Many tongues, one Constitution: ALF brings out Preamble in Karnataka's languages
Karnataka, a State encompassing many worlds, is home to around 150 languages and dialects belonging to different language families. Ashwini Bodh, lecturer, activist and researcher at Alternative Law Forum (ALF), has embarked on a mission to weave this linguistic diversity into promoting Constitutional literacy.
Ms. Bodh has been working to bring out the Preamble of the Indian Constitution in the different languages of Karnataka and so far, has reproduced it in six languages of the State.
Constitutional literacy
Ms. Bodh's work is part of a larger effort by ALF to promote Constitutional literacy in the State. The team at ALF has been actively working towards this since the time of the CAA-NRC protests, looking at ways in which they could help the people culturally connect to the Constitution.
It was while working on this campaign that the idea to produce the Preamble in different languages struck Ms. Bodh.
'I came across some people in the areas bordering Tamil Nadu speaking in Aruvu, which is a mix of Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. We have so many tribal communities who speak languages such as Soliga. We also have languages such as Byari, Tulu, Kodava, Konkani and so on,' she says.
Noting that it was this sheer diversity that inspired her to propose the idea to the team, she adds, 'If people get material in their own language or mother tongue, they can easily connect with it and understand it better. They'd feel a sense of belonging.'
Native speakers to the aid
ALF has so far brought out the Preamble in Aruvu, Byari, Iruliga, Lambani, Malame, and Sankethi. Native speakers, as well as researchers helped with the translation.
For example, while Byari translation was done with the help of a native speaker from Belthangady, a friend from Dakshina Kannada, whose mother tongue is Malame, helped with the Malame version of the Preamble. Aruvu and Sankethi were ready quickly with the help of researchers who were proficient in the languages.
'Iruliga is spoken by the Iruliga community found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are a very small community falling under the Scheduled Tribe category and are seen in regions such as Chamarajanagar and Hosur. A researcher who works with the community helped us translate the preamble into Iruliga,' says Ms. Bodh.
No mean feat
The translations, however, were no mean feat. While in the case of some languages it was difficult to find people who could translate the preamble without diluting its spirit and meaning, in the case of others it was simply difficult to get hold of native speakers to do the job.
'Each word needs to be translated authentically and precisely,' she says. 'Take the case of 'liberty.' People might translate it into something that means 'freedom'. But liberty is more than freedom.'
According to Ms. Bodh, the plan is to translate the preamble to around 15 languages of the State. The latest version being introduced is in Dakhni Urdu, which was prepared with the assistance of Ishrat Nisar, a journalist, lecturer, and the sister of International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq. Works of Preamble in Tulu are also under way.
ALF also plans to bring out versions in Yarava, Kodava, Konkani, Korra, Navyathi, Belchada, Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, and Shillekyatha in the coming days. 'Anyone who is proficient in these languages are free to reach out to us,' Ms. Bodh appeals, hoping to bring out the translated versions in audio and video formats too.
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The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Many tongues, one Constitution: Alternative Law Forum brings out Preamble in Karnataka's languages
Karnataka, a State encompassing many worlds, is home to around 150 languages and dialects belonging to different language families. Ashwini Bodh, lecturer, activist and researcher at Alternative Law Forum (ALF), has embarked on a mission to weave this linguistic diversity into promoting Constitutional literacy. Ms. Bodh has been working to bring out the Preamble of the Indian Constitution in the different languages of Karnataka and so far, has reproduced it in six languages of the State. Constitutional literacy Ms. Bodh's work is part of a larger effort by ALF to promote Constitutional literacy in the State. The team at ALF has been actively working towards this since the time of the CAA-NRC protests, looking at ways in which they could help the people culturally connect to the Constitution. It was while working on this campaign that the idea to produce the Preamble in different languages struck Ms. Bodh. 'I came across some people in the areas bordering Tamil Nadu speaking in Aruvu, which is a mix of Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. We have so many tribal communities who speak languages such as Soliga. We also have languages such as Byari, Tulu, Kodava, Konkani and so on,' she says. Noting that it was this sheer diversity that inspired her to propose the idea to the team, she adds, 'If people get material in their own language or mother tongue, they can easily connect with it and understand it better. They'd feel a sense of belonging.' Native speakers to the aid ALF has so far brought out the Preamble in Aruvu, Byari, Iruliga, Lambani, Malame, and Sankethi. Native speakers, as well as researchers helped with the translation. For example, while Byari translation was done with the help of a native speaker from Belthangady, a friend from Dakshina Kannada, whose mother tongue is Malame, helped with the Malame version of the Preamble. Aruvu and Sankethi were ready quickly with the help of researchers who were proficient in the languages. 'Iruliga is spoken by the Iruliga community found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are a very small community falling under the Scheduled Tribe category and are seen in regions such as Chamarajanagar and Hosur. A researcher who works with the community helped us translate the preamble into Iruliga,' says Ms. Bodh. No mean feat The translations, however, were no mean feat. While in the case of some languages it was difficult to find people who could translate the preamble without diluting its spirit and meaning, in the case of others it was simply difficult to get hold of native speakers to do the job. 