The Outlook magazine Feb 1 issue focuses on India at 60. I was delighted to see some powerful references to English, that I am quoting below:

From Nandan Nilekani

His article spoke about how there are various ways in which our national

identity is defined - linguistic, religious etc.

” English acts as a glue because it is a neutral language. English was a

compromise to ensure everybody had an equal footing. Later, it became a

language of aspiration and opportunity because of globalisation and IT.

We even have English groups among Dalits, for example, people like

Chandra Bhan Prasad say English is the language of empowerment for

Dalits”.

From Mrinal Pande

Today it is undeniable that English has come to signify social status and

good education in India. And, with TV and mobile phones guaranteeing

connectivity to villages in the remotes areas, the English language has 

begun to wash even in the rural backwaters. Anecdotal evidence also

suggest that knowledge of English helps not just in getting better jobs but

also substantially improves one’s chances in the matrimonial market.

Maids, drivers, guides and even beggars earn better if they can speak

English. The Samajwadi leadership that supported Hindi has been

trounced in UP and the Dalits in power are singing paeans to the “English

Devi”, whose birthday was celebrated with Lord Macaulay’s, with Dalit

thinker Chandra Bhan Prasad cutting a cake! Mayawati has recently

declared that English will be taught in all state run schools in UP.

All states face a severe shortage of teachers armed with necessary skills

for teaching the Queen’s English. But in the age of revolutionary inventions

in communication technology, if there is a will, it can be tackled.

?