Hari, a dalit from Ramgarh got opportunity to complete his education in an English medium school. How did the English medium impact his life?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Knowledge of English opened doors of opportunities for jobs which were formerly closed for him.
Option (1) Knowledge of English opened doors of opportunities for jobs which were formerly closed for him. — Correct. English remains a mark of privilege, and not knowing it is a disadvantage in the job market. For groups who were traditionally denied formal education, such as the Dalits, knowledge of English may open doors of opportunities that were formerly closed. Hari, a Dalit who got an English medium education, is the very case.
Option (2) Knowledge in English reduced his social position — Incorrect. English works the other way: since it is a mark of privilege, knowing it raises a person’s standing rather than lowering it.
Option (3) A strong command of English was disadvantageous. — Incorrect. It is not knowing English that is a disadvantage in the job market; a good command of it is an advantage.
Option (4) Knowing English did not prove to be an advantage in global job markets. — Incorrect. Knowledge of English has given Indians an edge in the global market, so this states the reverse of what happens.
NCERT (2025-26): “Let us take the example of the English language to show how its impact has been many sided and paradoxical in India. This is not a matter about wrong spellings alone. English is not only widely used in India but we now have an impressive body of literary writings by Indians in English. This knowledge of English has given Indians an edge in the global market. But English continues to be a mark of privilege. Not knowing English is a disadvantage that tells in the job market. At the same time for those who were traditionally deprived of access to formal education such as the Dalits, knowledge of English may open doors of opportunities that were formerly closed.” |