English: The Currency of Hope
In a quaint town nestled against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea stood a government school, where most children from modest backgrounds received their education at Calicut?—?a city with a close-knit community where education and traditions are upheld with great reverence and harmony. The government school, while commendable, did not offer English as a medium of instruction. Ironically, my government-school-teacher parents dreamt of their son pursuing an English education despite the limited resources at their disposal.
Among several English medium schools like the St Joseph’s Boys, the Providence Girls, and the St Joseph’s Anglo-Indian School in the city, Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) School, East Hill, known for its quality education and proficiency in English, loomed large in their thoughts. Moreover, being a coeducation space, it also promised a broader spectrum of opportunities. After getting admission at KV, to my convenience but with a heavy heart, my parents sold their ancestral home to shift to a rented accommodation near a new house constructed at Karaparamba, neighbouring East Hill.
Meanwhile, foreseeing the competitive landscape of the future, my parents encouraged me not merely to learn English but to master it. They invested in English literature books and even subscribed to English newspapers, journals, and television channels. Parents scrimped and saved, sacrificed some comforts, and even sought support from relatives and well-wishers who shared their vision.
In the middle of the month, wallets usually whisper hope for the coming weeks. But for once, the air was thick with uncertainty. In my fifth grade, my parents, resilient souls with calloused hands from years of hard work, found themselves at a crossroads that threatened to shake the foundation of our humble existence. In mid-September, with several debts, they had a meagre 2 rupees in hand!
As the realisation dawned upon them, their faces mirrored a mixture of concern and determination. Our small, rented home suddenly felt like a fortress besieged by financial woes. Yet, amid that storm, my parents clung to an unyielding resolve to weather the challenges and secure an English education for their son.
Memories are bright in the parents’ eyes, which sparkle with excitement and gratitude whenever their son donned the KV uniform. Today, when I look back, my parents’ insistence on English education has paid off, and the dividends are evident in my burgeoning career as a professor at CHRIST University, Bangalore. It’s also gratifying to claim a book translation to English, a bunch of English articles, 100-plus workshops, and panel discussions to credit in English. But why did my parents insist upon pursuing an English education?
As a global lingua franca, English is a gateway to a broader world. It had taken me to places that I had once dreamed of. Moving to the Delhi School of Economics for higher studies allowed me to connect with global perspectives, access a vast array of literature, communicate seamlessly, forge friendships with people from various cultures, and embrace adaptability and diversity with open arms, especially in my assignments abroad for various endeavours and exchange programs at Sri Ram College of Commerce?—?New Delhi, Providence Women’s College?—?Calicut, IIM Kozhikode, and currently at CHRIST, in professional capacities.
Proficiency in English also allowed me to navigate through varied resources, collaborate with teams across borders, and stay abreast of the developments in Commerce and allied subjects of my interest. All of these echoed the sentiment that in a world where communication and information transcend borders, aptitude in English becomes a pivotal competence to contribute, collaborate, and thrive.
The historical, cultural, and economic influence of English has also transformed the educational landscape, providing opportunities for individuals and nations to connect, cooperate, and prosper. Institutions such as the United Nations and international corporations adopted English as a primary means of communication, solidifying its status as the de facto global language for accessing and disseminating knowledge. Leading universities worldwide adopted English as the medium of instruction, attracting students and faculties from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Today, the language of the internet, business, and innovation is predominantly English. This linguistic homogenisation facilitated the seamless exchange of knowledge, ideas, and research on an unprecedented scale, contributing to advancements in science, technology, and the humanities. English proficiency has become synonymous with cultural capital and soft power on a global stage. As a passport to a universe of diverse ideas and experiences and a catalyst for personal growth and global connectivity, English plays a pivotal role in opening several doors and ensuring one remains a competent player in the dynamic world of opportunities.
The ongoing evolution of English in education, which my parents foresaw, reflects the complex interplay between language, power, and the pursuit of knowledge on a global scale. Critics, however, argue that English perpetuates linguistic imperialism, marginalising non-English-speaking cultures and languages. Additionally, the cost and accessibility of English-language education are perceived to create inequalities, limiting opportunities for those who cannot afford language education.
When I look back, the two rupees, worn and crinkled, symbolised more than a mere currency. They embodied the sacrifices made, the dreams deferred, and the relentless pursuit of a better life. Little did we know that those two rupees would become a poignant chapter in our family’s journey. The struggle that ensued was not just about making ends meet; it was a battle for their son’s continuity of English education. My parents, unsung heroes in a narrative often dominated by material success, decided to ensure no collateral damage to my education in the face of financial adversity. And I continued attending school, oblivious to the sacrifices they made on my behalf. The worn-out notebooks and hand-me-down uniforms bore witness to the silent yet resilient battles fought daily.
The two rupees, initially a symbol of scarcity, transformed into a testament to resilience, love, and an unbreakable familial bond. Years later, as I stand on the precipice of my dreams, I reflect on that poignant chapter in our lives. Those two rupees and the English were the currency of hope, the investment in the future yet to unfold.
Our story is not unique; countless families are navigating the tumultuous seas of financial hardship. But in the simplicity of two rupees lies a lasting impression?—?that love and determination can turn meagre into abundance and that the currency of hope transcends the tangible. Today, as I embark on various professional and personal adventures, I carry with me the invaluable lesson my parents had deeply sown?—?that in the fast-paced world, staying relevant often begins with mastering the language that serves as the common thread tying together a tapestry of global possibilities. That’s English!
Note: This article (on the theme: The significance of English Education) is published in the 2024 souvenir of St Joseph’s Boys High School, Calicut, established in 1723.