FM Nirmala Sitharaman urges nursing students to learn local languages

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday encouraged students pursuing nursing to learn the local language wherever they choose to work. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sankara College of Nursing (Women), she highlighted the growing global demand for Indian nurses and how language proficiency could enhance career prospects.

Recounting her visit to Singapore, Sitharaman emphasised the high regard for Indian healthcare professionals, including nurses and



physiotherapists. She noted that countries like Japan and those in Europe are actively seeking Indian nurses, particularly to care for their ageing populations.

The Finance Minister also stressed the importance of learning the local language, not just abroad but within India, where nurses may need to communicate in regional languages like Punjabi or Bengali. She encouraged students to take language courses digitally, alongside their nursing education, to ensure effective communication in their roles.