JOIN USDistrict-in-charge Minister U T Khader introspecting on the present day Rajyotsava celebrations, declared that his greatest dread was to see ourselves relegated in the role of "November Kannadigas."
"Should Kannada be a way of life or should Kannada be remembered for just one day during the annual Rajyotsava celebrations," Khader posed the question to his audience while delivering his first Rajyotsava message as the district-in-charge minister at Nehru Maidan on Thursday.
Khader lamented that only a few remembered the leaders who sacrificed their lives to see an unified Karnataka. "Today, how many of us send our children to Kannada medium schools, how many of us buy Kannada books, how many Kannada dramas or films do we see?” he asked.
He said that in this era of liberalisation and privatisation, it is time to put an end to our inferiority complex towards Kannada language. The onus is on each of us to save and promote Kannada culture and language, he stressed; and announced on the setting up of a district-level Rajyotsava award for personalities from Kasargod district.
"This award is to recognise the fact that the campaign aimed at unifying kannadigas, also had its roots in Kasargod," he said and regretted that Kasargod, which was an integral part of Karnataka, was lost to Kerala. He also desisted attempts to declare Kannadigas weak.
"We respect all languages. We are open to other languages, as windows to a house, however, Kananda will remain the main door," he said and appealed those present at the event to make more people speak Kannada.