Trend of insulting Kannada and Kannadigas up; strict action to be taken, warns CM

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

There is a growing trend of insulting Kannada and Kannadigas on social media, which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has warned is tantamount to being anti-Karnataka. The government, he said, will take strict action against those involved without hesitation. After hoisting the flag on the occasion of the 69th Kannada Rajyotsava at Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium and watching cultural performances by school children, the Chief Minister remarked that efforts should be made to teach Kannada to those who do not speak it properly.

"We should all reflect pride in our language and culture. There should be no malice, only admiration. In other states, there may be prejudice, but it should not be so here. Those who cannot speak Kannada should be taught Kannada. Today, we are all representatives of Kannada," he said, calling on everyone to pledge commitment to Kannada in their businesses and lives.

Karnataka completes 68 years of integration; Karnataka has completed 68 years of integration and has entered its 69th year. The States Reorganization Commission, led by Fazal Ali, was formed in 1953, and based on its report, states were divided by language. November 1, 1956, is celebrated as State Integration Day across India. The state was renamed Karnataka on November 1, 1973, during the tenure of the late CM Devaraj Urs. "We celebrated Karnataka’s spirit all year long under the slogan 'Hesarayu, Karnataka breathed.' Let us make Kannada our language of business and pledge to speak Kannada with everyone," he urged.

'We should all be fans of Kannada'; Karnataka is home to about 200 languages. Regardless of language or religion, we are all Kannadigas, Siddaramaiah stated. Kannada, an ancient language, is recognized as a classical language by the central government. "We must not sacrifice our language. We should all become advocates for Kannada. If we wish to elevate our language, we must all reflect its values. Learn other languages, but never forget to speak Kannada," he said.

'Flying the Kannada flag is mandatory'; Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasised the importance of flying the Karnataka flag. From this year, all private institutions, schools, and other organizations in Bengaluru city district are mandated to display the Kannada flag. He noted that he would be receiving reports from authorities on compliance. "No state has an anthem. Kannada is the language of our soul, with a 2,000- year history. Karnataka’s development is advancing at a rapid pace. We must preserve our language, and culture," he concluded.