THE DOUBTING THOMAS INSIDE US
Pic.: Sherry Haridas O ne of the major worries for many young-ones today is their inability to speak in English. What is surprising is that this worry has gripped not only those youngsters who come from vernacular-medium schools, but also hundreds of them who come from English-medium schools. “Sir, I can’t speak English,” they invariably cry, “How can I learn to speak English?” I give them my own example. I tell them, that if they have enough desire, determination and persistence, they can overcome their problem, just the way I did. Though my example helps them to feel good, they, invariably, end up reacting: “But, sir...” Yes, I hear them say: “But, sir...!” They doubt! Today, at the age of 56, when I tell these anxious young-kids that, when I was like them, I battled, every day and every night, with the same ‘I-can’t-speak-English-ghost’, most of them don’t believe me. “How is it possible? We can see you, hear you and feel ...