By: Dr. Ashraf Amin
An outdated mindset continues to dominate—one that should have evolved long ago. Many parents insist that schools prioritize English, and to some extent Urdu, in their children’s education—especially English, which they wrongly equate with intelligence. This trend risks creating articulate speakers rather than critical thinkers. Private schools in our Valley have capitalized on this mindset, using English fluency as their main selling point. As a result, they often escape meaningful scrutiny regarding whether they truly foster critical thinking, curiosity, or skill development. English has become their winning strategy, while other essential aspects of education are downplayed.
Sadly, the Kashmiri language—rich with cultural heritage—is practically absent in schools. Parents often feel ashamed if their children speak Kashmiri, even by accident. Some schools go so far as to shame students who use their mother tongue. While there’s nothing wrong with learning new languages, abandoning one’s native language due to a misplaced sense of inferiority reflects a deep identity crisis. It also betrays the legacy of our ancestors who passed down their wisdom through Kashmiri.
Fluency in English should not be mistaken as the ultimate goal of education. True education should help children discover their authentic selves and live meaningful lives. It must equip them for life’s many challenges—moral, emotional, financial, and social. A child who doesn’t speak English fluently can be more intelligent than one who does, provided they are given the right environment to express and develop their potential. Schools should aim to prepare students to face reality with confidence and teach them important life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and social engagement.
Finally, parents obsessed with English and Urdu must show compassion toward their children. Preventing them from speaking their native language is not just unfair—it borders on cultural betrayal. I’ve seen young children struggle to express themselves in Kashmiri, forced instead to use unfamiliar languages. This not only causes emotional discomfort but also suppresses their basic right to free expression—a core human right.
The writer is a Teaches at Central University of Kashmir in the Department of Religious Studies. [email protected]
