LORD MACAULAY`S ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, 2 FEBRUARY, 1835
“ I have traveled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such caliber, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation” How true Macaulay was!! He understood what we failed to, regarding our culture, education system, our backbone. No surprise that how British successfully managed to rule India for so many years and change the Face of India like a slow killing poison..
India, from urban to village, is in such a state where it’s neither completely western nor Indian.
Today, command on English Language is a Prestige Issue in India. Then whether u know your mother tongue or not is an secondary issue. That time isn’t too far when most of the schools in India will be replaced with English Medium
Courtesy: total insecurity of parents about the future of their kid if he/she doesn’t know English.
No doubt that for development of individual, family, village and country global expansion/exchange is very necessary. But not at the cost of our own culture, certainly.
Take example of recent Ads from Idea about educating Indian children. They are endorsing great cause, no doubt, but have you noticed that they show children learning only English, in each of their advertisement? Is learning English only education?? We take it lightly, but villagers etc. have huge influence of such advertisements on them and get carried away with such messages.
Children should be made aware of Indian values as they are introduced to western ones. They should be freed from the concept that every western thing is great or good. We need to learn everybody’s language and culture, but not by forgetting ours.
Alas!! See their influence, I am writing even this Blog in English!!
