Kannada language excluded from railway exam in B’luru, sparks row
The South Western Railway’s recent decision to conduct an exam in Bengaluru with only Hindi and English as the medium of instruction has sparked a heated controversy in the state of Karnataka. The move has been met with sharp protests from pro-Kannada groups, who argue that the exclusion of Kannada language from the exam is a deliberate attempt to favor Hindi-speaking candidates over local ones. The issue has also drawn the attention of prominent politicians, including BJP leader CT Ravi, who has termed the decision a “technical injustice”.
The exam in question was conducted by the South Western Railway in Bengaluru, which is the capital city of Karnataka, a state where Kannada is the official language. However, despite being the local language, Kannada was not included as a medium of instruction for the exam. Instead, only Hindi and English were allowed, leaving many Kannada-speaking candidates at a disadvantage.
Pro-Kannada groups have been vocal in their opposition to the move, arguing that it reflects a systemic bias against the local language and culture. They claim that the decision to exclude Kannada from the exam is a deliberate attempt to favor Hindi-speaking candidates, who are largely from outside the state. This, they argue, is unfair to the local candidates who are more familiar with the Kannada language and culture.
The issue has also sparked a wider debate about the status of Kannada language in the state. Many Kannadigas (Kannada-speaking people) feel that their language and culture are being slowly eroded by the increasing dominance of Hindi and English. They argue that the state government and other authorities should take steps to promote and protect the Kannada language, rather than allowing it to be marginalized.
BJP leader CT Ravi has also weighed in on the issue, terming the decision a “technical injustice”. He argued that the exam should have been conducted in Kannada, as it is the official language of the state. Ravi’s comments reflect the growing sentiment among Kannadigas that their language and culture are being neglected by the authorities.
The controversy has also raised questions about the implementation of language policies in the country. While Hindi is the official language of India, the constitution also recognizes the importance of regional languages like Kannada. The three-language formula, which was introduced in the 1960s, mandates that students in non-Hindi speaking states should learn Hindi, English, and their local language. However, the implementation of this policy has been patchy, and many states have struggled to promote their local languages.
In the case of Karnataka, the state government has been trying to promote the Kannada language and culture through various initiatives. However, the decision to exclude Kannada from the railway exam suggests that more needs to be done to protect and promote the language. The state government should take steps to ensure that Kannada is included as a medium of instruction in all exams and official communications, particularly in the state capital.
The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about the role of language in Indian society. While English is widely recognized as a global language, many Indians feel that their local languages are being marginalized by the increasing dominance of English and Hindi. This has led to a growing movement to promote and protect regional languages, including Kannada.
In conclusion, the decision to exclude Kannada language from the railway exam in Bengaluru has sparked a heated controversy in Karnataka. The move has been met with sharp protests from pro-Kannada groups, who argue that it reflects a systemic bias against the local language and culture. The issue has also drawn the attention of prominent politicians, including BJP leader CT Ravi, who has termed the decision a “technical injustice”. The controversy highlights the need for greater promotion and protection of regional languages like Kannada, and the importance of implementing language policies that recognize the diversity of Indian society.
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