Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has stirred a fresh debate on language and education by declaring that English is empowering, not shameful, urging that it must be taught to children alongside their mother tongues. Speaking at a recent public interaction, Gandhi emphasized that in today’s interconnected world, fluency in English opens doors to employment, global exposure, and self-confidence.

"Children should be taught in their regional language, but they should also be fluent in English. It's not a betrayal of culture - it's a bridge to opportunity," he said. Gandhi's remarks come amid ongoing political debates over linguistic nationalism, where some states are pushing back against English-medium education.

He argued that the fear or shame associated with speaking English must be dismantled, especially for children from underprivileged backgrounds who often lack access to quality language instruction. His statement highlights the broader need for inclusive, multilingual education that doesn't frame English as elitist but rather as a tool for social mobility and equality.