All major countries, China, Japan, Germany, France have settled the question of medium of instructions long ago. They all use mother tongue as medium of instruction for primary as well as college level.

In India, however, the question still remains unsettled and emotional one. Political parties tend to promote regional state language. Parents however prefer their kids to learn English right from primary level. The reason for this is not the love of English per se but the improved job prospects it offers.

Scientifically, the language experts are clear on this question and recommend that at primary and high school level at least all instructions should be in mother tongue only. The reason being that at that stage children are attempting to grasp concepts and obviously mother tongue remains the best way to convey it to them.

Of-course, there is no denying that learning of English language specially for engineering, medical and science students is an asset. A compromise can be made that while medium should remain the mother tongue but when introducing technical words and concepts their English equivalent may also be indicated both in textbooks and class instructions. India can not afford regional language translations of all the scientific literature and standard medical and engineering textbooks produced in English language. That being the case at professional education level poor knowledge of English will result in a serious disadvantage to all student community.

To be successful all Indian youth must be fluent in two languages at least, their mother tongue and English language. Knowing Hindi is of course very useful and this should be the third language that will help students when they move out of their state.