English occupies an important place in the education system
and in it the life of our country. It is the language that continues to
dominate the national scene. The Union Government took upon itself the
promotion and the development of Hindi as the medium of expression since 1947.
Later on, however, it was realised that Hindi could not replace English by
certain line as it was not understood by the people in the south of the
country. There was considerable opposition to Hindi from the south. As a result
the parliament passed a resolution in 1963 declaring English as the
associate-official language of India till an indefinite period.
English is the language of international politics, trades,
commerce and industry. It has been described as a window to the rapid progress
of technology and scientific knowledge that is constantly taking place in the
world.English has been described as pipeline for the stream of
knowledge in all branches of learning. It, as a library language also is a key
to the storehouse of knowledge. Most of this knowledge is not yet available in
Indian language. It is in this context that the role of English as a library
language becomes Important in India.
English is the link language in India. It is the only
language, which is understood by the educated people all over the country.
Speaking of the role of English as a link language, Jawaharlal Nehru once said,”
If you push out English, does Hindi fully take its place? I hope it will. But I
wish to avoid the danger of one unifying factor fully taking its place. In that
event there will be a gap. The creation of any such gap must be avoided at all
costs. It is this that leads me to the conclusion that English is likely to
have an important place in the foreseeable future.”
“Love Hindi, by all means, but why hates English? Why hate
your career, future happiness? let them- let the politicians- first create a
climate where the learning of Hindi or Marathi, to the exclusion of English, is
profitable practically.”
Those who are purely practical will no doubt take care right
from beginning to learn and teach their children communication through English.
Those who are idealistic may study in their native language but not ignore
English at the advanced level. To be sure students reading in any medium (any
Indian language) can learn to speak and write English with some efforts. But
learn English you must- for your own good.
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