In India, the obsession with fair skin and the undue emphasis on proficiency in English have rooted themselves deeply within societal norms. The obsession with fair skin as a symbol of beauty has unfortunately overshadowed the appreciation for individual qualities and achievements. Prospective grooms often prioritize skin colour over more meaningful attributes such as educational qualifications and personal accomplishments when seeking a bride. This skewed value system perpetuates damaging stereotypes in society.

Similarly, the colonial legacy has left an indelible mark on the importance placed on the English language. Once the language of the colonial rulers, English has now become synonymous with social status and success. Consequently, there is a pervasive societal pressure to master English, often at the expense of native languages and cultural identity.

In social gatherings and professional settings alike, individuals vie to showcase their proficiency in English as a marker of prestige. The middle class, aspiring to emulate the perceived elite, invests significant effort into improving their English skills, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way. This relentless pursuit of fluency in English often overlooks the essence of effective communication and leads to a superficial emphasis on language rather than substance.

Compounding this issue is the prevalence of educational institutions, particularly in rural areas, where English communication skills among staff members are lacking. Consequently, students are deprived of competent role models, perpetuating a cycle of linguistic inadequacy despite exposure to English-medium education.

The consequence of this fixation on proficiency in English is twofold: highly qualified individuals struggle to communicate effectively in English, and companies are burdened with the costly endeavor of remedial language training for their employees. This misallocation of resources detracts from more pressing educational needs, diverting attention and funding away from initiatives aimed at empowering the illiterate population.

In essence, the relentless pursuit of English proficiency at the expense of other valuable skills and the perpetuation of unfair beauty standards represent significant societal challenges that require intervention. Addressing these issues necessitates a collective effort to redefine beauty norms, promote linguistic diversity, and allocate resources more equitably in education. Only then can India truly harness its rich human capital and foster inclusive growth and development.