Two-Language Policy Gains Ground: 25,000 Sign Karnataka Petition

The demand to implement a two-language policy in Karnataka’s school curriculum gained fresh momentum as the Namma Naadu Namma Aalvike team held a press conference on Friday, outlining their seven-month-long campaign to end the compulsory inclusion of a third language, particularly Hi ndi, in the state’s education system.

Renowned film lyricist and director Kaviraj, a core member of the campaign, said the movement was launched in 2024 to oppose linguistic imposition and promote educational equity. “We began with a bike rally in Bengaluru on November 1st, followed by the distribution of 1 lakh pamphlets at the Mandya Sahitya Sammelana. We also organised ‘Eradu Nudi - Jaagruthiya Kidi’ awareness sessions at the Kannada Sahitya Parishat,” he said.

The team has submitted memorandums to Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa and the Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority, urging them to reconsider the current language policy. The memorandum, supported by the Authority’s chairman, has been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office.

A major concern highlighted was the academic impact of the three-language policy. “In the academic year 2023-24 alone, over 90,000 tenth-grade students failed in Hindi as the third language. This puts their future at serious risk,” the team stated.

Filmmaker B. M. Giriraj made an impassioned statement:

“No one hates Hindi. While we may personally like Hindi films and songs, the third language has become a burden for the children of Karnataka. This is a cunning trick of Hindi imperialism and imposition.”

Echoing the sentiment, campaigner Sajith Gowda termed the policy as a “cultural assault” on Kannada soil.

Veteran Kannada activist Arun Javagal added:

“Teaching Hindi as a third language is a part of Hindi imposition, and we must push it back.”

Shruthi Marulappa pointed out the asymmetry in language policy across states:

“The North Indian states have not adopted the three-language formula. Tamil Nadu has achieved significant socio-economic progress without accepting Hindi. In Maharashtra, the Chief Minister supports English and Marathi. But in Karnataka, only our children are being burdened by a third language — and that must end.”

Ramesh Bellamkonda emphasized the growing public support:

“Our online petition demanding a two-language policy has received over 25,000 signatures. The third language should not be a burden on Karnataka’s children. Those interested may learn it — but it must not be compulsory.”

“This is not just a request; it is our demand,” he reaffirmed.

The campaigners called on civil society, parents, educators, and elected representatives to rally behind this movement for “language justice” in Karnataka.

🔗 Support the signature campaign: https://chng.it/SSs5VjJnC4

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