Language Row's Lost Its Sting. Netas Take Heed

As far as English is concerned, let there be no doubt about its relevance in the age of AI

- SHASHI SHEKHAR

It was the Allahabad (present-day Prayagraj) of the 20th century's "swinging sixties" decade. British rule had ended two decades ago, but in a city teeming with the old "gentry," the "colonial ways" were still visible. The Civil Lines observed the tradition of "lunch break," and in many shops, salesmen wearing ties could be found speaking in English.

The city was proud of its university, dubbed the "Oxford of the East," considered the essential first step towards cracking the civil services. The city was host to many poets and writers. Indira Gandhi, the prime minister of India, too was born in Allahabad. The city had enough reasons to feel snooty and entitled.

In such an atmosphere, one day a city resident woke up to a surprise when they saw slogans written in coal tar on the walls of the local church, convent schools and some other prominent places debunking the English language, exhorting, "Angrezi hatao Bharat bachao (Remove English, save the country)."