In a bid to foster local pride and promote the Kannada language, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced that all institutions, including IT companies and factories, must hoist the Kannada flag on November 1, the day celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava. This initiative aims to mark the formation of the state and emphasize the significance of local culture, particularly in Bengaluru, where nearly half of the population comprises residents from outside Karnataka.
During a press conference in Bengaluru, Shivakumar appealed to all establishments to participate in the flag hoisting, stating, “Today, I have decided, as the Bengaluru minister, to request that on November 1, all institutions should hoist a Kannada flag in front of their premises.” He expressed the importance of embracing local heritage, especially in a city known for its diverse population.
Shivakumar also underscored the necessity of respecting and promoting the Kannada language within the state. In February, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had passed a bill mandating that businesses and establishments use Kannada in at least 60% of their signboards. The bill was a part of the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which sought to amend the 2022 Act aimed at enhancing the visibility of Kannada in public spaces. However, the governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, recently returned an ordinance related to this matter to the state cabinet, suggesting that it should go through the assembly for proper passage, prompting criticism from the government.
“The government crafted a law to amplify the presence of Kannada on signboards. However, the governor’s directive mandates its passage through the Assembly. He could have simply endorsed it,” Shivakumar remarked, reflecting the administration’s frustration over the governor’s intervention.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s call for the flag hoisting aligns with ongoing efforts to reinforce Karnataka’s cultural identity and promote the use of the Kannada language amid rising concerns about regional pride and cultural representation.
Sources By Agencies
