Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has once again reignited a crucial national debate on India’s education system, questioning the dominant role of English as the medium of instruction. In his own words, “English as the medium of instruction is a status symbol from our colonial past,” a legacy that continues to deepen divides between India’s urban elites and rural youth.
Is English Medium Essential?
Vembu’s core argument cuts to the heart of a long-accepted belief. He asks bluntly:
“Should we still value English as the medium of instruction? We should learn English as a language but does it make sense to make it the medium for teaching mathematics or history or technology or medicine?”
This challenges the status quo that has positioned English fluency as the gateway to upward social mobility and global competitiveness. For Vembu, this mindset is both outdated and harmful, functioning less as a bridge and more as a barrier.
A Colonial Hangover Widening Societal Divides
The Zoho founder doesn’t mince words about the social consequences. He observes:
“English as a status symbol is a bigger barrier today than caste.”
This stark statement underscores how language is a potent divider, locking many rural and non-English-speaking children out of opportunity and a true sense of belonging. This divide is cultural and emotional, alienating vast swathes of Indian youth from their heritage.
Embracing Regional Languages for Inclusion and Pride
Vembu’s proposed solution is clear and bold: “Every kid in Bengaluru must study in Kannada (not just learn Kannada!) and in Chennai must study in Tamil.” He draws on international examples to validate this:
“The Netherlands, which has only a quarter of the population of Tamil Nadu, mandates Dutch as the medium of instruction, and children adapt quickly.”
For Vembu, teaching core subjects in mother tongues is about nurturing cultural identity and pride, not impeding progress. It’s a move to connect children deeply to their roots rather than alienate them.
English Fluency: A Skill, Not the Centerpiece
Importantly, Vembu clarifies his stance is not anti-English. He shares insights from Zoho’s own operations:
“We never made it a requirement to be fluent in English and our engineers learn enough English to read English documentation, just as engineers in Japan, China, Korea, and Germany all do.”
In other words, proficiency in English as a work tool—particularly for reading technical materials—is sufficient. Day-to-day communication, collaboration, and learning can thrive in regional languages without hampering innovation or global competitiveness.
A Call for Mental Shift and National Reconnection
Ultimately, Vembu calls for a profound change in mindset:
“We must stop making excuses. It starts with our mental attitudes towards our nation and our fellow citizens.”
This means recognizing that reliance on English-medium education perpetuates exclusion and cultural disconnection. To build a nation resilient in identity and capability, education must be inclusive and grounded in native languages.
