These policies have made English an inextricable part of Indian society today. What began as a practical tool for commerce then became the language of the nation’s laws and more recently has become a marker of privilege. More than 130 million people in India spoke English as of the 2011 census, or over 10% of the population. This further illustrates the primacy of English within the country. The role of English raises crucial issues of heritage and fairness in Indian society. As the world’s second-largest democracy continues to grapple with its colonial legacy, it is working to fulfill the pluralistic visions of its citizens.
In India, only 10% of the population is proficient in English. At the same time, Hindi is considered the mother tongue of about 44% of the country’s citizens. On the literal and figurative level, English equals progress, success, and opportunity. After political changes in the capital, contentious discussions surrounding the country’s language policy have resumed. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been aggressively advocating for Hindi. This movement is part of a larger trend across the world to reduce the hegemony of English in the public sphere and empower people to strengthen their cultural heritage.
The Roots of English in India
English came to India with British traders in the 1600s, the language of merchants’ ledgers and diplomatic treaties. Its intervention deepened during colonial rule, thanks to the efforts of people such as Thomas Babington Macaulay. He famously suggested that creating a class of subjects who were “Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect” would help maintain British control over India.
This complex history has led to a paradoxical view of English in contemporary India—a dual perception of English. It serves as a bridge to international markets and a ladder to economic prosperity. For most people, it’s viewed as a remnant of colonialism that pushes aside indigenous languages. English and Hindi have a distinctly colonial aura today. At an alarming rate, indigenous languages from the Amazon to Australia are at risk of dying out or becoming endangered.
“The languages of our country are the jewels of our culture,” – Amit Shah
As these dynamics unfurl, English is one of India’s official languages. Yet, its role is increasingly contested as younger generations navigate the job market where proficiency in English often equates to better opportunities.
Political Perspectives on Language
The BJP’s current emphasis on promoting Hindi resonates deeply with many Indians, especially within a predominantly Hindu population, which comprises nearly 80% of the country. This drive is part of a larger trend to impose a single national identity via language. Rita Kothari, English professor at Ashoka University, explains that the government is trying to “homogenize” this country. They are trying to expand the use of Hindi.
This political orientation has led to contentious public debates about the future of English in India. Supporters contend that English language proficiency promotes economic development and opens doors to international markets. English adoption ever would move at a snail’s pace, critics say. This is particularly true for those who rely on the language as a means of social mobility.
“If you know Hindi, then all you can do is stay here and do odd jobs, but not get a good post because English is a requirement,” – Vaishnavi Gujanan Narote
The stakes are high as the implications are evident for people such as Vaishnavi Gujanan Narote. She can’t get better paying jobs due to her poor English proficiency. As she expresses her frustrations with her limited ability to speak English, it really hits home that these language barriers can alter the course of a career.
The Aspirations Tied to English
After all, for millions of young Indians, learning English is the first step on the road to social mobility. Case in point is 23-year-old college student, Shivam Singh. The biggest door opened by learning English, he stresses, was that it allowed him to pursue internships that would have otherwise been closed to him.
“I wanted to get a good job… English gives you an edge. All the internships I cracked was because I could hold conversations in English,” – Shivam Singh
Young people are turning to language learning apps to hone their English pronunciation. This trend is indicative of their deep commitment to improving their long-term prospects. This desire for upward mobility underscores the importance placed on English as not merely a language but as a critical skill for navigating the modern economy.
“Creating a class of subjects who were ‘Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect,’” – Thomas Macaulay
This duality presents challenges and opportunities alike. We hear from countless young professionals who believe their lack of proficiency holds back their job prospects. They feel like they’re behind the eight ball compared to all their native-English-speaking peers.
“I feel I did not get the opportunities in my life because I did not know English,” – Vijay Kumar
The aspirations tied to English reflect broader societal changes as individuals navigate their identities amidst complex cultural dynamics.
