Linguistic Lacunae

Today on TV there was such a hue and cry over some English Medium school in Mandya imposing a fine of upto Rs. 100/- on students speaking in Kannada on it's premises. The TV channel showed agitated parents berating the school authorities for resorting to such draconian measures for disciplining their wards. Just you hold on there for a minute! You sent your children to this school so that they would be fluent in the usage of the English Language. Right? Then why get agitated when the school authorities are seemingly using the above tactic as a means to ensure that talking or thinking in English becomes second nature to your child? I for one have had the privilege of studying in schools and colleges with English as the medium of instruction and mostly in institutions run by the Jesuits. The last is significant because these dedicated teachers had no other expectations from the students except that they learn good English and excel in their subjects.