Kannada Pride Should Unite People, Not Divide Them: U T Khader

Kannada Pride Should Unite People, Not Divide Them: U T Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 1, 2026: Kannada pride should serve as a bridge that unites people through love and mutual trust rather than alienating speakers of other languages, said Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister U.T. Khader.

Presiding over the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on Saturday, Khader said Kannada was not merely a language but an expression of identity, culture and emotional connection with the land.

Referring to the contributions of literary figures such as Pampa, Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, Kanakadasa and Kuvempu, he said Kannada’s rich literary heritage had promoted equality, social transformation and universal human values, encouraging people to rise above barriers of caste, religion, class and gender.

With a history spanning more than 2,000 years and a rich literary tradition, Kannada has earned the status of a classical language. Kannadigas living across the world continue to uphold the state’s pride through their achievements, creativity and hard work, he said.

Quoting Kuvempu’s famous lines, "Elladaru Iru, Enthadaru Iru, Endendigu Nee Kannadiganaagiru" (Wherever you are, whatever you may be, always remain a Kannadiga), Khader said people should remain connected to Kannada irrespective of where they live.

He emphasised that everyone had a role in preserving and promoting the language, from parents and teachers to scientists, government officials and ordinary citizens.

Highlighting the importance of technology, he said Kannada must actively embrace artificial intelligence, digital education and technological advancements. Its vocabulary, dialects, folk knowledge and literature should be digitally preserved, while quality scientific, technical and educational content should be developed in the language.

He stressed that Kannada should not merely be a language that uses technology but should also contribute to its development.

Khader said the future of Kannada depended on ensuring that farmers could access government services, students received quality education, citizens could communicate with the administration and young people found employment and entrepreneurial opportunities through their language.

He said the Congress government was committed to protecting Kannada, its culture, the state flag and the rights of Kannadigas through a comprehensive action plan.

The government plans to pursue official recognition for Karnataka’s state flag through a Cabinet resolution, consensus among political parties and discussions with the Union Government, along with a statewide public awareness campaign, he said.

Khader said the government was also committed to connecting the state flag with the people’s emotions, history and identity rather than treating it merely as a symbol of a one-day celebration. He expressed confidence that the effort to secure official recognition would be pursued through constitutional and democratic means with the cooperation of all political parties.

He called for collective efforts to strengthen Kannada pride while ensuring that the language remained inclusive and brought people together.