Today, most people are aware that English is the most commonly used language among foreign language speakers. Moreover, English is no longer a foreign language in the strictest sense. Having the ability to contact with people globally and travel easily is just two of the many reasons for gaining English language skills.

In business, speaking English creates opportunities. English also enhances career prospects. It is internationally recognized as the language of science. Most knowledge related to computers or health is in English.

English has given the world a wealth of literature. Having the ability to appreciate books written by English-speaking authors in their original form is a far more rewarding experience than reading translations, where the subtleties and nuances of the language are often lost.

In our society, speaking English fluently is highly regarded and sought after. Consequently, English speakers are given greater credence. Moreover, spoken English is now termed a skill by the government through its Directorate General of Employment of Training, which has designed Modular Employable Skills approved by the National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT).

I have been active in promoting English in my home state Bihar where the government has begun to implement English training programmes for teachers as well as students.

Experimental studies suggest that public campaigns aimed at informing parents and children of the benefits of English skills are very effective at increasing enrolments in private schools, leading to higher incomes.

Thanks to initiatives by the government, which I have been privileged to be part of, the people have been made aware of the payback English provides.

English is a passport to the jobs market. Youths in the state naturally crave access to it. Many years ago I established British Lingua at a time when the importance of English was a burgeoning concept for most people.

English is here to stay.

(Birbal Jha, PhD from Patna University, has written around 20 books on English language and personal growth. He is currently imparting spoken English training to Mahadalit youths in Bihar. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached on birbaljha4@gmail.com)

Why the Hindi belt must embrace English