Kannada Development Authority Chairman “Mukhyamantri” Chandru said the State government should make Kannada a compulsory subject between classes 1 and 5 in all schools. “Such a decision should be taken regardless of the dispute before the courts,” he said.
At a function organised on the occasion of the arrival of “Kannada Nudi Teru” here on Friday, Mr. Chandru said there was a need to love the language . He said greater thrust needed to be given in effectively using Kannada as the language of administration.
He expressed the need to frame a national policy on education and employment by which those studying in Kannada medium got preference in employment. “Kannadigas in the neighbouring States are struggling to get employment there,” Mr. Chandru said.
Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly N. Yogish Bhat lauded the efforts of Kannada Sahitya Parishat in the district, in conducting different activities related to Kannada. He said the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat and Mangalore City Corporation had been ahead in effectively enforcing Kannada as an administrative language.
Mr. Bhat said he held discussions with Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda about modalities related to the building of a “Ranga Mandira” in Mangalore. “It is in the final stage,” he said and added that a technical study about the building was on. The State government should pass orders to make multinational companies and Union government institutions to implement the reservation policy as stated in the Sarojini Mahishi report.
Kannada activist Annayya Kulal spoke.
Mr. Chandru expressed displeasure against the district administration for the way the artistes forming the part of “Kannada Nudi Teru” had been treated in Mangalore. He said 200 artistes were housed in a hall on Thursday.
Regretting such a treatment, Mr. Kalkura apologised on behalf of the people of Mangalore.
