APROPOS of the news report ‘Education in mother tongue stressed’ (May 29). There has always been a debate over the superiority of English over mother tongue and vice versa. English is believed to be the only key to success but, in fact, it is not the only key to reach the skies. However, the ground reality is that teaching in mother tongue proves to be more propitious. Ideas are quickly inculcated and then consequently the pupils easily grasp the lessons.

One cannot deny the importance of English, it should also be taught side by side, but one’s roots should be deep in his own language and culture. It is not something commendable that people have command over English, but cannot read, write or understand their mother-tongue.

Man is known by his own language, but if it is not spoken, endorsed and promoted, it will surely be an extinct language and its traces will be found nowhere. With the extinction of language, man will lose his own identity for ever.

Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Persian civilisations and their master works have catholicity.

They were the genius and masters of all knowledge. Their literature reached the zenith of heights and was regarded as the standard of judgment. Why were they regarded the masters? Why were they revered as gods? How did their literature thrive?

The sole reason is that they read and wrote in their mother language. That is why their works got popularity first locally, then nationally and then internationally.

Still there are many well - progressed countries which give key importance to the local language, like Iran, Japan, and China. Their medium of instruction is their local language.

Finally, it is advised to the government to ensure the proper implementation of the mother tongue in all government schools and a compulsory subject in all private schools, so as to grow with the same pace as that of the dominating global powers.

SYEDA UZMA SHAH SHIRAZIJamshoro