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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Kannada activist SR Sudarshan passes away
Mysuru: Kannada activist and academician SR Sudarshan, 73, passed away on Sunday morning. He is also one of the founders of Nrupatunga School in the city. He is survived by his daughter, Nudi Sudarshan, an engineer and artist. His body was donated to a hospital after a public homage. Sudarshan, who was part of the Gokak movement, was arrested for taking part in the agitation. He had completed MSc in Geology. He also secured 3rd rank at the University of Mysore in MSc Geology by writing the examination in Kannada. Later, he also wrote the LLB examination in Kannada. He penned several science books in Kannada, besides editing an abridged version of the Kannada-English dictionary of the University of Mysore. His English-Kannada dictionary was reprinted 15 times, reflecting its popularity. Sudarshan was a member of the Karnataka Science Academy, known for his pro-Kannada works in the state. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diverse dialects strength of Kannada language: Poetess
Mysuru: Poetess and writer Cha. Sarvamangala on Sunday stated that diverse dialects are the strength of Kannada language. Speaking at a lecture organised by the Karnataka Ekikarana Trust at the Kalamandira, she noted that Kannada is a diverse language with significant difference in the different dialects. People from various parts of the state should be invited to share their dialects, and efforts should be made to visit them and appreciate the nuances of their language, she said. She emphasised the need to create an environment of Kannada in every household and to ensure Kannada is predominantly used at home. She also suggested introducing school and college students to the great personalities who worked for Kannada. Speaking on the topic 'Patil Puttappa's Role in the Karnataka Unification Movement,' writer Na. Diwakar said Patil Puttappa contributed significantly to Kannada journalism and served as a writer. He played an active role in the Gokak agitation and had a multifaceted personality. In Kannada films, the Mysuru dialect is predominantly used, while the dialect of North Karnataka is not utilised. Even when it is used, it is often only for comic relief. The different dialects of Kannada should be understood and used, he said. Karnataka Ekikarana Trust president Sujatha Akki, professor G Usharani, and children's theatre expert Arasikere Yogananda were present. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
KDA sub-committee to look into why many students fail in Kannada in SSLC
Terming the inability of students, particularly those from government schools, to clear the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Kannada examination as 'disastrous', chairman of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Purushottam Bilimale has said that the a sub-committee comprising Kannada scholars and primary school teachers will be formed to look into the issue and come up with solutions. Addressing a press conference after holding a review meeting on the implementation of Kannada in governance, in Dharwad on Wednesday, Mr. Bilimale said, 'In Dharwad district alone, around 750 students have failed in the Kannada examination, and what is more disastrous is that many of them are from government schools.' Mr. Bilimale said the sub-committee would look into the issues of Kannada teaching and learning methods and what needs to be done to address the issue. 'The sub-committee will be asked to submit its recommendations within three months. Subsequently, the authority will take it up with the Education Department.' Two-language policy On the two-language policy, which is much debated now, he said, 'I will definitely advocate it. However, considering the existing political scenario where national parties are in power in States like Maharashtra and Karnataka, the implementation of the dual language policy will be a difficult task.' He argued that the high command of national parties would not endorse the State governments when it comes to the two-language policy, and would invariably want Hindi to be taught. 'However, in States like Tamil Nadu, where a regional party is in power, the two-language policy is easier to implement. But for Karnataka to go ahead with it will be very difficult,' he said. On SEP On the State Education Policy (SEP), he said that based on his talks with those in the committee, he was sure that the two-language policy would be recommended by the committee under the SEP. 'However, the question is whether the State government will endorse it,' he said. Mr. Bilimale clarified that they were not opposed to teaching Hindi as a language. 'Our objection is to the fact that more than a tool of communication, Hindi is being used as a tool of power. Hindi is being imposed as part of the political agenda, and to counter it, we need to assert Kannada. Otherwise, regional languages will be bulldozed,' he said. Gokak memorial On the role played by the Dharwad region in shaping the 'Gokak Chalavali' (Gokak movement) for giving prominence to Kannada in Karnataka, he said that although Dharwad's role was well established in the movement, there was nothing in the region to highlight and emphasise the same. 'So, we are recommending the government to set up a memorial at Gabbur Cross in Hubballi (considered the gateway to north Karnataka region),' he said.
