Karnataka flag unfurled in London during convocation ceremony

Netizens have got into a heated debate over the video that has been making the rounds on social media

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A video of an Indian student from City University of London unfurling the Karnataka flag during his convocation ceremony while accepting his degree has been making rounds on the social media site Twitter.

“I graduated with an MS in Management from City University of London – Bayes Business School (Cass). A moment of pride as I unfurled our Karnataka state flag during the ceremony in London, UK,” wrote Adish R Wali, an MS management graduate, and shared the video on Twitter. The widely shared video has sparked much debate among netizens. While many have congratulated Adish on graduating from a foreign university, yet paying a tribute to his roots, others have criticised him for not presenting himself as an Indian first, undermining the country’s unity.

“You being an international-level student are unfurling the so-called Karnataka flag, which is still not official. What makes you do so when we have a powerful country?” Adith Kotian, a user, wrote on Twitter. “Should avoid unfurling state flags of all kinds outside of the country, lest it be construed as a statement of secession. The Indian flag would’ve been more appropriate on a stage as august as this one,” another user stated. On the other hand, many came forward and congratulated Adish, saying it was great to get a glimpse of the red and yellow flag.

“Our state flag is proudly displayed across the world! Hearty congratulations to Adhish for successfully completing his MS in Management from the Bayes Business School and for remembering Karnataka by unfurling the flag at his graduation. I wish him a very successful career,” wrote Rizwan Arshad, Member of Legislative Assembly, Shivajinagar.

Many expressed the opinion that regional identities must not be side-lined only because “unity is the essence of the union of India. We are Indians from 75 years but we are also Kannadigas from the past 2,500+ years. Yes, we are “proud Indians” but Karnataka, Kannada is our first identity. India is a federal country, which is a union of several states. Serving for our state’s betterment will help India grow,” added Arun Virupaksha.