Several opposition leaders on Friday strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks suggesting that India’s culture and history can’t be understood through foreign languages, especially English. They argued that such views aim to deny the poor access to opportunities and empowerment.
Rahul Gandhi: “English Is a Bridge, Not a Barrier”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to respond:
“English is not a dam, but a bridge. English is not a shame, but power. English is not a chain, but a tool to break the chains,” he wrote.
He further alleged that BJP and RSS discourage poor children from learning English so they remain unable to question authority or access better opportunities. Gandhi also pointed out the hypocrisy of leaders whose own children study abroad while urging the public to reject English.
“They don’t want you in the boardrooms or high-paying jobs. They want the doors closed for you,” he said in a video from a public event.
English and Indian Languages Can Coexist
Gandhi emphasized that all Indian languages are rich in culture and knowledge, and English should be taught alongside them to build a globally competitive and equal India.
Backlash from Kerala Ministers and MPs
R Bindu (Kerala Higher Education Minister)
“English is the most widely used language globally. Denying children the right to learn English will restrict their world.”
V Sivankutty (Kerala General Education Minister)
“No language is higher or lower than another. Shah’s remarks are condemnable.”
CPI MP Sandosh Kumar
He accused Amit Shah of pushing cultural majoritarianism, saying:
“English is a bridge across regions and a tool for the youth and the marginalised. To attack it is to attack their aspirations.”
TMC Voices Strong Criticism
Sagarika Ghose (Trinamool Congress MP)
She called Shah’s statement “preposterous” and added:
“English is aspirational, connects India, and offers global advantage. Indians should never be ashamed of any language.”
Derek O’Brien (TMC, Rajya Sabha)
“India’s strength is in its linguistic diversity — 22 official languages and over 19,500 dialects. The BJP doesn’t understand this ‘unity in diversity’.”
He also criticized the Centre for ignoring India’s multicultural fabric.
Background: What Did Amit Shah Say?
While speaking at a book launch on Thursday, Amit Shah said:
“Those who speak English will soon feel ashamed. India’s culture cannot be understood through foreign languages.”
His statement has sparked nationwide debate, with many accusing the BJP of attempting to restrict educational and employment growth, especially for the underprivileged.
Final Word
The debate over English reflects a larger conversation about equality, access, and identity in modern India. While Indian languages remain central to the nation’s culture, many believe English is no longer a colonial relic, but rather a key to empowerment in a globalized world.
