Personal Thought: Importance of English in modern India

English is a foreign language. But, it is an international language because it is spoken and written in many countries of the world and a force behind politics. So people learn it. This language is the medium through which people of the world understand one another; in short it may be said that it is one of the most powerful languages for a man to express himself anywhere in the world.
English has the prestige of an international language. Whether English should continue in free India or not, there is a great controversy.
There are two types of people who give their own arguments for and against the use of English in India.
First type of the people are those who oppose English on the following grounds:
First, English is the language of the white people. It was brought into India by the British rulers. Now, we are free. Our freedom is meaningless if we do not have our own language which can be called as a national language. It's a shame that even after independence we do not have our own language they say.
Secondly, English is a difficult language to learn. As we know very well that the literacy percentage in India is very low. In this circumstance, learning of English becomes more difficult. So we should not impose it.
Thirdly, a language is a medium to express oneself and be understood. When we have already a rich language, like Hindi, then why is English imposed on us.
Fourthly, a free country must have its own national language; without it no country in the world can ever progress. Japan is the best example before us.
Second type of the people are those who support English on the following grounds:
First, India is a developing country. It is necessary to change economic and political life of the people. For this purpose, knowing English is very important. Secondly, our foreign policy is based on peaceful co-existence. Some good medium is necessary for the exchange of ideas. Hence English is necessary as it is widely used in the world.
Thirdly, the English literature is full of scientific and technical developments. We should take its help. Fourthly, English language is an international language.
In the end, I would conclude that both the views carry weight- the first view carries some traditional thought while the second view is scientifically based with stress on progress in all the fields. We have to accept English language whole heartedly for our nation and the next generation's welfare. Some opine that God had planned this language to prosper in our times. Let His will prevail.
Arun Singh