This present world of science and technology has already shown us a vivid picture of the importance of English in the field of study and a medium of communication. Now every single person is well acquainted about the great use of this language, English. It was during the time of Lord Bentinck as Governor -General that English was first introduced in India. The proposal had met a strong opposition from many influential quarters ; but in the support of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Lord Macaulay, it received Governor General's approval in 1835.
Over a hundred
and seventy two years have passed since then. That the measure has done good to our country by throwing open to us through English the vast storehouse of knowledge in different parts of the world is admitted on all hands. But the situation has changed now, and there is a widespread demand all over India for instruction through the mother tongue. This is natural in these days for every self-respecting people. In fact, steps have already been taken in this direction in all the States of India so that the light of knowledge may reach
every citizen, however humble he or she may be. But English has been still retained as a compulsory subject of study from the secondary education stage in every State.
I am strongly of opinion that it should continue as such for many more years to come for our own good. No doubt, it is a foreign language, the language of our late masters. But knowledge is above all territorial considerations, English is the most widely-read language in the present-day world, and is a subject of study even in some other independent countries where it is not the mother tongue of the people there . The need for learning English is borne out of the fact that Indian engineers and scientists owe their great success in the field of information technology and software exports to a good command over English language. Because of this highly professional and innovative contributions and ability to communicate in English, unlike scientists in many other countries, Indian software professionals have earned a high degree of esteem and they are in great demand around the world. A large number of foreign organizations have opened up back offices in India for works on business process outsourcing, call centers etc. thereby opening up vast employment opportunities. It has also to be borne in mind that none of our regional languages is developed enough to fit as vehicles for higher studies, particularly in scientific subjects.
No doubt, some strides have been made since independence, but much yet remains to be done. There is yet another very important consideration for the retention of English as a subject of study. Ours is a vast land where different people speak different tongues. Most of the people of one state cannot understand the language of another state. This makes it impossible for communication of ideas and growth of a feeling of oneness among the masses in different parts of India. English forms the link language and to abolish it at this stage will be suicidal from the national point of view.
Thinking all the pros of the future of English we all should strictly focus on learning this language and also encourage others to make themselves adept in this language ,English.
THANK YOU
