Kannada Language Promotion in Minority Institutions Heralds Unity, Say Leaders at Bengaluru Event
Bengaluru: In a powerful testament to Karnataka’s cultural integration, a prominent state leader has hailed the growing enthusiasm for learning Kannada among minority students as a “symbol of unity and harmony.” The remarks came during a vibrant celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava and National Education Day, spotlighting a positive shift in linguistic and social cohesion.
Narayan Gowda, State President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, was addressing a gathering organized by the Bismillah Educational Trust (BET). He commended the trust’s efforts in embedding the state language within its curriculum and community activities.
“The trend of promoting the Kannada language in Muslim educational institutions is highly encouraging, as the development of any state is tied to its mother tongue and regional language,” Gowda stated. He connected current initiatives to a historic movement, adding, “The campaign we started forty years ago for the survival, promotion, and protection of the Kannada language now appears to be succeeding through efforts like those of Muslim institutions. This is a mark of unity and cultural harmony.”
A Commitment to Music and Countering Narratives
In a significant announcement, Gowda pledged to personally fund a special music teacher for BET students to learn Sangeet (music). He praised the event’s organization as “the most systematic and exemplary” he had attended.
“The programme is an answer to those who accuse minority institutions of being distant from Kannada,” Gowda asserted, directly countering prevailing critiques. He also lauded the quiet yet impactful role of community leaders in fostering communal brotherhood.
Highlighting Kannada’s rich heritage, Gowda noted, “While Hindi is 450 years old, Kannada’s history spans four millennia, and it has received eight Gnana Peetha awards, a symbol of its literary prestige.” He made an appeal for interfaith dialogue, urging mosque and church leaders to increase the use of Kannada during religious discourses to further promote harmony.
Call for Academic and Political Integration
Presiding over the function, former state minister R. Roshan Baig emphasized the need for structural integration of the language. “Muslim educational institutions should robustly include the Kannada language in their curriculum so that the new generation can demonstrate leadership at the regional level as well,” he said.
Baig urged Muslim youth to aspire to excellence across all fields. “Young Muslims should show their capabilities not only as IAS, IPS officers, doctors, and engineers but also in the field of politics, so that a positive change comes at the societal level,” he advised. He stressed that “respecting the regional language is, in fact, respecting the state’s identity,” and commended BET for playing a key role in preserving both education and culture.
Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] | indianowme@gmail.com
Proposals for Recognition and Cultural Tributes
Noted Kannada activist and social leader Samiullah Khan (popularly known as ‘Kannada Samiullah’) proposed the institution of a state-level award in the name of renowned Kannada writer Ramadan Saheb. He thanked Narayan Gowda for promising to take the proposal to the government.
Reflecting on broader cultural concerns, Khan expressed regret over the discontinuation of the traditional ‘Tipu Sultan Jhiti’, stating, “Such actions impact Karnataka’s history and ethos of tolerance.”
Celebrating Student Achievement and Cultural Talent
The event began with a Quranic recitation by students Nadia and Maryam, followed by a Kannada Naat (devotional song) performed by Safa Afreen and her group, which was warmly received by the audience.
BET’s Honorary Secretary, Sadiq Pashah, delivered the welcome address, while Auditor S.K. Shakeel Ahmed proposed the vote of thanks. The ceremony also recognized and awarded students who scored full marks in Kannada in their SSLC and PUC examinations. The achievers included Halima Sadiya (BET Sophia High School), Aatiya Nazhat (Wisdom International), and Khadjatul Kubra (Huda National School).
The concluding segment featured cultural programmes by students, including Kannada speeches, songs, and works by famous Muslim Kannada poets. The event concluded with the national anthem, attended by BET Vice Chairman Mohjib Ahmed, Joint Secretaries G.R. Riyaz Ahmed and Mujib Ahmed, Treasurer Mohammed Saifullah, senior members, teachers, and a large number of students.
Key Quotes
On Unity & Language Promotion:
-
“The trend of promoting the Kannada language in Muslim educational institutions is highly encouraging, as the development of any state is tied to its mother tongue and regional language.” – Narayan Gowda, State President, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.
-
“This is a mark of unity and cultural harmony.” – Narayan Gowda, on institutional efforts to promote Kannada.
On Education & Aspiration:
-
“Muslim educational institutions should robustly include the Kannada language in their curriculum so that the new generation can demonstrate leadership at the regional level as well.” – R. Roshan Baig, Former State Minister.
-
“Young Muslims should show their capabilities not only as IAS, IPS officers, doctors, and engineers but also in the field of politics, so that a positive change comes at the societal level.” – R. Roshan Baig.
On Cultural Heritage & Action:
-
“Respecting the regional language is, in fact, respecting the state’s identity.” – R. Roshan Baig.
-
[He] proposed the institution of a state-level award in the name of renowned Kannada writer Ramadan Saheb. – Samiullah Khan, Kannada Activist.
-
“Such actions impact Karnataka’s history and ethos of tolerance.” – Samiullah Khan, on the discontinuation of the ‘Tipu Sultan Jayanthi’ tradition.
