Mysuru: A lighthearted exchange on language took place on Monday between President Droupadi Murmu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the first leg of the President’s three-day visit to Mysuru.

Banter at AIISH Diamond Jubilee

While delivering his welcome address at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Siddaramaiah asked the President with a smile, “Do you know Kannada?” before adding, “I speak Kannada.”

Responding in a similar vein, President Murmu said, “Although Kannada is not my mother tongue, I deeply cherish all the languages, cultures, and traditions of my country. I hold great respect and regard for each of them.” She urged people to preserve their languages and traditions, adding, “I wish that everyone continues to keep their language alive, preserves their traditions and culture, and moves forward in that direction. I extend my best wishes for this. And I will certainly make an effort to learn Kannada, little by little,” drawing applause from the gathering.

Context of language debates in Karnataka

The exchange comes amid renewed debate over language in Karnataka. Earlier, Siddaramaiah had emphasised wider use of Kannada, saying, “We are all Kannadigas. People speaking different languages have settled here, and everyone living in this state should learn to speak Kannada.” His remarks had drawn criticism from opposition leaders.

Language issues have often surfaced in public life, from state government orders mandating Kannada on signboards to disputes between auto drivers and non-Kannada-speaking passengers. Pro-Kannada groups have intensified activism, demanding stronger enforcement of the language in administration and education, including proposals for a two-language model similar to Tamil Nadu schools.

On December 27, 2023, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) staged demonstrations in Bengaluru to “enforce” a BBMP circular requiring that all signboards carry at least 60 per cent Kannada, with the remainder in any other language.

Conclusion

The friendly exchange between President Murmu and CM Siddaramaiah highlights the cultural pride and significance of regional languages like Kannada while emphasising mutual respect and efforts to preserve India’s linguistic diversity.