Unfortunately, the status of English in India has become inseparably linked with that of Hindi—often in ways that are confusing and controversial. Today, it seems to be a constant debate of Hindi versus English.
This has turned into a long-standing issue, particularly between North and South India. It’s strange that while many promote English, no one openly says it should come at the cost of Hindi. After all, Hindi is the language of the majority—something English can never truly be. That should be clear.
National Language or Foreign Influence?
English can never be the national language of India, simply because it doesn't represent the masses. Hindi, on the other hand, is spoken widely and belongs to India’s cultural identity.
Another reason people often criticize English is that it’s still seen as a foreign language—a leftover from colonial rule.
When I came to Karnataka, I realized that very few people here understand or speak Hindi. That in itself wasn’t a big issue. The real challenge was that Kannada is the official state language, and in many places, not knowing it creates real difficulties—especially when reading signs, asking for help, or navigating public services.
Language and National Unity
Interestingly, even some of India’s most important competitive exams—like IIT-JEE, IAS, and other civil services—offer papers in both English and Hindi. This raises an important question:
If Hindi is supposed to be our national language, then why isn’t it universally accepted and promoted across all states?
Let me be clear—I'm not saying any particular language is bad or inferior. But I do believe that knowing Hindi should be seen as a basic necessity, especially for those moving across different parts of India. Not knowing Hindi in a Hindi-speaking region can leave people feeling like outsiders in their own country. Worse, they might be taken advantage of simply because they don’t understand the language.
Let’s not forget that in most Indian states, Hindi is either the official language or the most commonly spoken mother tongue.
One Positive Thing I Noticed
Despite the language barriers, one thing I truly appreciated during my stay in Karnataka is that the people here are very helpful and kind. Even if you don't speak the local language, they often go out of their way to assist you.
Thank you for reading.
Let me know your thoughts on this topic. Do you think Hindi should be promoted more? Or should English continue to dominate?
– Ashutosh
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