A disclaimer. I can understand Hindi and Marathi, and I can hold a reasonable conversation on the subject. but I will not be able to express myself in a public speaking in a language other than English.
The English-only advocate seem to give an impression that their opponents want Hindi-only. This is not just absurd, but a deliberate attempt to obfuscate the issue. What is being tested is not language skill, but an ability to analyse and express the analysis. Anyone who is not proficient in English will obviously have a great difficulty in the expression. The ability to analyse is not enhanced by knowing English.
Furthermore, the ones aspiring for IAS, etc., will have reasonable knowledge of English to have a discussion and conversation. If you were to meet Narendraji, as my son (whose knowledge of Hindi and Marathr is poorer than mine) experienced, he is quite happy for you were to speak to him in English. He will respond mostly in Hindi.
Another issue that is made out is the issue of merit. Again, the implication is that only those who know English would be considered to be meritorious. This too is absurd.
As in so many other issues, this debate shows another example of the English dominated dumbing down.
Namaste.
Ashok Chowgule
How do you think Hindi will be developed when you do not use it? Since Hindi is not Developed (according to you) you will not use it and since it is not in use, it will not develop, isn't it true? Has English been that developed? We have Bhaarateey version of English is it not? Is it decelopment of English? Just an excuse to continue with English and another chance for English educated 'intellectuals;' to call everything 'Bhaarateey' as backward.
In case it is considered that Hindi is not 'liked' by southerners and hence may not be made Natuional language, then why not get our ancient (and fully developed) Sanskrut in place ofd Englis\h? After all English is the language of our जेते. Lord McCauley the Education member of Vice Roy's Council had said in British Parliament in 1830s that by introducing British system of Education (with English medium) is needed so that British Rule will not be opposed by the intellectuals and we shall have Bhaarateey subject as Bhaaraterey bodies with British minds. And that is what we have got, is it not? That is why we have learned people like T S Krishnaamurthysaheb that want English to continue as our official language as well. There is no pride in Bhaarateeytv, is it so? At present Bhaarat has merely (even less than) 5% English speaking people. That means other Bhaarateey people will have always to remain underlings to them, is it? As far as language development is concerned please note that Sanskrut is the most सुसंस्कृत language in the world since ancient times. Even Latin is भ्रष्ट स्वरूप of संस्कृत while English and other European languages are further भ्रष्ट स्वरूप of Latin. Can you call English language even 'Developed'? All Bhaarateey languages (including Hindi) are only भ्रष्ट स्वरूप ofसंस्कृत just like Latin so superior to any European language, don't you agree sir?
We have kept संस्कृत out of use, branding it as 'dead language'. Kindly note that all out ancient साहित्य including Science (i.e. शास्त्र) is in संस्कृत. And whatever we are learning (in English as well) as Science is already there in our Vedas. We shall know all the Science that we want to learn from Vedas, and we can get that by knowing संस्कृत. Please note that nothing given in the Vedas has as yet been proved 'wrong' by Modern Science.
Therefore let us make Sanskrut as our Official language, throwing English away, for using only while dealing with outside people, don't you agree sir?
With regards,
------Mukund Apte
I am glad at least TS Krishnamurthy had emphasized importance of English in India.
World’s two biggest Mid Air Aircraft Collisions of Civilian Aircrafts – were due to Simple Communication errors. Aircrafts land in different Runway or different airport due communication errors.
But it is a fact that HINDI is yet to Develop as a National Language in which World’s Science, Technology, Business, Our Art & Culture is available.
China or Japan or other countries who have native language for all purposes first standardized it and were doing all their National Official & Business in native language for over 60-70 years atleast.
Hindi is still languishing in Munshi Prem Chand era. NDTV Hindu is inspired by him. Hindi in states like Punjab, Haryana UP, Bihar, MP and Jharkhand, is not the same - Gujarat and other non Hindi states is different.
India performed EXTREMELY poorly in Science & Technology – all Developed countries have Patents and Research papers, business and trade is all in National Languages.
India NEEDS English as language of Knowledge and Progress, Linking India.
Fact is Non Hindi states don’t work in Hindi Language – Documents of Maharashtra and Gujarat are in local languages and scripts. There are over 20 non Hindi-English languages in India. Hindi is in no position to PROVIDE even as a link language.
World is rapidly Globalizing and no foreign country is interested in Interacting With India in Hindi language. Our foreign trade is almost 50% of GDP presently may grow even faster.
I was student of Alliance François in 1977 – no Frenchmen would speak in English, same for Germans, Japanese, Chinese – they have quickly realized their mistakes most of their officials are fluent in English these days.
Even Religious Texts are in Sanskrit and translation in to Hindi is not getting popular.
Hindi will not replace English in near future.
Ravinder Singh, National General Secretary.
Sabka Bharat Mission 2019
Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi -110016
Ph: 9650421857, 9718280435
Abandoning English from governance is certainly not in national interest
TS KRISHNAMURTHY Former Chief Election Commissioner
Aug 05 2014 The Economic Times (Delhi)
Abandoning English from governance is certainly not in national interest
The decision to do away with the weightage for marks in English section in Civil Services Examination for selection purposes can only be described as most unfortunate. It is a pity that the whole issue is seen by the stakeholders including the politicians as Hindi vs English. While people globally are trying hard to improve their English for employment and trade purposes, some misguided youth and interested groups including politicians and vernacular media have chosen to take a contrary view.
I entirely agree with the Arvind Verma Committee's views that the status quo should continue with some modification on the translation of questions into Hindi.
While the government has resorted to the easy way out, I am afraid it is going to set a very bad precedent. Recruitment conditions have to be in the larger interest of the nation.
Candidates selected for various services will be required to serve in different and diverse linguistic states. Will persons posted in non Hindi states refuse to pass exams in the language tests of the governments when posted in these states? The candidates from non Hindi states will now be motivated to refuse to appear in Hindi exams when posted in Hindi speaking states. Modifying examination conditions to suit examinees’ demands is like modifying tender conditions, while procuring materials, to suit a supplier's convenience.
The better course would have been to provide free coaching facilities to all aspiring candidates in Hindi & other regional languages. One of the institutes of learning in Chennai, promoted by a distinguished captain of industry, successfully provides free coaching in English for students weak in the language joining engineering courses.
Let it be clearly understood that abandoning English from our governance is certainly not in national interest in the long-term.