Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has reignited the national language debate by asserting that English is a tool of empowerment, not shame. In a strongly worded post on X, Gandhi emphasized that every Indian child should be taught English, calling it a bridge to opportunity and equality.
“English is not a dam, it is a bridge. English is not shameful, it is empowering. English is not a chain — it is a tool to break the chains,” Gandhi wrote, responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks suggesting that English speakers in India would soon “feel ashamed”.
🗣️ Language and Social Justice
Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of deliberately denying English education to poor children to prevent them from asking questions and achieving equality.
“The BJP-RSS don’t want poor kids of India to learn English — because they don’t want you to ask questions, move ahead, and attain equality,” he stated.
He further argued that in today’s globalized world, English is as vital as one’s mother tongue, offering access to employment, confidence, and global competitiveness.
🌐 A Call for Inclusive Education
“Every language of India has soul, culture, knowledge. We have to cherish them — and at the same time teach English to every child. This is the path to an India that competes with the world,” Gandhi added.
🔥 Political Reactions
Gandhi’s remarks have drawn support from opposition leaders. TMC MP Derek O’Brien highlighted India’s linguistic diversity, noting that 97% of Indians use one of the 22 constitutionally recognized languages as their mother tongue.
Sagarika Ghose, TMC Rajya Sabha MP, added that English is a link language and a global advantage, and no Indian should feel ashamed of any language.
Stay tuned for more on India’s evolving language and education policies.
