A perspective on English in the eyes of a Professor

I recall my Grade-IV (4th class, the way it was known during the Sixties) in the primary school, where I got the first -prize "postal envelope" for getting the highest mark in English.  The second-Prize and third-prize used to be "Inland letter" and "Post card" respectively.  I am respectfully  grateful to  Mr. Bashyam Aiyangar, the school Correspondent, who initiated the encouragement.   Probably, because those special 'recognitions' were only for the English language over other subjects, I have been, till date, consciously passionate about the language.

The second one is my own grand father who would tirelessly go the extra mile to inculcate the niceties of the language.  He never compromised on grammar and handwriting.  If you say, for example, "it is raining", he will not be convinced, only improve it : "It rains".

I trust  these small, certainly significant events  triggered in me a genuine fervour for the language.  If you accuse me of bias for the English language, I shall only be too glad to accept it.  The literary, global and career benefits apart, to put it simply, the language itself is simple and I love it.

While I often wondered what makes English so attractive to a large number of people, I am equally curious to know the current status and the future of the language.  I met Prof. Ashwin Kumar, Dept. of Studies  and Research in English  &  Coordinator, Centre for Education and Research ,Tumkur University, Tumkur at a lecture meeting held in National College, Basavangudi, Bengaluru.  When I told him about my passion for the English language and understand his capitulation and that I would, for a change, "set the question paper for him", he was only too modest to come out with his responses.

Excerpts of my interaction with Prof. Ashwin Kumar:

How do you see the quality of English in the backdrop of the emergence of strong social media like Face Book/SMS/eMail… ?

I see that these are newer and more creative ways of using the English language today.

The syntax and grammar is changing. As there is American English, Queen’s English, there is now an Indian English. Indian English can be divided in regional dialects i.e., Tamil English, Malayalam English, Hindi English and so on.  Does it dilute the quality of the language or it has to be accepted as a part of the change?

I think we all make some distinction between formal occasions for using a language and everyday conversations. In the formal variety, there is no great change in the way the language is used. In fact, it is getting more standardised and simple which is a good thing. Most native speakers of English in the US and UK use extremely idiosyncratic forms of the language to great advantage, in everyday speech. Therefore, there should be no problem when Indians start using it similarly with idiolect-level variation too.

States in India were created on linguistic base.  With nearly 22 regional languages and multiple number of dialects thereof and Hindi as the major language, do you see there is slackening in the quality and progress of English?

English, like any other language, grows by passive historical processes. At any rate, we do not want pit Indian languages against English.

On the one hand there is craze of English medium schools all over India.  The students learn in English medium, but most of them speak in their mother tongue or Hindi with their friends and class-mates.  How do you explain it ?

English is a language of the marketplace. Mother tongues are the languages of the home and the neighborhood. This is the truth about languages in pretty much all cultures across all times in the past. There has been a language or two which are languages of the marketplace and many other languages which are native tongues.

English literature as a subject in our universities had undergone enormous change over the last two or three decades.  Is it true? If so, do you see that over a period of time, big names like William Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson, Charles Dickens ….. all will be buried?

They will all be buried and for the better. Anyway most students learn Shakespeare and Milton without any sense of relevance or appreciation. Therefore it is better not to teach them such stuff. However, a new generation of Indians are emerging, who due to their literary and other aspirations are genuinely interested in world literature and they liberally draw from Shakespeare as much from many other sources. So, there is no fear on that count either.

Is it possible to achieve a hold on English, while keeping the state language as the medium of instruction?

Obviously, yes. Most of us are living, everyday, banal examples of that.

When do you think, on a broad perspective, Indians will realize that it is not possible for them to get by without English ?

They know it alright. That is why the craze to go to English schools.

What steps do you advocate in the educational institutions for the youth and the student community to interact in English?

I don’t think that is the priority. Students must first be equipped to think seriously, something our education does not do. Once there is occasion to think, we will also develop the tools to communicate the thinking, alongside. If not, we will only create call-centre-ready English speakers and not genuine students.

Do you believe that the growth of English will be competing with or complementing other languages?

No. They map onto two distinct domains of our social life by and large. So they cannotbe competitors. At least, not any time soon.

