Final answer:
Salman Rushdie believes English is essential in India for unifying the country's diverse linguistic landscape and for communication in government, education, and business. It serves as the lingua franca in south India and is ingrained in the fabric of Indian society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Salman Rushdie concludes that English is essential to India largely because it acts as a unifying force across the country's diverse linguistic landscape. With India being home to a vast number of ethnic groups and languages, English serves as a common medium that facilitates communication and unity amidst this diversity.
Moreover, English plays a significant role in government, education, and business, functioning as a lingua franca especially in south India, where Dravidian languages are predominant compared to the Indo-Aryan languages spoken in the north.
The integration of English into local dialects, resulting in hybrids like Hinglish or Urglish, demonstrates its entrenched role in the modern linguistic fabric of India.
While some nationalists may view English as a relic of colonial influence, Rushdie seems to recognize the practical necessity of English for maintaining a connected and functional society in contemporary India. Furthermore, English's prevalence in technology and global communication underscores its importance not just in India, but worldwide.
Hence, the conclusion that English is essential to India is grounded in its role as a unifier, not as a cultural imposition or hindrance.