Teaching English in a Socio-Politically Complex Environment: Lessons from Begusarai

Abstract English language education in India is deeply entangled with issues of social stratification, political influence, and cultural identity. In districts like Begusarai, Bihar—often described as a microcosm of caste, class, and political contestations—the teaching of English faces layered challenges that extend beyond pedagogy. This paper examines the socio-political complexities shaping English education in Begusarai, highlighting barriers such as caste hierarchies, rural-urban divides, political ideologies, economic disparities, and the symbolic power of English as a language of mobility. Drawing on critical pedagogy and sociolinguistics, the paper underscores how teachers and learners navigate these structural constraints. Lessons from Begusarai provide valuable insights for designing inclusive, context-sensitive English education strategies in politically and socially fragmented societies. Keywords: English pedagogy, Begusarai, socio-political context, caste and education, critical pedagogy, rural India.