District In-charge Minister S S Mallikarjun welcomed the State government's decision to introduce Kannada as first or second language in government, government aided, private, CBSE and ICSE schools from next academic year.
Speaking during 62nd Kannada Rajyotsava programme organised by district administration at District Stadium here on Wednesday, he said the need of the hour is to protect local language and help people to learn other language. This is how a federal system should work. Mother tongue is a natural language for all and an identity to the people living in that area, he said.
He said local language should be celebrated and be pride of that region.
Even in education, top priority should be given to mother tongue and made compulsory learning for the students in State.
He recalled the authors and activists who contributed for the growth of Kannada language. He remembered the contribution of Aalur Venkatarayaru, Nittur Srinivasrao, Bennagal Ramrao, Modavidu Krishnarao, D V Gundappa, Kuvempu and others for the growth of Kannada language and literature.
He said
Kannadigas should use English language as window, use it only when needed,where as Kannada should be the main door for communication in the State. It does not matter, in how many languages one is expert in, all that matters is use of Kannada language that helps one understand the meaning of the subject. One should be proud of their mother tongue.
It is a mater of pride that Kannada, which has been recognised across world as one of the classical language, has been decorated with eight Jnanpith Award.
He felicitated recipients of district-level Kannada Rajyotsava award on the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner D S Ramesh, Zp CEO S Ashwini, Police Superintendent Bhimashankar S Guled, MLC Abdul Jabbar, Mayor Anithabai Maltesh, Ramachandrappa, Manjunath Kurki and others were present.
Various cultural programme from school children were organised as part of the programme.
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