Cultural Rootedness and Sustainability in English Language Teaching: Exploring the linkage with curriculum and textbooks in the Context of National Education Policy,2020

The National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023, emphasize the significance of nurturing learners who are rooted in India’s cultural ethos while being committed to sustainable living and global well-being. The growing concern for sustainability has prompted the education system to rethink the purpose and practice of language teaching. In line with this, English language teaching in India is being considered not just a tool for communication but also as a medium to cultivate ecological consciousness, cultural rootedness, and sustainable living. The paper tries to explore how curriculum and textbooks of English as a language subject foster sustainability awareness at the middle school level. The paper will also build understanding of the integration of folk culture, local narratives, and environmental themes in English language textbooks and classroom practices, and how these various elements help connect global environmental issues with local experiences. The findings aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers, curriculum developers, and educators about constructive pedagogical strategies that align language education with the goals of sustainable development and cultural preservation as envisaged in NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023.