'Need to support those who pass IAS in Kannada'

'Kannada' reverberated in Karike on Saturday, a tiny village at the border of Kodagu district which is dominated by Malayalam speaking people. The Kannada flag was seen welcoming the visitors from all sides.

Speaking after inaugurating Kannada Sahithya Sammelana, MLA K G Bopaiah said, "Kannada is spoken effectively in villages. However, there is slight disrespect for Kannada in cities. In spite of not knowing how to converse in English, people attempt to converse only in English."

There is a need to support those who pass IAS in Kannada. Those who speak in favour of Kannada send their children to English medium schools, he said.

Kannada Sahitya Parishat district President Lokesh Sagar said that Karike has given prominence to the Kannada language.

The Sammelana's past president B A Shamshuddin said that the language should bring people together. There is a need to create awareness on Kannada.