Deccan Herald
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Pride over prejudice
When some college students requested popular singer Sonu Nigam to perform a Kannada song at a function in Bengaluru, no one expected it would ignite a national controversy. What seemed like an innocuous demand from fans has spiralled into a debate on linguistic chauvinism and insider-outsider dynamics. Sonu Nigam's comparison of the request to the Pahalgam terror attack was not only disproportionate but deeply insensitive, pouring fuel on an already simmering incident has been hastily labelled as another instance of 'Kannada fanaticism', a term often carelessly thrown around. But before labelling it so, it is essential to understand the context behind this linguistic assertiveness. Kannada pride has its roots in a long and historical struggle for identity and fight for Kannada predates the formation of Karnataka itself. The movement to unite Kannada-speaking regions started in the mid-19th century, gaining momentum under the leadership of Alur Venkata Rao in 1903. The Karnataka Ekikarana (unification) movement which began in 1946 culminated in the formation of the state of Mysore in 1956 – a dream that was more about language and culture, than about borders. In 1973, the state was renamed Karnataka, completing an important landmark in the assertion of Kannada the decades, Kannada activism has taken various forms including literary movements, protests and campaigns addressing regional concerns like language issues, culture, water rights and border Gokak agitation in the 1980s was a watershed moment. Led by literary and cultural giants, and later embraced by the masses, including cinema icon Dr Rajkumar, the movement demanded primacy for Kannada in education. Another milestone was the Sarojini Mahishi Committee report (1986) relating to the reservation of jobs for Kannada activism has not been without friction. In the past, Tamil was often seen as a linguistic rival. The Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu triggered violent attacks on Tamils in 1991, with slums torched, businesses targeted and at least 16 lives lost in police firing. Hundreds of Tamils fled the state, leaving scars on Karnataka's social flashpoint occurred in 1994 when the Bengaluru Kendra of Doordarshan introduced a 10-minute Urdu news bulletin, perceived as a direct challenge to Kannada. Protests turned deadly, claiming around 25 lives. There were attempts to communalise the movement during this time, but fortunately, these did not gain lasting traction, allowing Kannada activism to retain its secular the years, various organisations like Kannada Sahitya Parishat and individuals such as Vatal Nagaraj, M Chidananda Murthy, and T A Narayana Gowda have supported the language movement. However, some of their actions have been subject to lacks a resurgence is underway, driven by young, urban professionals. Many Kannadigas working in the IT sector are championing the cause, not by rejecting English, but by demanding importance and respect for Kannada. The target is not Tamil, as in the past, but increasingly Hindi, or more precisely, the 'imposition' of Hindi and the cultural supremacy complex that accompanies is growing against 'outsiders' who settle in Karnataka but refuse to learn Kannada, insisting instead that locals speak in Hindi. This has sparked viral videos, heated social media battles, and real-world confrontations. But at the core of it lies a fundamental question: Why is it acceptable to expect a Kannadiga to learn Hindi, but not the reverse?.Language is more than a tool of communication, it is the heartbeat of the people. The Kannada language encapsulates centuries of poetry, philosophy, art, folklore and music. Disregarding it, especially in its homeland, is not just disrespectful, but could lead to its fervour is not unique to Karnataka – all states have had their moments of linguistic assertion. But Karnataka's struggle has always been a fight for respect, not dominance. It is this nuance that is often lost in polarised are quick to equate the Kannada movement with jingoism, but there is a crucial distinction between asserting one's identity and imposing it on others. Kannadigas are not asking anyone to abandon their language or culture. They are only seeking reciprocity, for their linguistic heritage to be valued alongside the Sonu Nigam controversy is a symptom of a broader challenge: India's struggle to fully embrace its linguistic diversity. The solution lies in promoting multilingualism, respecting the primacy of all languages, and abandoning notions of linguistic superiority. Pride in one's language is not fanaticism, it is the celebration of one's heritage. Ultimately, the path forward is simple: mutual respect and recognition that linguistic diversity enriches the fabric of the nation..(The writer is a Bengaluru- based senior journalist)
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
42 child marriages reported in Belagavi in a year; highest cases among Kuruba community
Belagavi: Belagavi, the home district of women and child welfare minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, has recorded 42 cases of child marriages between April 2024 and March 2025. The number has triggered serious concern among child rights activists and govt officials. According to data from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), 196 child marriages were attempted. Of these, 154 could be prevented. Of the total number of cases reported, FIRs were filed in 22 cases, while 66 were referred to the Child Welfare Committees (CWC) for further action. The highest number of cases — 37 — were reported from the Kuruba community, followed by 35 from Scheduled Tribes, 26 among Lingayats, 25 among Scheduled Castes, and 17 among the Muslim community. Officials attribute the continued prevalence of early child marriages to a combination of factors that include deep-rooted cultural traditions, and economic hardships -- particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pernas e pés inchados: Experimente isso para ajudar a drenar o fluído do edema aartedoherbalismo Undo Belagavi taluk topped the district with 23 reported cases, followed by Gokak (22), Hukkeri (18), Savadatti and Ramdurg (17 each), Athani and Raibag (15 each), and Chikodi (10). While the DCPU's interventions helped thwart a significant number of underage marriages, the 42 cases that did occur underline the need for stronger community outreach, stricter law enforcement, and sustained awareness campaigns in high-risk communities. Speaking to TOI, DCPU officer C S Sukhasare said: "In coordination with our stakeholders, we are doing our best to prevent these incidents. Our focus now is on spreading awareness about the adverse impact of child marriage. We will persist with our efforts until we see the number of cases drop to zero." Susheela V, the district coordinator of Spandana, an NGO working for children's welfare, added: "We regularly receive reports related to atrocities against children, including child marriages. After verifying these details, we inform the women and child welfare department, which then steps in." She, however, highlighted the need for govt departments to be more proactive.
