Derek O'Brien: We Are Indians, and Should Be Free to Say It in Any Language

July 11, 2025:

English has long been more than just a colonial legacy in India—it is a thread that continues to bind a nation of many tongues. Despite growing calls from political leaders like Amit Shah to reduce its prominence, English remains a key to opportunity, unity, and global connection. Voices from history and today remind us that India's relationship with English is not about replacing one language with another but about embracing multilingualism without shame or restriction.

Perhaps Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah may have overlooked the words of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee—whose 125th birth anniversary was recently commemorated—when he addressed the Constituent Assembly: “You have got some time, fifteen years, within which English will have to be replaced. How is it to be replaced? It will have to be replaced progressively. We will have to decide realistically whether for certain special purposes, English should continue to be used in India. As some of my friends have already stated, we might have rid India of British rule—we had reasons for doing so—but that is no reason why you should get rid of the English language... After all, it is on account of that language that we have been able to achieve many things. Apart from the role that English has played in unifying India politically, and thus in our attaining political freedom, it opened to us civilisations from large parts of the world. It opened to us knowledge, especially in the realm of science and technology, which it would have been difficult to achieve otherwise.”

The 'Mortar of Unity'

During the 1960s, there were significant efforts to make Hindi the sole official language. Frank Anthony, a staunch opponent of such moves, described English as the “mortar of unity”. As a Member of Parliament and leader of the Anglo-Indian community, he resisted attempts to diminish the role of English. At the 1961 Language Convention in Madras, he emphasised that English-medium schools were the only nationwide system of secondary education. His advocacy, along with leaders like C Rajagopalachari and K Subba Rao, safeguarded the role of English in post-independence India, preventing what Rajaji described as a “Split-India charter”.

That same year, K Subba Rao—who would later serve as Chief Justice of India—warned: “To force Hindi down the throats of unwilling people will certainly lead to the disintegration of the country. The best course is to maintain the status quo and to continue with English as the official language.” That was the reality of the past. What about today?

Suresh Gopi, a minister in Narendra Modi’s cabinet, reflected on his teacher Zita Fernandez from Infant Jesus Anglo-Indian High School in Kerala, saying: “You enriched us with your talents, culture, and English language skills.” His tribute echoes the gratitude of millions of Indians—including many within the current Union Cabinet—who have benefitted from an English-medium education.

Dr Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and a firm BJP ally, stated: “In the context of Nagaland, English is the officially declared language of the State. This designation is not recent, it is rooted in our history, where English has played a pivotal role for over a century, particularly in the domains of education, governance, and religion. English serves as vital bridges, linking us beyond our borders to the rest of India and to the wider global community.”

The Language We Made Our Own

English is no longer a foreign tongue—it is now an Indian language, shaped by our own accents and idioms. Linguist Peggy Mohan rightly notes that it was Dr BR Ambedkar’s foresight that ensured English remained “equidistant from all communities”, thus preventing the dominance of any one language. Proficiency in English can shift the social and economic future of an entire family.

Certainly, some continue to view English as a symbol of privilege or even a barrier. But when people are shamed for speaking it, we not only erase the layers of our history but also belittle the aspirations of millions who see English as their gateway—to opportunities, to connection, to a global conversation.

What India needs is not less English—it needs more multilingualism. It needs greater respect for Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Hindi, Manipuri, Urdu. And alongside that, it needs the confidence to speak English—without shame, without apology.

We are Indian. And we should be free to say that—in any language we choose.

By Derek O' Brien