Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
for Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD)
Udupi, Jun 14: 'We have nothing against any language that has been incorporated in the Indian Constitution. Every language should co-exist in the country. However, Kannada has not been pursued in ‘toto’ across the state, and has still not been fully implemented as the administrative language of the state,' lamented Chandru, president of Kannada Development Authority (KDA).
Speaking to media persons at the circuit house here on Saturday June 14, he said that Kannada has been facing slaughter in the guise of politics in the neighbouring states.
Moreover, he assured that during his term as president of KDA, he will take earnest interest in implementing Kannada as administrative language in all government departments across the state. He added that he will also take steps to ensure recognition to Kannada in border areas and creation of employment opportunities for Kannadigas.
Chandru reiterated state home minister Dr V S Acharya’s recent statement that ‘Kanglish’ (mixture of Kannada and English) will be allowed to co-exist in the same school while emphasizing that Kannada will be compulsorily taught in the primary schools. Besides, English will not be allowed to be taught in Kannada medium schools which had been established long ago, he said.
When Daijiworld correspondent raised the issue of English signboards displayed especially in Manipal town, he said that during his tenure he will take necessary measures in order to compulsorily bind the shopkeepers and establishments to display their signboards both in Kannada and English not only in Manipal, but also all over the state.
Kannada and culture department director R S Dalvai was present at the press meet.