Is English a foreign language in India?

The article discusses the ongoing debate in the Supreme Court regarding whether English should be considered a 'foreign language' in India, particularly in the context of CBSE's three-language formula. Experts Apoorvanand and Ganesh Devy argue that English, despite its foreign origin, has been 'Indianised' and plays a crucial role as a link language, for social mobility, and in higher education. They delve into its complex history, from colonial imposition to its adoption by Indians for liberation and aspiration. The discussion also highlights the impact of English and Hindi on other regional and Adivasi languages, critiquing 'Hindi imperialism' and the limitations of the Census of India's language data. The experts emphasize India's inherent multilingualism and the concept of functional languages, while also acknowledging the commercial interests driving English education.