Southern States - Karnataka   

Karnataka Tamils still deprived of entertainment

By S.K. Ramoo

BANGALORE Nov. 16. Even after a month-and-half, to the utter dismay of Tamilians living in Karnataka, the screening of Tamil films and airing of Tamil TV channels continue to be suspended. The farmers agitation in Mandya and Mysore districts, protesting the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu had led to the suspension. Intimidatory tactics and threats of violence by a handful of Kannada protagonists and organisations forced the cinema theatre managements and TV cable operators to withhold the Tamil fare.

The perception of a majority of Tamilians in Bangalore is that both the State Government and Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce have abdicated their responsibility. According to them the minority Tamil-speaking population in the State is deprived of popular entertainment avenues, and this is ``trampling'' upon its rights. There are 23 lakh Tamils in Bangalore urban district alone. The popularity of Tamil films in several pockets of Bangalore can be gauged from the fact that over 20 cinema halls alone were screening them on a regular basis. The abrupt suspension of screening has led to considerable revenue loss to film distributors and owners of cinema theatres, forced to switch over to other language films.

A meeting convened by the Minister of Health and Information, Kagodu Thimmappa sometime back at his official chamber at Vidana Soudha for resolving the issue, ended abruptly in chaos, following ugly scenes created by some cable TV operators, who refused to air Tamil TV channels. For dispassionate observers, the situation is a clear reflection of growing linguistic intolerance. Many innocent Tamils lost their lives and several of their families suffered extensive damage to property during the Cauvery riots in 1992, when S. Bangarappa was the Chief Minister. According to conservative Government estimates, the loss of property suffered by Tamil families exceeded a massive Rs. 37 crores, many of whom have not been compensated till today. A group of rowdy elements ransacking the home of an AIADMK functionary at Bangalore recently, sent wrong signals and caused panic among Tamils residing in the State.

A Tamil, who has been living in Bangalore for the 60 years, said that growing intolerance towards minority communities, including Tamils, has greatly tarnished the image of the people of Karnataka, known for its cosmopolitan outlook.

The Tamil Sangham promoting cultural and educational activities here for several years now, has been conducting Kannada classes for the benefit of Tamils. Its office-bearers are perturbed that unveiling of a statue of Tiruvalluvar, Tamil saint-poet, at a public place opposite its premises at Ulsoor, has been stalled.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Gang selling adulterated oil busted
• Karnataka Tamils still deprived of entertainment
• Convene NDC to discuss linking of rivers: Krishna
• Bommai calls on Hegde
• Contract farming gaining ground
• Judge censures CoD for tardy probe

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu