Time To ‘Mind Your Language’.

Shrikantha Hs
Jul 10, 2017 · 3 min read

There are many missing points in the discussions and debates going on the alleged imposition of Hindi in Metro stations of Bengaluru. One side wants to keep Hindi off the sign boards, and the other side thinks it is a non-issue or may be politically motivated. But on the ground, the average peaceful and friendly Kannadiga is pissed off and wants some structural changes in the way Kannada is dealt with.

One of the main reason is, Non-Kannadigas assume that it is their right to get a response in the language they prefer in any conversation. There seems to be no effort on the part of a non-Kannadiga to learn the local language. And no guilt is shown but is proclaimed proudly ‘Kannad Gotilla’. You can spend a whole day in some areas of Bengaluru and not listen to a single Kannada word.

So, my dear non-Kannadigas, its is your duty to this Karmabhoomi of yours to learn this beautiful language. To get to speak in any new language, all you need to know is 100 most used words and sentences.

Coming back to my proud Kannadigas.
I dread to say this, but it is true that Kannada will vanish in the next 20–30 years.

I have no incentive to speak in Kannada for survival other than personal pride and satisfaction. I can spend years and years together in Bengaluru and not utter a single Kannada word. Yes, there are people like this everywhere in Bengaluru.

We don’t even get to hear good Kannada in mass media like TV serials, radio shows and movies. Everything is Half-English-cum-Pretentious-Kannada. Any language will die if it is not used to present art and pop culture in it.

The elite of Karnataka, including major superstars of Karnataka film industry, are incapable of comprehending in Kannada for five minutes without the influence of English. This is one of the reasons why Kannadigas hold Dr Rajkumar in high stature.

Approx 40% of the new French literature are translations. All best literary works of the world are translated into French. Whereas Karnataka Culture Ministry spends most of its budget on buildings and functions. Not the way to go.

Anti-dubbing mafia in Kannada film industry must be punished. Superstars come, superstars go. But if a single generation is deprived of Kannada, Kannada is entirely lost. It is these superstar’s and producer’s pure personal interest in making loads of money that stop dubbed movies.

Stop selling onions, start selling Irullis.
People will google ‘what is onion in Kannada’ and ask for it. Don’t make it easy for them not to learn Kannada. You go to any hotel insist for a menu card in Kannada. Nobody in India eats Fenugreek Bread, everywhere it is Methi Paratha, Kannadigas should ask for Menthya paratha. Similar such minute changes have to be made everywhere. And when you are in Dakshina Kannada don’t ask for ‘ellnir’ ask for ‘Bonda’.

I am not against any language. I believe every Indian should know minimum 4 languages. It’s very easy, we Bengaluruians have mastered this art. I also think the easiest way to make a kid intelligent is teaching him/her more languages.

And finally, the most important aspect for the survival of any language is content creation in that language by commoners like you and me. I hate to say this. I can write in English more quickly and efficiently than in Kannada. I know I will write good Kannada one day, It is Work-in-Progress.

So, Kannadigas, write in Kannada.
Write love letters, sorry notes, hateful comments and everything contextually appropriate in Kannada. Express your happiness, joy, anger, disgust in Kannada.

It shouldn’t stop at #StopHindiImposition, but our slogan and hashtag should be
#KannadaBalisiKannadaUlisi
(Speak more in Kannada, to save Kannada)

Shrikantha Hs

Written by

Writer, Terrace Gardener.

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