Kannada language excluded from railway exam in B’luru, sparks row
The recent decision by the South Western Railway to exclude Kannada as a medium from an exam conducted in Bengaluru has sparked a major controversy in the state. The exam, which was held in the city, allowed only Hindi and English as the medium of instruction, leaving out the local language, Kannada. This move has triggered sharp protests from pro-Kannada groups, who have alleged that the decision reflects a systemic bias designed to favour Hindi-speaking people over local candidates.
The issue has gained significant attention, with many questioning the rationale behind excluding Kannada, the official language of Karnataka, from the exam. The fact that the exam was conducted in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, has made the decision even more contentious. Many have asked if Bengaluru is not a part of Karnataka, and if the city is being treated as a separate entity, where the local language is not given importance.
BJP leader CT Ravi has termed the issue a “technical injustice” and has demanded that the exam be conducted again, with Kannada as one of the mediums. Ravi has argued that the exclusion of Kannada is not only unfair to the local candidates but also goes against the spirit of promoting regional languages. He has also questioned the intention behind the decision, asking if it is an attempt to impose Hindi on the people of Karnataka.
The controversy has also sparked a debate on the importance of promoting regional languages in official exams. Many have argued that exams conducted in a particular state should have the local language as one of the mediums, to ensure that local candidates are not at a disadvantage. Others have pointed out that excluding Kannada from the exam is a violation of the language rights of the people of Karnataka, and goes against the principles of linguistic diversity.
Pro-Kannada groups have been vocal in their protests, with many taking to social media to express their outrage. The hashtag #JusticeForKannada has been trending on Twitter, with many demanding that the exam be conducted again, with Kannada as one of the mediums. The groups have also threatened to intensify their protests if the demand is not met, and have warned of a statewide agitation if the issue is not resolved.
The issue has also highlighted the long-standing debate on the imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states. Many in Karnataka have argued that the exclusion of Kannada from the exam is part of a larger design to impose Hindi on the state, and to undermine the importance of the local language. Others have pointed out that the move is an attempt to create a sense of linguistic hierarchy, where Hindi is promoted as the dominant language, and regional languages are relegated to a secondary status.
The controversy has also raised questions about the role of language in exams and recruitment processes. Many have argued that language should not be a barrier to employment, and that exams should be conducted in a way that allows candidates to choose their medium of instruction. Others have pointed out that language is an important aspect of identity, and that exams should be conducted in a way that respects the linguistic diversity of the country.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Kannada from the railway exam in Bengaluru has sparked a major controversy, with many questioning the rationale behind the decision. The issue has highlighted the importance of promoting regional languages in official exams, and has raised questions about the imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved, and what steps will be taken to address the concerns of the pro-Kannada groups.
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