Learn or leave!

By Editor on 15 Jun 2011 Category:Art and Culture, Education, Governance

0 comments

Recently, the Kannada Development Authority  submitted a recommendation to the State Government on making it mandatory for people new to Bangalore to learn and clear an exam in basic Kannada of the 7th grade level.  The Chief Minister said he would take it up on a priority basis.This recommendation stems from the fact that although Bangalore welcomes  people from all ethnicities and backgrounds, making it one of the most cosmopolitan, multi-cultural cities in India, some old Bangaloreans worry that Kannada is slowly dying out since Hindi, Tamil and other south Indian languages are becoming more widely spoken. 

 

In a recent poll on Twitter, `What is your take on this request? Should the State Government comply?’ most users felt that although the feeling behind the thought is understandable, it is hard to force a language upon people who  move to this city and are currently contributing to its economy.  Some felt that forcing a language upon people would make them less enthusiastic towards learning it or even living in the city. Instead they should be given  incentives and options to learn, know and use the local language as well as explore the new culture they now live in.

 

For a migrant population living and working here on a short term basis, this poses a big challenge. Will they have to learn a new language every two years or so, as they work their way across India? Another problem is that most people new to Bangalore don’t see why they should spend  time and energy learning Kannada when they have been here for long enough and managed perfectly fine with their knowledge of English and their mother tongue.  Pooja Ramu, currently working as a web designer, who moved to Bangalore from Chennai for her undergraduate studies in 2005 says, “I have been in Bangalore for 6 years now and although I have picked up a little Kannada from talking to auto and bus drivers and my maid, I  manage perfectly fine with my knowledge of Tamil and Malayalam. Most people here understand more than one or two languages, which is probably why people from every other state feel perfectly at home here.”

 

Constitutionally, any citizen of India is entitled to live anywhere in the country where he wishes to. Regionalising issues therefore do not make for a friendly, welcoming environment or project a positive face for the city.

 

A lot of people also felt that there are larger issues to deal with (such as basic infrastructure and services provisions) that need to assume a higher place on the government’s priority list, rather than actioning out something that may not have sustainability or is even justified.  
Freelance writer and communication consultant, Nisha Thompson, has some other worries on her mind, “I'm interested in how they plan on following through with this. I look forward to Karnataka Kannada Test Day where everyone has to show up to some school in your area and take a test and if you fail they kick you out of the city. I imagine the test administrator's speech for a failed score will be something like this, ‘I know you have been working and living here for some time and contributing to our economy but you did not score in the top 50th percentile so please pack your things and leave immediately. I understand that I am saying this in Kannada and you don't understand Kannada, so this policeman will escort you to the edge of town. Thank you and feel free to visit any time.’” 
 
On a more serious note, what would happen therefore to those professionals who contribute to our economy and society but do not clear the test? Will there be a re-test until they clear it or will they be politely asked to leave the city? What are the other ways in which the heritage of the Kannada could actually be preserved or enriched?
 
- J.Mumtaz
 Do feel free to comment and express your views on the same. Write to us at editor@ijanaagraha.org.
*The opinions expressed in this blog post are that of the author only and not of the organization. 
Tags: art and culture, bangalore, education, governance, kannada, language, State Government 
0 comments You must Sign Up or Log In to post comments

Author



Editor