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Bengaluru, Nov 1 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Kannada writers Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi for bringing home the Booker Prize for Kannada literature, saying their achievement demonstrated the global power of the language.
CM Siddaramaiah was earlier criticized for inviting only Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the historic Mysuru Dussehra celebrations, with the BJP alleging that she was chosen as “part of appeasement politics” and translator Bhasthi was removed because she is a Hindu.
Mushtaq, a Kannada-language writer, lawyer, journalist and activist, won the International Booker Prize in May this year for her short-story collection “Heart Lamp” (original Kannada version). This was the first time that a Kannada language work has won the award. The book was translated into English by Bhasthi, who thus became the first Indian translator to win the award.
CM reminded that Karnataka, formed through integration in 1956, has now completed 69 years and is entering its 70th year. Paying tribute to the martyrs of the unification movement, he remembered Chhatra Ramaswamy of Mysore, Ranjan Saab of Ballari and many others including Aluru Venkata Rao, Andanappa Doddametti, Gudleppa Hallikeri, Siddappa Kambli, RH Deshpande, Koujalagi Srinivasa Rao and Kengal Hanumanthaiah.
Siddaramaiah said Kannada, a language with a history of more than 2,000 years, has been recognized as a classical language. “However, the neglect of Kannada in education has given rise to many challenges. In advanced countries, children learn and think in their mother tongue. But in our case, languages like English and Hindi have weakened the abilities of our children. Therefore, there is a need to bring a law to ensure education in the mother tongue and the Central government should take it seriously.”
Siddaramaiah also accused the central government of discriminatory treatment of Karnataka. He said, “Karnataka contributes more than Rs 4.5 lakh crore in taxes, but is not given its fair share. While funds are being allocated for Hindi and Sanskrit, Kannada and other regional languages are neglected. The Center is denying funds even for projects important for the development of Karnataka,” he said.
He also alleged that Karnataka suffered a loss of around Rs 1 lakh crore due to unfair practices under the 15th Finance Commission. He warned, “If states do not constitutionally oppose such centralization, our autonomy will be compromised.”
Highlighting the state’s progress, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka has overtaken Maharashtra in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) with Rs 50,107 crore in 2024-25, which is 51 per cent of India’s total FDI. Per capita income in the state has increased by 101 per cent in the last decade, he said, adding that Karnataka leads the country in biotechnology, coffee, silk, pigeon pea, arecanut, ragi and sunflower production.
He concluded his speech by urging the young generation to carry forward the legacy of sacrifice and build a progressive, inclusive and humane Karnataka.
–IANS
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