Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister is admired by millions for his political acumen and unrelenting drive, yet scrutinized for his less-than-fluent English, particularly during international engagements. Critics, especially in India’s urban elite and global media circles, often seize on his linguistic missteps—awkward phrasing, occasional mispronunciations, or reliance on translators—as fodder for mockery.
Social media amplifies these jabs, with clips of Modi’s speeches dissected for laughs. But this fixation on his English is not just shallow; it’s a miscalculation that underestimates the depth of his political intelligence and mass appeal. Each attempt to belittle Modi for his language skills risks backfiring, reinforcing his image as a relatable, resilient leader who transcends the elitism of linguistic purism.
Language, particularly English, has long been a gatekeeper in India’s socio-political landscape. Fluency in it is often equated with sophistication, education, and global competence, a legacy of colonial rule that persists in the country’s urban centers and media.
Modi, born into a modest Gujarati family, didn’t grow up in the English-speaking elite. His Hindi-heavy oratory, laced with cultural idioms and delivered with theatrical flair, resonates deeply with India’s heartland, where English is neither a necessity nor a marker of intelligence.
When critics mock his English, they inadvertently widen the chasm between themselves and the millions who see Modi as one of their own—a man who speaks their language, both literally and figuratively. This disconnect plays into Modi’s hands, casting his detractors as out-of-touch snobs who prioritize polish over substance.
Modi’s political intelligence lies in his ability to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. He’s not oblivious to the criticism of his English; he’s strategic about it. By leaning into Hindi on global stages, he projects cultural pride, signaling that India’s voice doesn’t need to be filtered through a colonial lens to be heard. His speeches, often delivered with translators at international forums, focus on India’s rising global stature—economic growth, technological advancements, and cultural heritage—rather than linguistic perfection.
The message cuts through, even if the delivery doesn’t meet the standards of a Cambridge debate. World leaders, from Washington to Tokyo, engage with Modi not for his diction but for what he represents: a stable, decisive leader of a billion-plus nation. The mockery of his English, then, seems petty in the face of his diplomatic wins—securing vaccine supplies during COVID, navigating India’s neutral stance in global conflicts, or attracting foreign investment.
Mass leadership, not linguistic finesse, is Modi’s true currency. His rallies, attended by tens of thousands, are masterclasses in communication. His Hindi speeches, peppered with local references and emotional appeals, electrify crowds. He connects with farmers, small-town traders, and urban youth alike, not through complex policy jargon but through a visceral sense of shared struggle and aspiration.
This is a man who rose from selling tea to leading the world’s largest democracy, a narrative he wields with precision. When critics sneer at his English, they reinforce this underdog story, alienating the very voters who see Modi’s journey as their own. The urban intellectual mocking Modi’s accent is unwittingly campaigning for him, reminding rural and small-town India why they trust him over the elite.
That said, the criticism isn’t entirely baseless. In a globalized world, English remains a diplomatic and economic tool. Leaders who wield it fluently—like Jawaharlal Nehru or even Modi’s contemporary, S. Jaishankar—can navigate international arenas with ease, crafting nuanced arguments without intermediaries. Modi’s reliance on translators can occasionally slow down spontaneous exchanges, and his critics argue this hampers India’s image as a global power. There’s also the risk that his linguistic limitations feed into stereotypes about India’s readiness to lead on the world stage. These are valid concerns, but they overstate the case. Modi’s tenure has seen India’s global influence grow, from hosting G20 summits to securing strategic partnerships. His English may falter, but his government’s actions—pushing digital infrastructure, renewable energy, or military modernization—speak louder.
The irony is that Modi’s critics, by obsessing over his language, expose their own biases. They assume fluency in English equals competence, a notion rooted in class and privilege rather than merit. History offers plenty of examples of leaders whose linguistic imperfections didn’t diminish their impact. Abraham Lincoln’s folksy speech didn’t undermine his eloquence; it amplified it.
Closer to home, leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav thrived despite their unconventional oratory, connecting with voters through authenticity. Modi’s success stems from a similar authenticity, coupled with a keen understanding of India’s pulse. His critics’ focus on his English only deepens the divide between India’s cosmopolitan elite and its vernacular majority, handing Modi a political advantage.
This isn’t to say Modi is above critique. His policies, from demonetization to farm laws, have sparked legitimate debate about their efficacy and impact. His government’s handling of dissent and media freedom raises serious questions. But targeting his English is a lazy shortcut that misses the mark. It reduces a complex leader to a caricature, ignoring the strategic mind behind the rhetoric. Each viral clip mocking his accent only fuels his narrative of being a leader besieged by elitists, rallying his base further.
In the end, Modi’s English—or lack thereof—is a distraction. Political intelligence and mass leadership aren’t measured in syllables or syntax. They’re measured in votes, policies, and the ability to shape a nation’s trajectory. Modi has proven he can do that, whether in Hindi, Gujarati, or halting English. His critics would do well to focus on his record, not his diction. Every jab at his language only strengthens the bond between Modi and the millions who see him as their voice, unpolished but unyielding.