M A I L B A G

English a window on the world

The editorial “Advantage ‘Inglish’: Language speaks of Indian success” (July 11). English language has enabled the people in India, as people elsewhere in the world, to exchange knowledge in science and technology, economics and various other subjects. In India, the parochial politics of Hindi zealots in the 1960s had been of no consequence.

A language is merely the medium of communication. Using and learning a foreign language will in no way hurt sentiments of anyone. English is a powerful and effective medium of communication to exchange knowledge all over the world. Politicisation of a language is a mindless exercise. The Tribune editorial rightly asserts: “Being fluent in English is an “international qualification” and can be easily acquired by an Indian to advance his economic prospects.”

Various states have introduced English from Standard I. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has rightly remarked that the sun has set on the British Empire, but the sun cannot set on the world of English-speaking people.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari (HP)

II

The editorial rightly highlighted the importance of English as a skill that facilitates education and employment across borders. However, fluency in English and communicating in English must be segregated from each other.

We may have limitations in being not so fluent in it since English is not a spoken language for most of us and it is a language we do not really think in and thus do not touch the soul of the language. But we manage to put across our point far more clearly than many.

The ills from which the usage of English is suffering today has its roots in the low priority treatment this language has received at the hands of the education policymakers or the ‘parochial politics’. Whether one likes it or not, English has emerged as an international language and it has become obligatory for higher education.

Fortunately, some states like Punjab and Haryana have made English a compulsory subject from Standard I. This is a wise step for the welfare of the people of these states.

Dr I.M. JOSHI, Chandigarh

Even-handed justice The waiving of outstanding electric bills by the Haryana government is morally and economically bad, though politically correct. This can create a situation where, under debt, many agencies may refuse to repay loans. I suggest the following steps for evenhanded justice. The Nalvi canal should be completed on a war footing. Haryana’s beautiful ponds are in a state of neglect. The government should take over these ponds, get them repaired and recharge the water level. Wherever necessary, electric transformers should be installed for stabilising power supply. Why can’t we make best use of the streams originating from the Shivalik foothills to tackle the water crisis? D.P. MAHINDRA, Jagadhri

Dullo’s elevation

This refers to the editorial “Dullo: A man of masses” (July 15). Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo’s elevation is most welcome. He is the first Dalit leader in Punjab to become the Punjab PCC chief.

He is a self-made leader who has risen from the grassroots level to the top position because of his sincerity, hard work, independent thinking and commitment to the policies and programmes of the party. I hope he will work to safeguard the interests of the lower strata of society.

YASH PAUL GHAI, Ludhiana

II

Mr S.S. Dullo is an experienced and seasoned politician who has always worked for the interests of the neglected and the downtrodden. His appointment will, certainly, boost the morale of the rank and file in the Congress party. I hope he will prove himself worthy of the confidence reposed in him by Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

JASWANT GHAI, Chandigarh

Costlier loans

The editorial “Home loans costlier” (June 20) rightly focusses on the problems of the poor and middle class home loanees like me who are 
really in doubt whether to consider converting our floating rate loans into fixed rate loans.

The ICICI Bank helped me construct a house with a loan of Rs 4 lakh at 7.5 per cent interest. But suddenly they raised the interest to 8 per cent. The bank has done it again last month.

Like all other loanees, I am also worried if within one year, one percentage has increased, what will be the figure after 10 years? I feel now that many of my friends were right who used to warn me about the hidden interest of ICICI.

V.K. KURIAKOSE, (On e-mail)