Jagan Mohan Reddy: English Should Be Medium of Education Across India, But Mother Tongue Comes First

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy recently spoke about the need for English to be adopted as the primary medium of instruction in schools across India, while also stressing that mother tongue must never be neglected. He was addressing a gathering on the occasion of World Telugu Conference in Tirupati, where he clearly stated that while English is important for global opportunities and national competitiveness, students must also be grounded in their regional languages for identity, culture and emotional development.

I found this topic important because it touches on a debate that’s both practical and emotional for many Indian families. As someone who has seen parents struggle to pick between English medium and mother tongue schools, I believe this is a conversation that needs attention. Balancing career prospects with cultural roots is not easy, and when political leaders take a stand on this, it influences educational policy and public opinion. Jagan’s view reflects what many people feel — that English can’t be ignored, but neither should we forget the languages we grew up speaking at home.

English as a Tool for Opportunity

During his speech, Jagan said English should become the universal medium of instruction in India to help children succeed in a globalised world. He explained that fluency in English gives students a head start in competitive exams, higher education and job markets, both in India and abroad.

In his own state of Andhra Pradesh, the government has already made English medium mandatory in government schools from Class 1 onwards. This shift is supported by large investments in school infrastructure, digital learning tools and teacher training to help manage the transition.

Some points he highlighted:

English proficiency gives students better access to resources and information
It helps bridge the rural-urban education gap
Parents themselves prefer English medium as they see it as a way for their children to get ahead in life

Importance of Mother Tongue in Education

While he firmly stood by the push for English, Jagan was also clear that mother tongue should not be left behind. He said a child’s emotional and cultural development is tied closely to their native language. That’s why Telugu language studies remain mandatory in schools across Andhra Pradesh, even in English medium institutions.

He stated that:

Learning in mother tongue in the early years helps children understand basic concepts better
Cultural identity and pride are rooted in language
Students should be fluent in both their mother tongue and English for a complete education

What the NEP Says About Language

Jagan’s view aligns partially with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes multilingual education. The NEP suggests using the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction at least until Class 5, but it does not ignore the importance of English.

The NEP aims to make children proficient in at least three languages. However, there’s flexibility for states to implement this policy based on their local needs. Andhra Pradesh’s decision to go with full-scale English medium from Class 1 is a departure from the NEP’s recommendations but follows a practical outlook many states are considering.

Public Response and Ground-Level Realities

Many parents in Andhra Pradesh have supported this English medium policy, even in rural areas. Enrolment in government schools has increased in some districts due to this shift. However, critics say rushing into English medium without sufficient teacher preparation could backfire.

Teachers’ unions have raised concerns about training gaps and pressure on students who are first-generation English learners. Some also argue that Telugu-medium education should have been improved instead of being phased out.

Still, the government claims that the change is being made with proper planning and phased implementation, including bridge courses and support for teachers.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.