While English is an immensely valuable skill in its own right, we do not live in an English-speaking nation. Do you apprehend socio-political pressures if shown extra enthusiasm to promote English? 

I guess no one in India is itching to promote English more than what people are already demanding. So such a question might not arise.

The foreign language internet is rapidly expanding.  The number of Chinese-speakers, Spanish, Russian or Arabic are far more increasing than English.  Do you see it as a threat to English?

No. It is just that internet is spreading to these language-speaking communities now. In fact, this only mirrors the fact that our world is not made up one major language, but something like 3 or 4 or 5 major languages, like it always was.

What, according to you, will be the global language of the future? Chinese, English or Spanish?

Too soon to tell. I don’t see an immediate dislocation of English from its place of pride.

Do you see any significant change regarding the English grammar employed by the media (print and electronic) in relation to a couple of decades ago?

Usage might have become more informal. But change in grammar? No. People cannot change the grammar of a language so easily like they change their clothes.

When someone speaks fluent English, many people silently slip away from the scene.  Do you believe the fears are unfounded?  What is your advice to get rid of the inferior mindset.

Well, that is because we have not instilled confidence in our youngsters about their capacity to think. And so, invariably they assume that these external indicators mark a powerful and intelligent person: good English, costly wardrobe and trendy accessories. Once we train students in genuine thinking, and they learn to distinguish between genuine intellectual power and mere verbiage, they will easily overcome all inferiority.

Mother-tongue, regional language, national language and English.  What, according to you, is the most important option for survival?

More the merrier. A bigger skill set is better than a smaller skill set.

English as the second language classes are always in demand and non-native speakers are usually eager to find ways to improve their English.  Why, unfortunately, the English-speakers don’t evince the same enthusiasm for learning other languages?

Most knowledge in the world today is available in English. Most experiences can be expressed in English. So what is the need to learn another language? However, wherever people find themselves in a context where they have to learn a new language for functioning better in their immediate world, they definitely learn it.

Are you satisfied with our educational sector in showing adequate progress of the English language?

No. We have to give up the farce of teaching English like a recipe book teaches a new recipe. We need to integrate learning a language with the immediate contexts of everyday and academic communication.

What hurdles you foresee for the future of English?

Since I am not on a mission mode to promote one or the other language, I do not see any hurdles for English.

Do you subscribe to the dream-theme “One World – One Language- Only English”?

God forbid ! Never.

Sir, anything else you wish to share?

As Indians, without English our window to the world is shut. And without our languages, the doors of rooms inside our house are shut.

Thank you very much, Sir, for sparing your precious time and offering your valuable impressions to our blog.

Prof. Ashwin Kumar is also the Editor, International Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities.  The 32-year old scholar has,  to his credit, presented Research Papers, lectures delivered, sessions chaired in various conferences and symposia. He is also a Doctoral student in cultural studies.  He was also a Programme Coordinator in Centre for the Study of Culture and Society (2007-2011) and Screen Writer with Manipal Entertainment Private Ltd. (2004-2005). Mr. Ashwin Kumar is Research Coordinator at Higher Education Innovation and Research Applications (HEIRA). He has an MA from Bangalore University, and is completing his PhD at the Centre for the Study of Culture and Society. His main interest is in Indian languages in higher education, and in faculty development. He is currently Assistant Professor in English at Tumkur University.

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Also read:  http://kmurthy608.blogspot.in/2014/08/wren-martin-rest-in-peace.html

Nandan Nilekani, the square peg in a round hole

Money, politics, politicians, and professionals all make news. If it is Rs.7,700 crores (USD 1,260 million), belonging to a co-founder of a top IT company and also a new entrant to politics, it has to be big news.

“Nilekanis worth Rs.7,700 cr. (USD 1,260 million)”

Nandan Nilekani, the ex-CEO Infosys, on the eve of filing his nomination papers, reveals that he and his wife Rohini jointly hold assets worth Rs.7,700 cr.

Nandan Nilekani--the individual

Nandan, at the outset, deserves to be congratulated for the money well-earned. The announcement infers he must be promptly filing his IT returns.  Do you remember any such huge declarations published anywhere by an Indian politician? “I am proud of the fact that my wealth is completely transparent,” he said. It is heartening to know that he didn’t earn the money “illegally” or “hid it in investment outside the country.”  Will this disclosure guide his senior political colleagues to follow suit?   His intent to serve India rather than running away to lucrative jobs abroad inspires admiration.

