Bengaluru, August 20, 2024 – The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal to divide Bengaluru into five administrative zones, arguing that it could marginalize Kannadigas in their own city.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Cultural Impact: Purushothama Bilimale, KDA Chairperson, warned that the move might exacerbate the sense of Kannadigas becoming “refugees in their own land.” He expressed concerns that the proposed decentralization could result in more non-Kannadigas holding influential positions, including potentially as mayors, which might further diminish the prominence of the Kannada language and culture.
- Language Crisis: Bilimale highlighted a growing crisis in the Kannada language, noting that its use is declining in everyday life and education, primarily serving only literary purposes. He criticized the lack of market demand for Kannada works and the marginalization of Kannada speakers in the face of increasing multinational companies (MNCs) in Bengaluru.
- Employment and Identity: The KDA chairperson also pointed to the difficulties Kannadigas face in securing employment due to the influx of non-Kannadigas in the city. He argued that without appropriate reservations or support for Kannadigas, their identity and employment prospects are at risk.
- Educational Campaign: In response to these concerns, the KDA has launched a campaign to teach Kannada to non-Kannadigas, aiming to promote understanding and appreciation of Kannada culture. Bilimale stressed the importance of preserving the language as a vital part of the state’s identity and cultural heritage.
Additional Perspectives:
- Literary Support: Litterateur Hampa Nagarajaiah supported Bilimale’s stance, emphasizing the need to promote Kannada learning among both Kannadigas and non-Kannadigas to preserve cultural identity.
The debate over Bengaluru’s administrative restructuring continues, with cultural and linguistic preservation at the heart of the discussion.
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