“There are continuous attempts to impose Hindi,” Siddaramaiah said. “Funds are provided for the development of Hindi and Sanskrit, while other Indian languages are being ignored.”
The Chief Minister also expressed concern that the dominance of Hindi and English was harming local students’ potential.
“English and Hindi are weakening the talent of our children,” he said. “There must be a law to ensure that the mother tongue is the medium of instruction, and the Centre should make education compulsory only in one’s mother tongue.”
Earlier, Siddaramaiah had questioned President Murmu about Kannada
This is not the first time Siddaramaiah has raised the language issue. During an event in September, he had asked President Droupadi Murmu, “Do you know Kannada? I speak in Kannada.”
In response, the President said:
“Though Kannada is not my mother tongue, it is the language of Karnataka. I love every language, culture, and tradition of India and respect them all. Keep your language, culture, and tradition alive — I’ll try to learn Kannada gradually.”
Karnataka celebrates 70th Rajyotsava
Karnataka was formed under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, when several Kannada-speaking regions were merged to create the Mysore State, which was later renamed Karnataka in 1973.
Every year on November 1, the state celebrates its formation with flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and award presentations. The state’s motto remains: “Wherever you are, however you are — always remain Kannada.”
Kannada protection laws in place
Three laws currently safeguard the Kannada language in the state —
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Kannada Language Learning Act (2015)
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Kannada Language Learning Rule (2017)
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Karnataka Educational Institute Rule (2022)
Under these rules, Kannada must be given priority in all government offices, educational institutions, and businesses. Public signboards, advertisements, and product packaging must include Kannada text, and the rule applies to both government and private entities.
Ongoing disputes over language
Language-related tensions have long existed in Karnataka. Recently, protests erupted in Bengaluru over shops displaying non-Kannada nameplates. Bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra were also disrupted after vehicles from Maharashtra entered the state without Kannada signboards.
Through his Rajyotsava address, CM Siddaramaiah once again emphasized the need to protect and promote Kannada, calling it the foundation of Karnataka’s identity and pride.
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