Affluent and educated, Nandan has already proved his credentials as a founder and former CEO of the topnotch Infosys tech giant.  When politics and rottenness are supposedly made for each other, here is a self-made scholastic man who has enriched himself financially in an ethical way.  His profile undoubtedly is bound to thrust him into the limelight.  A corporate entry into politics presents a new dimension.

Nandan is known in different “avatars”:

(a) Co-founder of Infosys / Tech guru

(b) Brain behind “Aadhaar” card

(c) Author ("Imagining India") and

(d) Congress party candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Bangalore (South) constituency. The Nilekanis have been generous givers too, donating about Rs.400 crores since 1999 to causes in the areas of education, drinking water resource development, etc.

Nandan Nilekani—the politician

In a recent interview, he has justified his entry into politics. Perfectly welcome. He claims to be a fast-learner and a problem solver.  Is this enough in politics? Will it be possible for him to be a role-model in our democratic system, given the party that the Congress is?

One is intrigued about his compulsions to join the Indian National Congress Pvt. Ltd. If he contested as an Independent candidate, it would have added greater credibility and ensured an emphatic win.  How comfortable would Nandan be to rub shoulders with the likes of Kalmadi? It is difficult to visualize Nandan in the company of Laloo, Sibal, Tiwari, and the others.  A non-Congress ticket would have augured well.  The Congress party is staring at one of the most disastrous defeats in the post-independence era.  This is a totally a different ball game. Can he come out of his comfort zone?  He will be surrounded by Coalgate, Adarsh scam, Commonwealth Games scam, slowing economy, a weak Prime Minister, ignorant Rahul, and arrogant and corrupt ministers.

We are familiar with the dismal performance under the leadership of most qualified economist-turned Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.  With such an impeccable pedigree, playing second-fiddle to Sonia Gandhi is a huge disgrace to the top chair and a burial of his self-respect.  How does Mr. Nilekani explain this dilemma and how does he place himself in such a perspective?

Nandan could have shown his courage by joining AAP.  Was it probably time to repay Congress who in the past offered him a post?  Both Nandan and AAP are planning good things through wrong ways.  His “ideological reason” to join Congress has a weak defence. While the original ideals and values of the Indian National Congress are long back dead, the present Congress is the revised corrupt outfit.

Even if Nandan wins, Congress may not secure even 100 seats in the coming polls. It is either a lose-lose situation or a win-lose one for him. He is not likely to get any power or office after the elections.  He needs to wait and consolidate his ideas for another five years. Probably, Congress is counting on him to win a few seats in the coming elections; Nandan can do it as an Independent candidate anywhere in India, but it is doubtful whether he can do so on a Congress ticket. Congress is on the back foot and needs technocrats like Nandan.  He has joined a party which thrives on corruption.

There may be a section of people of the view that the Rs.7,700 crore can be multiplied by 5 or 10 times.  Yet another theory is floated that he can be an instant “hero” if he spent hardly around 10 per cent of his money in his constituency. In this scenario, it is heartening to see an upright Indian declare his wealth before entering politics, whereas we are all too familiar with people making this kind of money after entering politics. He has dared the taxman to challenge him.

While we are frequented with illiterates and criminals in politics and making it an ugly den, it is refreshing that a “gentleman” with a difference is seeking to redefine politics.  He appears a man of vision.  He is also gutsy he is taking his entry into politics through Lok Sabha and not the back-door entry (Rajya Sabha). He had the opportunity “to join as professor in top universities in the US, join think-tanks, join a Venture Capital firm, and join the World Bank.” He carefully weighed all options and finally decided to give his “time to make the lives of millions of Indians better.”

When asked how the repeated shadow of corruption could be countered, he said “corruption cannot be countered by more policemen, more laws or more ombudsmen. Corruption can be solved by reducing monopolies, reducing discretion and increasing accountability, which is what I know how to do in every area.” He has plans for introducing reforms for higher education.  Why did he not opt to join AAP?  His answer? “Agitational DNA is different from governance DNA, and the AAP has more of the former and less of the latter”.

