BENGALURU:
The state government has decided to hold year-long celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the renaming of Karnataka, with the theme ‘Hesarayithu Karnataka, Usiragali Kannada’.
Speaking at the 68th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations held at the Kanteerava Stadium, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unfurled the National Flag and the Kannada flag. He stated, “After reorganization, this state was known as the Mysore state. On November 1, 1973, the then Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs gave it the name Karnataka. It has been 50 years since the state was renamed Karnataka, and to mark this occasion, we will launch a year-long program to promote the history of Kannada, the language, arts, folk arts, music, culture, and traditions.”
The CM expressed his disappointment that the celebrations were not held this year and blamed the previous BJP government for not organizing it. “I had announced the year-long celebrations in the budget. We must all pledge to communicate in Kannada and refrain from using any other language. We should take pride in our language, culture, and arts, and every Kannadiga should vow to uphold the language,” he said.
Siddaramaiah noted that the love for the Kannada language is not as strong among the people of Karnataka compared to the neighboring states’ love for their languages. He emphasized that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all residents of Karnataka speak Kannada. “In Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, people speak their official language. If we go to Tamil Nadu, it is difficult to survive without knowing the language, but in Karnataka, one can get by speaking Tamil or Telugu. Learn any language, but speak in Kannada,” he said.
“Kannada should be recognized as the official administrative language and given the respect it deserves. For effective governance, it is crucial that Kannada is used in all administrative matters. Both officials and citizens should communicate in Kannada. I urge all officials and politicians to converse in Kannada. It is disappointing that the Union government still conducts examinations in English and Hindi, and we must oppose this. Exams should be conducted in the language that our children are familiar with. I will personally write to the Prime Minister to request the conduction of exams in Kannada,” stated the Chief Minister.
Siddaramaiah expressed concern over the declining interest in learning Kannada within the media, while the preference for English media continues to grow. “We need to dispel the notion that studying in Kannada schools will hinder job prospects. Even the courts are not cooperating, with the Supreme Court stating that the medium of instruction in schools is the choice of parents. This has hindered our efforts,” the Chief Minister explained.
Furthermore, Siddaramaiah announced that government schools across the state will now receive free electricity and drinking water, starting today.
“Our government has implemented several schemes such as Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi. Through the Shakti free travel scheme, 80 crore women are benefiting, while over one crore families are receiving financial assistance under the Anna Bhagya scheme. Additionally, over one crore households have access to free electricity, and 1.07 crore women are receiving Rs 2,000 per month through the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. Our government is committed to improving the social and economic conditions of Kannadigas, enabling them to lead dignified lives,” he emphasized.
Prior to the flag hoisting ceremony, the Chief Minister received a salute from various marching contingents. The event also featured captivating cultural performances.
