He was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Kannada Chintane’ programme at the Freedom Park here on Sunday.

Citing the examples of those who come from outside and settle in Tamil Nadu, he said that they learn the language in a couple of days as it is necessary for their survival. “But non-Kannadigas, even having resided in Bangalore for 25 to 30 years, do not learn the language. Having made the State their home and earning the daily bread and butter from the soil of Karnataka, it is non-Kannadigas’ duty to learn Kannada,” he said.

Dr Siddalingaiah also called on Kannadigas in the City to contribute to enriching the language and not shy away from using Kannada as the language of communication in day to day activities.

Lauded

Earlier in his address, Kannada Development Authority Chairman Mukhyamantri Chandru lauded IAS officer and BBMP commissioner Bharat Lal Meena for being a example of those born outside Karnataka and later learning Kannada with dedication.