Nandan Nilekani—the capitalist with a conscience

Nandan is categorical that wealth must be earned through legal and ethical means.  “In a country with as much wealth disparity as India, we should be tempered in our display of wealth.  I am all for austerity.  While working in Delhi for five years (for the Aadhaar project), I didn’t take any salary from the government and was travelling to and fro from Bangalore at my own cost.  My wife joins me in doing philanthropic activities.”

He is humble enough to admit that he is a beneficiary of India’s growth and success.  He doesn’t have any personal needs, least of all any money.  “If, in the rest of my life, I can make a difference to the lives of millions of Indians, I have done my best.  Politics gives the leverage.  I would like the change to happen. I want to be an agent of change.”

Nandan doesn’t have the baggage or the ripe old age of Manmohan Singh or a scammer’s background and is definitely non-controversial.  We need more Nandans playing a constructive role in Indian politics.  It is easy to stay out and trash everything that is wrong with the country and its politics, whereas it warrants a will to become part of it and go about cleaning it from within.

Aadhaar prepared him to enter the political world; otherwise, a leap from Infosys to politics would have been a difficult one.  He strongly advocates the need for “systemic change” for India.

Is he too innocent to realize who he has joined? Is he gambling with his immaculate image?  He certainly adds value to the Congress, but does the party degrade him?

A cat entering a lion’s den.  Wishing you the very best, Sir.
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Read: http://kmurthy608.blogspot.in/2014/04/my-mission-is-to-make-politics-good_1.html

Chennai Diary (March 10 to17, 2014)

10/03/2014: Since I didn’t have much of baggage, I ventured to commute by bus to T,Nagar.    I boarded a waiting Route no.11 and got a seat adjacent to the driver who appeared courteous.  When I extended a 20-rupee note to the conductor, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a ticket for Rs.6/- along with a balance of Rs.14/-.  It took a little while for me to realize that the fare remained at Rs.6/- for a distance of about 5 / 6 kms.  The same distance in Bengaluru costs Rs.15/-.   This was the first time that upon arriving at Central railway station, I felt Chennai was not warm as I had expected, but received a warm welcome at my sister’s residence.  After post-lunch relax, Thambi joined me to step out to Gandhi statue beach.

11/03/2014: Soon after lunch, around 11 a.m., we left for General Post Office (opposie to Beach station) to reactivate my PPFa/c.  Incidentally, we covered the distance by sub-urban train (believe me, the ticket fare is only Rs.5/-).  A walk on the every-busy Rangnathan SWtreet, T.Nagar revived lovely memories. What genuinely shocked me was the lady at the PPF counter displayed remarkable talent to attend the assorted customers, some of whom as usual tried to swarm around her to get their transactions attended on priority.  Kudos to the lady, who was organized, smiling, informative and to the point.  My instant impression was she deserved a bank job to the detriment of many lethargic and selfish employees.

12/03/2014:  The purpose of my trip was to attend the wedding of my friend’s daughter, which was more an excuse, mainly to float around Chennai, meet some old friends and visit some of the places which I had unconsciously neglected during my earlier days in Chennai.

13/03/2014:  I would have, umpteen times, passed by the Vivekananda House on the Beach Road during my earlier years of stay in Chennai, but never bothered to enter the vital  landmark.  To get over the feeling of guilt, I visited the House, which showcased Swami Vivekananda’s personality and messages; a 3-D movie was also screened for the visitors on Swami’s historic speech at Chicago in 1893.  In all the depicted photographs, Swami looked radiating and beautiful.  A startling quote by the Swami from the exhibits: “We are what our thoughts are made of.  So take care what you think.”

