 advocates for a bilingual formula, emphasizing Kannada and English while resisting linguistic dominance.){kind=link}
The debate surrounding the imposition of Hindi in non-Hindi-speaking states has gained significant momentum, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has been vocal in opposing the central government’s push for the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP). The state has long maintained its stance against Hindi imposition, advocating for a bilingual system that prioritizes Tamil and English.
This opposition stems from concerns that the imposition of Hindi could undermine regional languages and identities. Tamil Nadu has historically resisted similar attempts, emphasizing linguistic and cultural preservation. Now, other states, particularly Karnataka, are also raising their voices against this perceived linguistic imposition.
Karnataka Joins the Movement Against Hindi Imposition
Following Tamil Nadu’s strong stance, Karnataka has also entered the fray, with the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) advocating for a bilingual policy instead of the three-language formula proposed by NEP. KDA Chairman Purushottham Bilimale has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, suggesting that the state should adopt a two-language formula, similar to Tamil Nadu’s approach.
Bilimale’s letter highlighted growing concerns about language equity in India, particularly the imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking populations. He emphasized that Kannada should be the primary language for education, governance, and general interaction in Karnataka, while English should be retained as a secondary language to facilitate communication at a national and global level.
Demand for Kannada Primacy and Regional Language Fairness
Ramesh Bellamkonda, a member of the organization Namma Naadu Namma Aalvike, has further reinforced the demand for a two-language formula in Karnataka. In his letter to KDA, Ramesh expressed concerns over language inequity, stating that Hindi was being unfairly imposed on non-Hindi-speaking states, creating a disadvantage for regional languages like Kannada.
Ramesh’s proposal aligns with the existing Kannada Language Learning Rules-2017, which mandate that all students in the state, regardless of their school board affiliation, must learn Kannada as a second language. His proposal also calls for ensuring fairness to sub-regional languages like Tulu by consulting with the respective linguistic communities.
Balancing Language Learning with Individual Choice
The opposition to the three-language policy is not necessarily against learning Hindi or any other language but rather against its imposition. The resistance from states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka underscores the importance of allowing individuals and educational institutions to decide which additional languages they want to learn.
Ramesh Bellamkonda suggested that while Kannada should have primacy and English should be the secondary language, provisions should be made for those who wish to learn additional languages based on personal interest or career needs. However, the burden of compulsory language learning should be minimized to avoid undue stress on students.
A Growing Regional Setback
The growing opposition from states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka signals a broader pushback against what is perceived as an attempt to enforce a linguistic hierarchy in India. Language has always been a sensitive issue in a linguistically diverse country like India, and the resistance to Hindi imposition reflects the desire of regional states to preserve their linguistic and cultural identity.
As discussions around the NEP’s language policy continue, it remains to be seen whether the central government will reconsider its stance and allow states greater flexibility in implementing language policies that best suit their populations. For now, the demand for a bilingual system in Karnataka adds to the growing chorus of voices seeking to safeguard regional languages and identities against what they perceive as linguistic dominance by Hindi.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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