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 row, with pro-Kannada groups and politicians protesting against the move. The exam, which was conducted in Hindi and English, has been criticized for reflecting a systemic bias designed to favour Hindi-speaking candidates over local ones. The issue has gained significant attention, with many questioning the rationale behind excluding the local language from the exam.
The controversy began when the South Western Railway announced that the exam would be conducted only in Hindi and English, leaving out Kannada, the official language of Karnataka. This move was seen as a blatant disregard for the local language and culture, and it did not take long for protests to erupt. Pro-Kannada groups took to the streets, demanding that the exam be conducted in Kannada as well. They argued that excluding Kannada would put local candidates at a disadvantage, as they would be forced to take the exam in a language that is not their mother tongue.
The protests were not limited to the streets, as politicians also weighed in on the issue. BJP leader CT Ravi called the exclusion of Kannada a “technical injustice” and demanded that the railway authorities reconsider their decision. He argued that the move was not only unfair to local candidates but also reflected a larger bias against the Kannada language and culture. Ravi’s comments were echoed by other politicians, who also condemned the decision and demanded that the exam be conducted in Kannada.
The issue has also raised questions about the status of Kannada in the state. As the official language of Karnataka, Kannada is an integral part of the state’s culture and identity. Excluding it from the exam has been seen as a slight to the language and the people who speak it. Many have argued that the decision reflects a larger attitude of disregard for local languages and cultures, and that it is part of a broader pattern of imposing Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states.
The controversy has also highlighted the importance of language in education and employment. Language is a critical factor in determining access to education and job opportunities, and excluding Kannada from the exam has been seen as a barrier to local candidates. Many have argued that the decision will disproportionately affect candidates from rural areas, who may not have had the opportunity to learn Hindi or English.
The railway authorities have been criticized for their handling of the issue. Many have argued that the decision to exclude Kannada was taken without proper consideration for the local language and culture. The authorities have been accused of being insensitive to the concerns of local candidates and of prioritizing the interests of Hindi-speaking candidates over those of local ones.
The issue has also sparked a larger debate about the role of language in Indian society. India is a multilingual country, with 22 officially recognized languages. However, the dominance of Hindi and English has often been seen as a threat to the diversity of languages and cultures. The controversy over the railway exam has highlighted the need for greater recognition and promotion of local languages, and for a more inclusive approach to language policy.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Kannada from the railway exam in Bengaluru has sparked a major row, with pro-Kannada groups and politicians protesting against the move. The issue has highlighted the importance of language in education and employment, and has raised questions about the status of Kannada in the state. The controversy has also sparked a larger debate about the role of language in Indian society, and the need for greater recognition and promotion of local languages. As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the railway authorities will respond to the protests and whether they will reconsider their decision to exclude Kannada from the exam.
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