14/03/2014:  The most heart-rending and memorable part of the trip was the visit to “Vishranthi”, the old age Home at Palavakkam.  My original plan was to meet the President Mrs. Savithri Vaithi, the brain and soul behind the noble cause, and interview her for my blog post.  Very sadly, I saw her lying down immobile due to paralytic attack.  The existing office-bearers were kind enough to take me to the ailing President.  When  I mentioned to her that we were her immediate neighbors at Prithivi Avenue, Abhiramapuram and told Amma’s name (Saroja Mami) she opened her eyes, though her optic nerves have been severely affected.  She rarely recognized a few people around her, through voice and sounds.  She tried to move her hands, in vain, and I shook her hands.  Mrs. Vaithi is 82 and doctors opine that barring miracle, it is difficult to restore her to normalcy. The Secretary took me around “Vishranthi”, which has expansively grown.  I have gathered enough information to focus an exclusive script on Mrs.Vaithi.  I had once visited the Home in 1984 (Refer: http://kmurthy608.blogspot.in/2014/03/from-here-to-eternity.html).   I am contemplating yet another, exclusive write-up on Mrs. Vaithi, while wholeheartedly wishing her a speedy recovery.

15/03/2014:  The “Darshan” at Nanganallur Anjaneyar temple was spectacular and gratifying.  Being a Saturday, there was good , yet moving crowd.  The gigantic deity draped in green “pattu” is still in my eyes.  “Sakkarai Pongal” and “Peppered wheat pongal” was yummy to complete the prasadam formalities.

16/03/2014:  On the penultimate day, Thambi accompanied me to Mahabalipuram (visiting after more than 15 years).  We spent a couple of hours at the Shore Temple and the beach, slurped a couple of Arun ice-creams, before returning to T. Nagar.  Chennai slowly began scorching.  Mineral water under brand “Amma” (TN Chief Minister Jayalalitha) are sold at Rs.10/- per bottle, as against the price of Rs.15/- at Railway stations and other local shops.

Bits and pieces:

Interestingly, more than one source confirmed as well as in one and the only trip I undertook by auto that in Chennai the drivers, these days, accepted the fare according to the meter. 

By a difference of about two days, I missed CSB at Chennai. Nothing was ‘planned’, I believe, from either end.

Cheema hosted a dinner-treat at Idli Vilas, a new eatery opened at G.N. Chetty Road (Opposite Murugan Idli Kadai).

Very importantly, Revathy has scored a village number.  Congrats to Revathy for making a film singing debut!

My special thanks to Vedhu, Revathy and Thambi for having ensured my stay in Chennai a helpful and pleasant one. 

Overall, an eventful Chennai trip and the visit helped me to understand myself better.

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Note:  I am restricting this post to CMR Clan, though it can otherwise be accessed. 

From here to eternity

(By C.S. Krishnamurthy)

Why should the wish for a peaceful life be a nightmare in one’s old age?  Think of a woman who is old, penniless, homeless…  Where can she go?

Vishranthi, a home for the aged destitute, is on a casuarina-rich donated close to the beach at Palavakkam, 10 km from Adyar.  Its motto is “Sympathy, Service and Simplicity”. Started in January 1978 at a small, rented house to lodge a solitary inmate, today it shelters 40.

Aged from 65 to 90, they tell their heart-rending tales.  One was deserted by the family 27 years ago.  Another was crippled by a fall.  A third suffered immobility from a fractured hip. Her neighbor was widowed 20 years ago.  

Not all of them come from poor families.  A widow in her seventies, Kamalam, was deserted by her daughgter, who left for England.  The spouses of two film producers are among their number. 

In selecting inmates, Vishranti attaches no social stigma.  Age and genuine helplessness are its only criteria.  

The inmates are emotionally bonded as a family.  One of them says: “ We live here like sisters”.  When a fellow-inmate passes away, the others fast all day. 

‘Baby’ Meenakshi (74) says in her husky voice: “My husband collapsed of ashthma when I was 15.  After many ups and downs, I am safe and happy here”.  Asked if she would rejoin her relatives if invited to do so, she has no doubts: “I shall not move an inch from here”.  Bhagyalakshmi (79), a determined widow whose sons’ whereabouts unknown, asserts, “Only death can remove me from here”.

Miss Allemma (69) has different ties with Vishranthi.  She entered the home with her savings of Rs.1,000 and has since had a joint account with Vishranthi.  The amount will pass to the home after her.  

On a typical day, the inmates answer the ring of a bell at 6.30 a.m. , sip their tea and then assemble in a prayer hall, before breakfast at 9.30 a.m.  The community, unmindful of the caste and community, assembles for lunch.  Then, a few retire for a nap, while the others read books, chant hymns or make incense sticks, pappads or sandal chains.  After tea at 3 p.m. and supper at 7 p.m., they are ready to call it a day.

