Top officials from the Kannada Sahitya Parishad (KSP) and the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) held a significant meeting with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) Managing Director Hari Marar on Monday. The discussions centred on promoting the Kannada language and the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

Partnership for Kannada Sammelana
The meeting was part of the preparations for the 87th edition of the Akhila Bharatha Kannada Saahitya Sammelana, set to take place in Mandya from December 20-22. As a prominent platform for celebrating Kannada literature, the Sammelana has garnered considerable attention, and the airport is playing its part in making it a success.

The collaboration between BIAL and Kannada Sahitya Parishad aims to increase the visibility of the language and art of Karnataka at the airport, which serves as a gateway to the state for many travellers.

Request for Kannada Announcements at KIA
Among the various requests made by KSP and KDA officials during the meeting was for Kannada to feature more prominently in airport operations. One of their primary proposals was for the first announcements on all flights landing and taking off from Bengaluru to be made in Kannada.

However, BIAL officials informed the KSP that making Kannada the first language for flight announcements would require approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In response, KSP Chairman Mahesh Joshi said that he would approach the ministry with an official request.

Additionally, the organisations suggested that in-flight announcements include Kannada, though a final decision on this matter will depend on the policies of individual airlines.

Push for Kannada Literature and Statues at the Airport
Another key initiative proposed by the KSP and KDA was the installation of Kannada book stalls at the airport, giving travellers access to literature in the state’s language. However, this idea was met with some hesitation. According to KDA Chairman Purushottama Bilimale, airport authorities raised concerns about the potential lack of demand for Kannada books from passengers. Despite this, the suggestion remains under consideration.

Promoting the artistic and cultural heritage of Karnataka was another major focus of the meeting. The organisations requested the installation of caricatures and statues representing Kannada icons and cultural symbols throughout the airport.

In a positive response, BIAL agreed to increase the number of statues showcasing the state’s rich heritage. The airport will also host reception desks and photo booths to welcome delegates attending the Kannada Saahitya Sammelana. Furthermore, the airport will leverage digital media to share information about the upcoming event and engage with passengers through on-site activities that celebrate the Kannada language.

BIAL’s Commitment to Promoting Kannada
As part of its commitment to promoting local culture, BIAL has already begun preparations for several activities leading up to the Akhila Bharatha Kannada Saahitya Sammelana. The airport will act as a significant point of cultural promotion, ensuring that passengers arriving in Bengaluru feel a connection to the state’s traditions and language.

The collaboration between BIAL, KSP, and KDA comes at a time when the promotion of regional languages has gained traction across various sectors. For KIA, this is a step forward in recognising and celebrating Karnataka’s linguistic and cultural identity.

The success of these initiatives could set a precedent for the inclusion of local languages in major public spaces, offering an enriched experience for both domestic and international travellers passing through the airport.

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