Basavraj Kalgudi believes regionalism makes future fragile, limits growth

Sumit Bhattacharya | NT

Bengaluru: That multiculturalism is one of the beauties of the state of Karnataka was reflected at Bangalore International Centre recently.

The event was organised to acknowledge Da Ra Bendre and his poems. Kannada culture is not confined to poetry alone. It has a vast legacy built over decades, Basavraj Kalgudi impressed upon the gathering at the spacious hall.

Dr Basavraj Kalgudi himself is a researcher, writer and speaker. At the sidelines of the event, News Trail had an interactive session with the personality.

He praised the Kannada language and its culture. A cosmopolitan city like Bengaluru has been exhibiting a multilingual culture, especially over the last decade because of which Karnataka has become more enriched, he said.

When asked about Model Karnataka, he drew a parallel with Yogendra Yadav’s regionalism model.

“This happens when any election comes up, and politicians need to create an agenda. Karnataka itself is so vast in terms of culture and education per se. For a long time, northern policies have been ruling. On the contrary, South Indian states such as Karnataka’s self-dependency and sustain abilities are mature enough to combat external hegemony imposed structures so far,” he said.

Dr Kalgudi stressed on, ‘no regionalism’. His referral behind this was that Karnataka citizens have not been rigid ever, but being tagged regional, a nonflexible message might be portrayed to the nation India, which might create a dilemma between Karnataka and India harmony, as Karnataka never refuted anyone.

While talking about Model Gujarat, he said, “I do not want to mix culture and politics. Politicians have many agendas behind every declaration of theirs. More regionalism means welcoming a fragile future with no cultural growth,” the author said.

Although right after Yogendra Yadav’s regionalism proposal to Karnataka, the eve of 2024 parliamentary election may create a sensation across Karnataka.

At the same time it could encourage separatism movements once again across the South Indian states, he added.