Their visitors, including friends and relatives, extend to students from schools and colleges, who entertain the inmates and share their snacks with them.  

Vishranthi was born of the efforts of a band of selfless housewives, who might well have instead spent their leisure discussing fashions or shopping or party-hopping.

The office-bearers are assisted by a ‘Shramdhan committee’, which interviews potential inmates, attends to occupational therapy, hygiene, stores, recreation , gardening and cremation.  Dormitory accommodation, with nine beds and cupboards for each of four halls is provided.

The home draws its income from the subscriptions of the 250 members, donations from various schemes and an annual grant of Rs.4,000 from the State Social Welfare Board.  A team of doctors regularly pay free visits to the inmates.  

Perhaps the spirit of Vishranthi is best summed up by its president, Mrs. Savithri Vaithi, recipient of the Rotary Club “For the Sake of Honour – 1981” award.  She personally lights the pyres of inmates who have no near and dear ones.

(Appeared in THE INDIAN EXPRESS dated November 21, 1984)

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"Awesome" and "Amazing", not really

A conversation I recently overheard:

Question: Can I have a cup of coffee?

Answer: Yes

Response: Awesome

When I called my friend  to tell him that I had received the mail sent by him, he responds "Awesome". " Your dress should be ready by evening". Again the feedback: "Awesome".   When he wears a simple white shirt, she says: "you look awesome".  The word is used to describe anything good and pleasing - be it a movie, mall, a new dress, a pair of shoes ....  It is even, at times, used as a substitute for "thank you".

The usage is viewed as  an appropriate response in most offices/schools/colleges and even among small boys and girls in the age group of 8 and 10.  "Awesome" has become a default word for many. 

Many people are not aware of the full meaning.  In my quest to appreciate the usage of "awesome", I checked with freedictionary.com. Some examples: an awesome thunderstorm; stood in awesome silence before the ancient ruins.  In addition to joyful "awe", awesome can mean inspiring terror, as in "awesome power of the sea"; inspiring admiration or wonder. Awesome power of atom bomb; the mountains look awesome.

It is such a 'big',  word  but used for 'small' things. If roadside pani puri is awesome, how would you describe your newborn baby?  We are shown  lots of things of moderately interesting, but qualified  as "awesome".

"Amazing" is a close second word. "Amazing" bothers more than "awesome". These words are grossly overused and misused.  Prescribing "amazing" as a replacement is a cure worse than the disease.  Is the overuse of  these usages started in America or elsewhere?   What really bugging is  that  all generations use "awesome" and "amazing" .  Or, is it that you are too lazy to use your brain to select the apt word for the occasion, you use "awesome" and "amazing"? My friend is a nice guy, but not "amazing". New York is an amazing city! Mother Teresa's biography makes an amazing reading! Lots of marketing guys artificially or ignorantly using the word "amazing" is common place. The excessive expression by people everywhere bids to impress some one.  The overuse can be interpreted as misuse and results in exposure of fake usage.

The usage is sought to be conveyed as if the skies above open up or God or some super power appears before you! At the same time, if I were to explain "Wow, that's heart-stopping instead of amazing, I would be bombarded with strange and dirty looks!"

One can even add "sweet" to the list.  We are conversant with the usage "soooooo  sweeeeeeet", where I often sense fake.

We also come across some creative words , seldom located in a standard dictionary, like "fantabulous" , "splendiferous" to express "awesomeness".

I also have a problem with the words "actually" and "basically" which is employed by quite a few  in most sentences. There is nearly no reason to use these words on a religious regularity.  This reminds me of my college lecturer.   When he used the word "actually" 50 times in one lecture hour, the entire class clapped, much to the distress of the academic. If these two words are less used, it would be "awesome".

The ill-usage sometimes drives you nuts and also exhibits your limited vocabulary. Let's agree that  the usage of "amazing" and "awesome" is steadily losing its genuine meaning and power. The next time you crave for using "awesome" for something good, give another word a chance! Shall I end it that if I hear "amazing" again, I shall unleash my "awesome" power?

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