Former Karnataka Folklore University Vice Chancellor K. Chinnappa Gowda emphasized the need to bolster Kannada medium primary and high primary schools to promote the Kannada language. Speaking at the Mangaluru Press Club’s Monthly Guest Interaction on Wednesday, he noted that the ₹25 crore spent annually on state-level Kannada conferences could be better utilized.
“These conferences have become mere festivals with little impact on Kannada’s growth,” Mr. Gowda said. Instead, he suggested redirecting the funds to improve Kannada medium schools, taluk by taluk. Highlighting the success of Alva’s Kannada Medium School in Moodbidri, which receives 10,000 admission applications annually, he stressed that quality education would naturally attract more students and boost the language’s vitality.
He cautioned against imposing laws mandating Kannada-medium education, asserting that quality and choice are more effective motivators.
State Language for Tulu and Other Native Tongues
Mr. Gowda also advocated for granting state language status to Tulu, citing its rich literary and cultural heritage. He extended this recommendation to other native languages, such as Kodava and Lambani, but emphasized the need for strong political will to make it a reality.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Speaking on Karnataka’s vibrant traditions like Yakshagana and Paadana, he highlighted the need for institutional support to document and research these art forms further. “There is immense potential in exploring facets of Yakshagana and collecting Paadanas to preserve our living traditions,” he said.
Read Also;
Popular Schools in Bengaluru Offering Quality Education
Bengaluru: SEP Commission to Recommend Multilingual Textbooks for Primary Schools
