I studied in Malayalam Medium till end of Standard 3. Father was transferred and he enrolled me in a Convent for 4th where they were teaching Tom Sawyer and Uncle Scrooge. After 2 weeks I started feigning stomach cramps every morning. Father was wise enough to shift me 1/5

To a Malayalam Medium Govt School. I topped and got National Merit Scholarship

Moved to English Medium in the same school (sister concern) for 5th. All those who were in Convent too joined as beyond 5th it was girls only there 2/5

I struggled in Term 1 but topped by Term 2 and never looked back.

Even today I think in Malayalam and that has been a great advantage. I dont use calculator.

My English was developed through reading

Learned Hindi 5-10.Malayalam 1- UG Second year. Am fluent in Malayalam 3/5

Learned to speak good hindi during my yearly visits to Delhi

Learned Tamil (language I speak at home) at home and when I lived in TN for 11 years

So the first 5 years of education in mother tongue is no disadvantage 4/5

Contrast this with children who studied in English Medium from KG. They dont know any language other than that.

Those who have issues teach kids English at home on your own.

Students are not just from upper midfle class. There is a huge chunk of poor kids out there 5/5