Thoughts on #NEP2020

Most of our mother tongues have dialects which give away our roots: our caste.

English doesn't—it acts as a leveller of sorts, which is why the powers that be want to downplay the significance of English and shove classical languages down our throats.

Many so-called progressives (who also happen to be UC) are cheering for this move by the #NewEducationPolicy because think they'll still be respected if they speak in their mother tongue. And let's be honest, they will.

Because whether they're aware of it or not, Brahmin dialects of regional languages still hold that power, of at least being heard.

For oppressed communities, being identified is an essential 1st step to being discriminated against. When their dialect slips out, they're done for.

Languages carry cultures. And it's important to preserve our regional languages. But the thing about regional languages is they can be passed on from generation to generation.

There are crores of first-generation English learners who have no choice but to pick it up from school.

It would be great if you can step out of your privileged bubble for a second to see that English is one of the most efficient tools we have in defeating caste-based inequality in india.

PS: Don't bring up European countries or China. It's a stupid comparison. Yes, they respect their language and give English 2nd priority. Very cool.

Two things though

1) We don't have 1 language that serves as a common thread in India
2) They don't have a prevalent caste system