‘Give priority to Kannada’
107 circulars issued by State for implementing Kannada in State
Kannadigas should respect other languages but at the same time should give priority to Kannada, said Kannada Pradhikara Chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru.
He was speaking at the valedictory programme of the Somwarpet taluk level third Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held at Kodlipet on Sunday. “We Indians who are living in federal system of governance and in the nation which has multiple languages should not hate any languages. However our love for other languages should not be at the cost of our mother tongue,” told Chandru.
Analysing the present trend, he said in the backdrop of globalization, the number of people who come to our state in search of job has increased over the years. Steps should be taken to teach Kannada to such migrated population. If Kannada is still alive in the villages and the borders of Karnataka, it is due to the farmers, women and religious institutions, he said.
Calling the improper implementation of the policies to promote and preserve Kannada in the State as unfortunate, Chandru said it was mainly because of the lack of political will and the politicians’ selfish attitude. He also assured of granting Rs five lakh to build Kannada Bhavana at Kodlipet, provided the government allots land for the same.
Unfortunate
Despite Karnataka State government having issued 107 circulars so far directing implementation of usage of Kannada language in the State, the order has not been implemented so far, regretted MLA MP Appachu Ranjan.
Criticising the officers for their inactiveness in implementing Kannada language in the administration, he said the status of Kannada in Karnataka is in a sorry state. “Every Kannadiga should take a pledge to use Kannada in their day-to-day affairs,” he said.
Inaugurating the Sammelana, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva said that English language, which is overshadowing Kannada today has only 500 years of history while Kannada has the history of 2,000 years.
“We have introduced Kannada medium in our education institution in order to overcome the fear among the people that one would not get suitable employment if they study in Kannada medium schools. We would like to prove to the world that one can be successful even after pursuing basic education in Kannada,” he said and added that Kannada could be preserved by strengthening Kannada schools.
