Approximately 85% of brain development occurs by age six. India’s 137 million children in this age group represent both a critical growth opportunity and a global priority for early childhood education. Acknowledging the importance of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for a sustainable future, the Government of India has introduced various policy measures aimed at securing the best possible start for children. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was the first to formally recognise the importance of teaching children in their mother tongue during this crucial developmental period, emphasising its relevance in fostering cognitive growth and stronger foundational learning. Other key initiatives include the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage and targeted curriculum frameworks like Aadharshila—the National ECCE Curriculum for children aged three to six—and Navchetana, the National Early Stimulation Framework for children from birth to age three.
Despite these significant policy advancements, ensuring that these benefits reach all children—especially those in remote areas—remains challenging. One effective way to bridge this gap is by leveraging AI and technology. Over the past decade, India’s internet penetration has surged from 13.5% in 2014 to 52.4% in 2024, bringing connectivity to unexpected corners of the country. This expansion has not only positioned India as a hub of digital innovation but also paved the way for unique solutions to address national challenges in education.
The ‘Google Read-Along’ app exemplifies how technology can meet educational needs. Using text-to-speech technology, the app helps children learn to read as part of Mission Prerna, the flagship initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government to improve educational quality. With over 1,000 stories in 11 languages, the app has reached 40 million children globally, demonstrating the potential reach and impact of digital tools in early learning.
Emphasising Mother Tongue Learning and Multilingual AI
A crucial aspect of early learning will be ensuring that children are taught in their mother tongue. Research indicates that children will grasp concepts more effectively when first introduced in their native language before transitioning to additional languages. India, with its linguistic diversity encompassing over 22 major official languages and hundreds of dialects, will require an education model that is both inclusive and contextually relevant to different linguistic communities.
Recognising this, AI-driven educational tools will be designed to support multilingual learning environments. Rocket Learning’s collaboration with Google.org is bringing this vision to life with Appu, an AI-powered learning buddy that will provide personalised, multilingual learning experiences and facilitation for children aged three to six and their parents.
By incorporating natural language processing (NLP) and speech recognition, Appu will ensure that children can learn foundational literacy and numeracy in their native language before gradually introducing them to other widely spoken languages.
AI-Powered Personalisation for Diverse Learners
Voice recognition and speech synthesis will support early literacy, while interactive, culturally relevant content will enhance engagement. By integrating AI-driven personalisation, Appu will ensure equitable and inclusive early education, allowing children in underserved regions to learn at their own pace without language barriers.
Scaling Access for Maximum Impact
In today’s world, the true success of any educational policy lies in its scalability and accessibility. Investing in technology is one of the most reliable ways to make impactful policy accessible on a large scale. AI tools like Appu are not just a means of delivering education—they are a way to ensure equitable access, empowering even the most marginalised children with opportunities they might never have dreamed of.
By blending Google’s technological expertise with Rocket Learning’s commitment to ECCE, this partnership has the potential to transform early learning in India, especially for underserved communities. More importantly, it ensures that language is not a barrier but a bridge to quality education, enabling all children in India to reach their fullest potential.