen as recognition of its rich literary and cultural heritage.

Maithili is one of India’s oldest living languages with a deep-rooted literary tradition , including classical works by poet Vidyapati and a long history of devotional, poetic and folk compositions. Known for its expressive vocabulary and strong oral storytelling culture, the language has remained central to the identity of the Mithila region for centuries.

Closely linked with the cultural fabric of Mithila, Maithili is also associated with traditional art forms such as Madhubani painting, folk music, rituals and festivals. It continues to serve as a key medium for preserving community memory and cultural continuity across generations.

Choudhary described the inclusion as a “historic” and “commendable” decision, stating that it will help students connect with their mother tongue, culture and roots while giving Maithili greater recognition in formal education.

He also said the move aligns with broader efforts to promote Indian languages under national leadership, adding that such steps strengthen cultural preservation and educational inclusivity.

Experts view the decision as important for linguistic preservation , as formal academic recognition can encourage younger generations to learn, use and research regional languages. It is also expected to boost interest in Maithili literature, translation and cultural studies.

The inclusion of Maithili in the CBSE curriculum is therefore seen as both a cultural milestone and a step towards sustaining India’s rich linguistic diversity in modern education systems.