Essays

As a medium of instruction and examination, the English language was introduced in India in the 19^th century by William Bentick, the then Governor General of India for importing western system of education. The aim of British rulers in inducting English Language in India was to ensure mental slavery to produce 'babus' for Administration and for introducing the western culture.

Introduction of English language however proved a boon. Raja Rammohan Roy, the religious and social reformer, was a keen supporter of this language. Other leaders like Dadabhai Nauroji, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru were also educated in English. The alien language enabled our leaders to function well in the freedom struggle against the British rulers.

English language played a significant role in the freedom movement. It served a link and a unifying force among Indians belonging to different Indian states. Through this language the country kept abreast of developments in technology, science and culture. It also brought us closer to people of other continents and countries.

English is no longer the language of Britishers. It has developed into an international language. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and other countries of Europe, Asia and Africa are picking up the language.

English is an important working language of the United Nations. Indians who have developed proficiency in this language are working in international agencies under the UN. In fact, there are more Indians in the UN than other nationalities—this is owing to the fact that Indians have fast developed a high level of written and spoken English. Their communication is outstanding and the level of their speeches and debates in international forum is commendable.

Knowledge of this language and literature has helped the country to develop close relations with English speaking countries. Indo-English literature is now well developed and internationally recognized.

Most of the latest literature in science and technology, space research, nuclear technology, medicine, engineering and architecture is in English and India has access to it through the language. Vast treasures of knowledge and research results thus become available.

There are a number of Indian languages. After India became free, the country was reorganised into states on the basis of language spoken. Hindi being spoken by the majority of people was declared the national language. But its imposition was opposed by the southern states of India. Those states were assured that Hindi would not be imposed on them. Thus, English virtually became the link language. It links the northern and the southern states. Hindi continues to be the national language.

There is no competition as such. Each has its own significance. English has been in use for more than 150 years. It has served as a foreign language that has been made good use of by India. Many Hindi words have since been included in English dictionaries. It is happy augury that both Hindi and English languages are flourishing and enriching each other and the country stands to benefit.

A Simple Fact

In any way, the English language has proved a boon and not the bane for India.