“You may be well qualified, but without English there’s little scope for decent job opportunities,” said Rakul Sinha, an engineering graduate learning English from a South-Delhi coaching institute. Sinha echoes the sentiments of a large section of the Indian youth. The need for a common language in an increasingly globalised community, is making English more important than ever.
India has the second-largest number of English speakers, and the language is being adopted further to facilitate access to a host of opportunities in jobs and relationships. The demand for an English medium education is at odds with the government’s agenda to popularise Hindi in schools. India’s Culture Minister, Mahesh Sharma, recently went on record saying that Hindi should be made compulsory in all schools.
The Era of English
A recent report released by District Information System for Education (DISE) suggests that enrolment in English-medium school doubled in 2013-14 as compared to 2008-09. In the same timeframe, Hindi-medium schools saw just a 25 percent rise. The biggest jump in English-medium enrolment was seen in primarily Hindi-speaking states.
“In call centres, there’s a stark difference in salary offerings for Hindi and English processes. English-speakers are paid more, so an applicant realises the value of this language,” said a student who’s enrolled in a private coaching institute for the English language.
The thrust for English is not just for wider job horizons, but also to meet social standards, as a personality development tool.
“After learning English, I feel confident to talk to anyone. There’s no hesitation”- Gulfiza
“A lot of the people, with jobs in Delhi marry in their native places, such as UP and Bihar. When they bring their wives, they want them to learn English to meet the standards here”
- Shahnawaz Ahmad, Director, Ultimate English Speaking Institute
Striking a Balance
Hindi speakers may find it difficult to communicate or comprehend information in circumstances where English is compulsory, but they don’t wish to get rid of the language.
If you learn English, it doesn’t mean you have to forget Hindi. It’s just an added skill. – Bikram Chandel
I don’t have a problem with Hindi, but I work in the hotel industry, where I face problems in communicating with foreigners.
– Edwin Indwar, Receptionist in a South-East Delhi hotel
The shift towards English-medium schools, as seen in DISE’s survey, supplements the fact that the language is being accorded an increased importance, especially in Hindi-speaking states. The language has become synonymous with a better quality of life. Though it may not guarantee success, but has indeed become one of the essential factors.
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