Award in Kareem Khan's name

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said the State government was planning to institute an award in the name of renowned folklorist Dr S K Kareem Khan.

 “I will discuss with the senior officials about the award, to whom it should be given and in which field. We will consider this matter seriously, in the coming days, ” he said.

Siddaramaiah made the statement after president of Kannada Okkoota Vatal Nagaraj suggested that the government award freedom fighters, Kannada activists among others in the name of Kareem Khan.

Siddaramaiah, however, expressed his disappointment over the delay in renaming the road. “Eight years ago, a resolution was passed on naming of the road but that did not happen,” he said.

Nagaraj also urged the chief minister to discuss with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha on protecting the interest of Kannadigas in Talavadi, a hilltown located on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

“Kannadigas are in large numbers in the Talavadi region but still Tamil is the first language in schools there,” he added.