D.B. Raziya, writer, has underlined the need for the State government to help Kannada-speaking people on the State border to protect their language, culture and tradition. She said the government should accord priority to their educational development too.
Ms. Raziya, a native of D. Hirehal, was delivering the presidential address at the two-day Andhra Gadinad Kannada Sahitya Sammelan that began at D. Hirehal in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.
She said that the problems facing those in Kannada-speaking border areas had not been unresolved despite several protagonists of Kannada and pro-Kannada organisations making efforts to draw the attention of the government.
“My appeal to the government is to come forward to extend support and provide basic facilities and assistance to the people of border areas, whose efforts are commendable in nurturing and propagating Kannada. They are also ensuring the functioning of 84 Kannada medium schools in Andhra Pradesh,” Ms. Raziya said.
She stressed the need for setting up a Government First Grade College in D. Hirehal to avoid the youth, especially girls, depending on Ballari or Rampur in Chitradurga district to pursue degree courses; a good well-equipped library; and special reservation for Kannadigas who studied in Kannada medium schools, among other things.
“There is a need for Kannadigas in the border areas to take up struggles on the lines of the one started by writer Kayyara Kinhanna Rai in Kasaragod, to get their due. The only solace is that the Kannada-speaking areas adjoining Andhra Pradesh have maintained a cordial and harmonious relationship with others,” she said.
Expressing concern over the rise in atrocities on women, the projection of women in bad light, and its impact on youngsters, Ms. Raziya exhorted the people to help children inculcate moral values.