Hyderabad – A major seminar held by the Telangana Education Commission (TGEC) on Monday focused on the growing demand for English-medium education in government schools. The event also tackled how to improve spoken English skills among students.
TGEC Chairperson Akunuri Murali led the session, while Prof P L Vishweshwar Rao opened the discussion. He noted that the Commission is looking at the issue openly, aiming to do what’s best for students. The central question: how to balance educational equity, quality, and employability through language choices in schools.
Experts from across India joined the seminar. Speakers included Dr Vijay Kumar Tadakamalla and Dr Santhosh Mahapatra from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, and R. Sridhar Rao from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. The focus was not on teaching methods but on whether English should be the medium of instruction in public schools.
Murali acknowledged ongoing debates. Some advocate using regional languages in schools, while others argue that English is key to higher education and job opportunities. He said these are not just ideological issues but practical ones.
Santosh Eshram, who works with tribal children, explained that many students struggle with unfamiliar content in English textbooks. He stressed the need to teach spoken English through play and real-life context. Ashok Reddy, a school assistant and Fulbright Fellow, added that although schools are labeled English-medium, teachers often still rely on Telugu in classrooms. He suggested a bridge training program for teachers to help them adapt gradually.
Several speakers touched on cultural and political issues. Prof Sujatha Surepally and others said that young children should first learn in their mother tongue. They argued that learning English as a language should be separate from using it as the medium of instruction.
Prof Raju Naik and Mazher Hussain (COVA) supported early exposure to English, citing brain development studies. They said learning languages before age nine is easier and more effective.
Dr Mahapatra proposed a flexible approach. He recommended using Telugu to teach English, while providing English-language materials. Prof Vijaya Kumar warned against the myth that introducing multiple languages early always improves learning. He said research shows this isn’t always true.
Dr Lina Mukhopadhyaya from EFLU highlighted the need for home-language support. She acknowledged that society increasingly values English, especially in a digital and globalised world. Prof Padmaja Shaw also noted that students with strong English skills often have more access to opportunities. However, she cautioned that promoting English should not come at the cost of cultural identity.
An open forum allowed teachers, parents, and students to share their views. Some saw English as a path to success, while others worried about cultural loss and whether teachers are ready for the shift. Many described how language can both open doors and create barriers.
In his closing remarks, Chairperson Murali addressed a key concern: many families believe that English education offers better future prospects. He emphasized that any decision must focus on children's needs and parents' hopes.
Prof Vishweshwar Rao concluded by sharing that TGEC had visited districts across Telangana. He reported strong support for English-medium education, even in poor communities. This shows a grassroots push for equal opportunities through language.