'Each word needs to be translated authentically and precisely,' she says. 'Take the case of 'liberty.' People might translate it into something that means 'freedom'. But liberty is more than freedom.' According to Ms. Bodh, the plan is to translate the preamble to around 15 languages of the State. The latest version being introduced is in Dakhni Urdu, which was prepared with the assistance of Ishrat Nisar, a journalist, lecturer, and the sister of International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq. Works of Preamble in Tulu are also under way. ALF also plans to bring out versions in Yarava, Kodava, Konkani, Korra, Navyathi, Belchada, Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, and Shillekyatha in the coming days. 'Anyone who is proficient in these languages are free to reach out to us,' Ms. Bodh appeals, hoping to bring out the translated versions in audio and video formats too.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Many tongues, one Constitution: ALF brings out Preamble in Karnataka's languages
Karnataka, a State encompassing many worlds, is home to around 150 languages and dialects belonging to different language families. Ashwini Bodh, lecturer, activist and researcher at Alternative Law Forum (ALF), has embarked on a mission to weave this linguistic diversity into promoting Constitutional literacy. Ms. Bodh has been working to bring out the Preamble of the Indian Constitution in the different languages of Karnataka and so far, has reproduced it in six languages of the State. Constitutional literacy Ms. Bodh's work is part of a larger effort by ALF to promote Constitutional literacy in the State. The team at ALF has been actively working towards this since the time of the CAA-NRC protests, looking at ways in which they could help the people culturally connect to the Constitution. It was while working on this campaign that the idea to produce the Preamble in different languages struck Ms. Bodh. 'I came across some people in the areas bordering Tamil Nadu speaking in Aruvu, which is a mix of Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. We have so many tribal communities who speak languages such as Soliga. We also have languages such as Byari, Tulu, Kodava, Konkani and so on,' she says. Noting that it was this sheer diversity that inspired her to propose the idea to the team, she adds, 'If people get material in their own language or mother tongue, they can easily connect with it and understand it better. They'd feel a sense of belonging.' Native speakers to the aid ALF has so far brought out the Preamble in Aruvu, Byari, Iruliga, Lambani, Malame, and Sankethi. Native speakers, as well as researchers helped with the translation. For example, while Byari translation was done with the help of a native speaker from Belthangady, a friend from Dakshina Kannada, whose mother tongue is Malame, helped with the Malame version of the Preamble. Aruvu and Sankethi were ready quickly with the help of researchers who were proficient in the languages. 'Iruliga is spoken by the Iruliga community found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are a very small community falling under the Scheduled Tribe category and are seen in regions such as Chamarajanagar and Hosur. A researcher who works with the community helped us translate the preamble into Iruliga,' says Ms. Bodh. No mean feat The translations, however, were no mean feat. While in the case of some languages it was difficult to find people who could translate the preamble without diluting its spirit and meaning, in the case of others it was simply difficult to get hold of native speakers to do the job. 'Each word needs to be translated authentically and precisely,' she says. 'Take the case of 'liberty.' People might translate it into something that means 'freedom'. But liberty is more than freedom.' According to Ms. Bodh, the plan is to translate the preamble to around 15 languages of the State. The latest version being introduced is in Dakhni Urdu, which was prepared with the assistance of Ishrat Nisar, a journalist, lecturer, and the sister of International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq. Works of Preamble in Tulu are also under way. ALF also plans to bring out versions in Yarava, Kodava, Konkani, Korra, Navyathi, Belchada, Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, and Shillekyatha in the coming days. 'Anyone who is proficient in these languages are free to reach out to us,' Ms. Bodh appeals, hoping to bring out the translated versions in audio and video formats too.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Important to provide value-based edu: MLA Devegowda
Mysuru: Chamundeshwari MLA GT Devegowda on Friday emphasised the importance of value-based education while speaking at the taluk-level school reopening ceremony held in Naganahalli village, Mysuru taluk. "Education should not just produce intelligence but also character," he said, urging schools to integrate yoga, meditation, academics, and extracurriculars into students' daily routines. He called for mutual respect among headmasters and teachers, encouraging collaboration without ego. Devegowda stressed that teachers should instil moral and human values, and parents must accompany children on the first day of school to understand their role in a child's education. "Parents are gods, and teachers are the first gurus," he noted, urging educators to engage with parents if children are absent or not admitted. Highlighting past struggles of teachers who cycled to remote schools without basic amenities, he said current govt support—including buses, better pay, and infrastructure—demands renewed commitment from educators. He advocated teaching arts, drama, and literature to nurture well-rounded individuals and cited chief minister Siddaramaiah's fond memories of his schoolteacher as an example of a teacher's lasting impact. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Devegowda also shared his contributions as MLA, including fencing, documentation, and drinking water facilities for govt schools. He lauded students who recited the Constitution's Preamble and encouraged this practice to foster leadership qualities. "With community support and dedicated teaching, our schools can become centres of excellence," added Devegowda.
