Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Karnataka Urdu Academy function at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall in Bengaluru on Monday. Image: CM’s media coordinator
Bengaluru: “Along with allocating more grants for the activities of the Urdu Academy, a separate meeting will be conducted next week to hear and resolve the issues faced by minority religions,” Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said.
He spoke after inaugurating the annual award presentation, book release and “Jashn-e-Urdu” programme organised by the Karnataka Urdu Academy at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall in Bengaluru on Monday, where he presented awards to achievers.
“Discussions will be held with leaders and legislators representing various minority communities, including Christians, Muslims, Jains and Buddhists. Additionally, the views and issues of SC and ST legislators will also be heard,” he said.
“Fulfilling the promises made in our manifesto during the elections and the commitments given to communities on various occasions is our responsibility. Meetings are being held to resolve issues respectfully without hurting anyone’s sentiments. We will safeguard the respect and rights guaranteed under the Constitution,” he added.
“The matter regarding providing additional grants to the Urdu Academy has been discussed with the minister. Whatever the academy requires will be reviewed and supported. The government will stand behind the growth of Urdu language, literature and culture,” he noted.
Government stands as the voice of minority religions
“Some people may not have faith in minority communities. But just because others lack faith, the department cannot be shut down. Our government exists to protect the interests of minorities and to be their voice. We will work to ensure protection so that no community faces injustice,” he asserted.
“Our government will govern strictly within the framework of the Constitution. All of us, including Rahul Gandhi, took our oath holding the Constitution in hand. Preserving the Constitution and upholding its ideals by offering equal respect and protection to all castes and religions is the government’s commitment,” he said.
Urdu is not limited to one community; it is a language of the heart
“Urdu is not a language confined to just one community. It is a language of the heart. It holds the power to touch people’s hearts through literature, poetry and shayaris. This language knows no boundaries. Everyone should respect the Urdu language and culture, which has earned global recognition,” he said.
“During the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, I sat for nearly an hour listening to poetry at an Urdu Shayari event. The literature brought delight to the mind. Interestingly, the audience included not just Muslims, but also Jains, Brahmins, Kannadigas and Hindi speakers across various faiths and languages. Everyone was listening to the Urdu shayari with deep interest. This is a fine example of how language can connect people,” he added.
“Knowledge must be respected regardless of the language it is in. No language, including English, should be treated with disrespect. Language is a medium of communication. Everyone should love and respect their mother tongue and recognise the importance of one’s mother and mother tongue,” he said.
No need for scissors, let us work like a needle
“Our languages may differ, but human emotions are the same. Humanity is our caste, humanity is our religion. Both scissors and needles can be made from iron. We do not need the work of cutting. Let us work like a needle that stitches and binds people together. Our government and party work to unite society; we have no interest in dividing it,” he remarked.
“It is a matter of great joy that awards are being presented to 20 achievers who have served Urdu language, literature and culture. I congratulate all the award recipients. The initiatives undertaken by the Academy for the growth of Urdu literature are commendable,” he said in appreciation.
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