English in India: Colonial Legacy or Gateway to Progress?

July 27, 2025 – 10:20 AM

India, a country defined by its vast linguistic and cultural diversity, is once again debating the role of English in national life. Recent remarks by senior government officials have reignited discussions around language, identity, and power—raising critical questions about what it means to be Indian in a globalized world.

The Legacy of English in India

When the British East India Company set foot in India in the 1600s, their goals were trade and expansion. Over centuries, English evolved from a commercial tool into a dominant language of governance, law, and education under colonial rule.

Post-independence in 1947, India faced a pressing challenge: choosing a national language for its multilingual society. While Hindi was proposed as the official language, backlash from non-Hindi-speaking states led to English being retained as an associate official language. That compromise continues to shape the country’s linguistic policies today.

Political Shifts and New Language Priorities

The debate over English took a sharper turn under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aligned with Hindi-speaking heartlands and a Hindu-nationalist ideology, has promoted Hindi in governance and public discourse. Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent assertion that “those who speak English will soon feel ashamed” sparked controversy, with critics calling it a divisive statement.

Opposition leaders quickly pushed back. Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader in the Indian National Congress, defended the use of English as a tool of empowerment. “English is not shame—it’s strength,” he posted on social media, emphasizing the need to embrace both global languages and local tongues.

The Socioeconomic Divide

English proficiency in India is closely tied to opportunity. Fluency in the language often grants access to higher education, international careers, and upward social mobility. For many young Indians like Shivam Singh, 23, English is a stepping stone to a better future.

“I practiced English for hours using an AI app just to get internships,” Singh said. “It changed everything for me.”

Yet this advantage is not equally distributed. Access to English-medium education is mostly concentrated in urban, wealthier areas. People from rural regions or marginalized communities often find themselves excluded from opportunities that require English communication.

“I lost out on job chances because I didn’t know English,” said Vijay Kumar, a computer teacher in Delhi who never received English instruction in school.

Cultural Identity and Resistance

The Modi government’s language policies are viewed by some as a political strategy. Promoting Hindi can help consolidate support among northern voters, but it also risks alienating India’s southern and eastern states, where languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali are deeply rooted in regional pride.

Clashes recently erupted in Mumbai and other cities over the imposition of Hindi in schools and public spaces. In southern states like Tamil Nadu, protests have intensified against policies seen as favoring Hindi at the expense of local languages and English.

According to Ashoka University professor Rita Kothari, targeting English is a subtle way for the government to promote Hindi without directly confronting powerful regional identities. “Since they can’t publicly challenge southern pride, English becomes the scapegoat,” she said.

The Role of English in India’s Development

Despite its colonial origins, English has become a symbol of modernity and progress in India. The language enables participation in global markets, academic research, and diplomacy. India’s English-speaking workforce has been central to the rise of its tech and service sectors, drawing billions in foreign investment.

India is now home to one of the world’s largest English-speaking populations—over 130 million people, according to the 2011 census. This linguistic asset positions the country as a key player in international business and innovation.

“There is no fear of sidelining English,” said Kothari. “It is too ingrained in our institutions and aspirations.”

Endangered Languages and Cultural Loss

While debates focus on English and Hindi, many of India’s indigenous languages face extinction. Nearly 200 Indian languages are considered endangered, and more than 220 have disappeared in the last five decades, according to the People’s Linguistic Survey of India.

Aloka Kujur, a tribal writer and activist from Jharkhand, warns that the rise of dominant languages has marginalized communities like hers. “Kuduk is our identity,” she said, referring to her native language. “But it’s slowly vanishing from daily life.”

UNESCO categorizes Kuduk as “vulnerable.” The erosion of such languages, experts argue, weakens India’s cultural fabric.

Striking a Balance: Multilingualism as Strength

India’s future lies not in choosing one language over another but in embracing its multilingual identity. As linguist Ayesha Kidwai of Jawaharlal Nehru University noted, “English is no longer just a colonial hangover—it’s a tool of aspiration.”

Education policy, scholars say, should promote English as a skill while nurturing regional languages through meaningful curriculum and cultural investment. Equitable access to language learning can help bridge divides, rather than deepen them.

Conclusion

Language in India is not just a means of communication; it is deeply tied to identity, politics, and power. As the country navigates its place in the 21st-century world, the debate over English reflects larger questions about who gets to participate in the nation’s future.

Maintaining a balance between cultural heritage and global engagement will be key. English is unlikely to disappear, but ensuring its benefits reach all Indians—regardless of region or class—remains a challenge policymakers must address.

Source: CNN – A colonial hangover or a linguistic leg-up? India grapples with the enduring appeal of English