Kannada language excluded from railway exam in B’luru, sparks row
In a shocking move, the South Western Railway in Bengaluru has excluded Kannada as a medium from a recent exam, allowing only Hindi and English as the languages of choice. This decision has sparked sharp protests from pro-Kannada groups, who claim that it reflects a systemic bias designed to favor Hindi-speaking candidates over local ones. The controversy has raised questions about the importance of promoting regional languages and the need to ensure that government institutions are inclusive and fair to all.
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. It is surprising that the railway authorities did not consider it necessary to include Kannada as one of the mediums of examination, given the fact that the exam was being conducted in the state’s capital city. This oversight has been seen as a deliberate attempt to marginalize the local language and favor candidates who are more proficient in Hindi or English.
Pro-Kannada groups have been quick to condemn the move, stating that it is a clear example of the bias that exists in the system against regional languages. They argue that by excluding Kannada from the exam, the railway authorities are effectively disenfranchising local candidates who may not be as proficient in Hindi or English. This, they claim, is unfair and goes against the principles of inclusivity and diversity that are supposed to guide government institutions.
BJP leader CT Ravi has also weighed in on the issue, calling it a “technical injustice.” He has demanded that the railway authorities take immediate action to rectify the situation and ensure that Kannada is included as a medium of examination in all future exams. Ravi’s comments reflect the widespread outrage that has greeted the decision, with many people taking to social media to express their anger and disappointment.
The controversy has also raised questions about the role of language in government institutions and the need to promote regional languages. In a country as diverse as India, where there are 22 officially recognized languages, it is essential that government institutions are inclusive and fair to all. By excluding Kannada from the exam, the railway authorities have sent a message that regional languages are not important, which is a dangerous and divisive message.
Furthermore, the decision to exclude Kannada from the exam is also a reflection of the broader cultural and linguistic biases that exist in Indian society. For too long, Hindi and English have been seen as the dominant languages, with regional languages like Kannada being marginalized and excluded. This has resulted in a situation where many people from non-Hindi speaking states feel disenfranchised and excluded from the mainstream.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote regional languages and challenge the dominance of Hindi and English. This movement has been driven by a recognition that regional languages are an essential part of India’s cultural and linguistic diversity, and that they need to be protected and promoted. The controversy over the railway exam is a testament to the fact that this movement still has a long way to go.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Kannada from the railway exam in Bengaluru is a shocking and disturbing development that reflects a systemic bias against regional languages. It is essential that the railway authorities take immediate action to rectify the situation and ensure that Kannada is included as a medium of examination in all future exams. This is not just a matter of promoting a regional language, but also a question of fairness and inclusivity. By promoting regional languages, we can create a more diverse and inclusive society, where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
About the Author
