Here's why:
* Multiple languages: India has 22 official languages recognized by the Constitution, with hundreds more spoken across the country.
* Regional diversity: Each region has its own dominant language, making communication across regions challenging.
* Hindi: While Hindi is the most spoken language in India, it is not universally understood. It's mainly spoken in the north and central regions.
* English: English plays a significant role as a language of education, administration, business, and media. It serves as a bridge language, particularly in urban areas and for inter-regional communication.
Therefore, while English is widely used, India doesn't have a single "lingua franca" in the traditional sense. Communication in India is a complex tapestry of languages, with English playing a crucial role in bridging the gaps.