A lesson on Kannada matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar may not figure in textbooks in Karnataka. But the Maharashtra government had a while ago introduced a lesson on him under the title ‘Natasarvabhouma’ in the Class 8 Kannada medium textbook.
The lesson depicts the late actor’s life, his struggle, his contribution to the language and Kannada film industry.
“The Maharashtra government’s gesture shows respect for a remarkable actor,” said Arvind Nimbalkar, a teacher serving in a government school in Akkalkot taluk of Maharashtra, which borders Karnataka.
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He believes that such efforts should be made by both States to bring people closer to avoid linguistic conflicts.
Speaking to The Hindu , Banjagere Jayaprakash, the Chairman of Karnataka Book Authority, expressed surprise that such a lesson was introduced in Maharashtra. “It is matter of not just surprise but pride for all of us,” he said. He described Rajkumar as not only a film actor, but a man who represented the aspirations of Kannada people.