Kannada language excluded from railway exam in B’luru, sparks row
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and protests, the South Western Railway recently conducted an exam in Bengaluru, excluding Kannada as a medium of examination. The exam, which was held for various positions, only allowed candidates to take the test in Hindi and English, leaving many pro-Kannada groups and local residents fuming. The decision has been deemed a “technical injustice” by BJP leader CT Ravi, who has joined the chorus of critics condemning the exclusion of Kannada from the exam.
The incident has once again highlighted the long-standing debate over the use of local languages in official exams and the perceived bias towards Hindi and English. Pro-Kannada groups have argued that the exclusion of Kannada from the exam is a deliberate attempt to favor Hindi-speaking candidates over local ones, and that it reflects a systemic bias against the language and culture of Karnataka.
The controversy erupted when candidates who had applied for the exam were informed that the test would only be conducted in Hindi and English. Many of them took to social media to express their outrage and disappointment, pointing out that Kannada is the official language of Karnataka and that it should be included as a medium of examination.
The protests quickly gained momentum, with pro-Kannada groups and organizations staging demonstrations and rallies in Bengaluru, demanding that the railway authorities reconsider their decision and include Kannada as a medium of examination. The groups argued that the exclusion of Kannada was not only unfair to local candidates but also a blow to the language and culture of Karnataka.
BJP leader CT Ravi, who has been a vocal supporter of the Kannada language and culture, weighed in on the issue, calling it a “technical injustice”. He argued that the exclusion of Kannada from the exam was a clear example of the bias against the language and that it was unacceptable that candidates from Karnataka were being forced to take the exam in Hindi or English.
The controversy has also sparked a wider debate over the use of local languages in official exams and the need to promote and protect the linguistic diversity of India. Many have argued that the exclusion of Kannada from the exam is a symptom of a larger problem, where local languages are being marginalized and ignored in favor of Hindi and English.
The incident has also raised questions about the commitment of the railway authorities to promoting the use of local languages in official exams. The railways have been criticized in the past for their lack of sensitivity towards local languages and cultures, and the exclusion of Kannada from the exam has only added to the perception that the railways are biased towards Hindi and English.
In response to the protests and criticism, the railway authorities have defended their decision, arguing that the exam was conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the railways. However, the explanation has done little to placate the protesters, who continue to demand that the railways reconsider their decision and include Kannada as a medium of examination.
The controversy has also sparked a wider debate over the role of language in education and employment, and the need to promote and protect the linguistic diversity of India. Many have argued that the exclusion of Kannada from the exam is a symptom of a larger problem, where local languages are being marginalized and ignored in favor of Hindi and English.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Kannada from the railway exam in Bengaluru has sparked a major row, with pro-Kannada groups and local residents protesting against the decision. The incident has highlighted the need to promote and protect the linguistic diversity of India, and to ensure that local languages are given their due recognition and respect. The controversy has also sparked a wider debate over the use of local languages in official exams, and the need to address the systemic bias against local languages and cultures.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how the railway authorities will respond to the criticism and demands of the protesters. One thing is clear, however: the exclusion of Kannada from the exam has sparked a major controversy, and it will take more than just a defensive explanation to placate the protesters and address the underlying issues.
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