Hindi and Punjabi in VCE - Beacon School - Gunjan - Radio Haanji

Is your child losing their mother tongue? It’s a worry for many Punjabi and Indian families in Australia. But what if their heritage language was a key to their academic success? In this episode of Radio Haanji’s Interviews, host Krishna sits down with Gunjan from the Beacon School Foundation to discuss the revolutionary integration of Hindi and Punjabi into the mainstream Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) curriculum. Backed by $1 million in Victorian government funding, the Beacon School model moves language learning out of "Saturday schools" and into the daily classroom. We explore: Which Melbourne schools are currently piloting Hindi and Punjabi programs. How heritage languages can contribute to a student's final ATAR score. The emotional and cognitive "treasure" of being bilingual in a multicultural society. How parents can advocate for these programs in their own local school councils. Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, this episode provides a roadmap for preserving our culture while excelling in the Australian education system. Tune in to hear how we are bringing our heritage to the mainstream. Listen free on the Radio Haanji app or visit haanji.com.au. #RadioHaanji #Interviews #HindiVCE #PunjabiVCE #BeaconSchool #PunjabiPodcast #HaaanjiAU #MelbourneEducation #VCE2026