The article by Shailaja Chandra, former Secretary to the Government of India and former Chief Secretary of Delhi, reflects on the long-term impact of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s 1835 education policy. Recent remarks by Narendra Modi about Macaulay and the “mindset of slavery” have renewed debate on the role of English in India.
Chandra explains that Macaulay intended to create a small English-educated class to assist the British administration. Over time, however, English became a practical tool that helped Indians connect with the world while keeping their cultural identity. She notes that family traditions, language, and everyday life at home shaped identity more than schooling.
She also points out that school curricula in the 1950s had major gaps, neglecting topics such as ancient Indian governance, South Indian history, and the trauma of Partition. At the same time, English education helped Indians succeed globally in fields like science, medicine, and space research, while regional languages remained central to daily life.
Chandra further highlights that important thinkers like Jyotirao Phule and B. R. Ambedkar were long ignored in education, leaving many unaware of caste oppression. She concludes that while Macaulay’s policies affected support for some Indian languages, English should be seen as a bridge to the world. The Prime Minister’s remarks, she argues, should encourage Indians to deepen their understanding of India’s history and heritage.
This is an AI-generated summary of an article by Shailaja Chandra.
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