Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi: On the occasion of the 70th Kannada Rajyotsava in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm greetings to its people, saying the state embodies the spirit of progress that is deeply rooted in knowledge and culture, and lauded their industrious and innovative spirit, whose excellence continues to inspire the nation.
PM Modi on his social media platforms
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his wishes, posting on Instagram: “Warm greetings to the sisters and brothers of Karnataka on their Rajyotsav! Home to a rich heritage of art, innovation and learning, the people of Karnataka have made invaluable contributions to the development of our culture and nation. May the state prosper with prosperity and glory.”
Through the linguistic reorganization of states on November 1, 1956, the various Kannada-speaking areas of southern India were brought under a single state.
Although the word ‘Karnataka’ has much older roots, the region of present-day Karnataka was divided into over 20 different administrative units, including various princely states, the Madras and Bombay Presidencies, and the Nizam’s Hyderabad.
Recognizing the need for linguistic and administrative cohesion, the States Reorganization Act of 1956 redrawn the boundaries by merging all Kannada-speaking areas into a unified Mysuru State.
On 1 November 1973, it was officially renamed Karnataka, a symbol of unity and linguistic pride. Since then, Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated every year with grandeur and patriotic fervour.
The movement for the unification of Karnataka began in the late 19th century with the formation of the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Dharwad in 1890 by RH Deshpande. Records show that the Union passed a resolution in 1912, calling for the merger of Kannada-speaking areas under the British.
The 70th Kannada Rajyotsava is not just a commemoration of the state; It is a tribute to the visionaries and unsung heroes who have shaped the identity of Karnataka over the decades. From freedom fighters and reformers to scientists, artists and social workers, their contributions reflect the enduring spirit of a state that is rooted in tradition and inspired by progress.
Kannada Rajyotsava is listed as a government holiday in Karnataka and is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world. It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honor list for the Rajyotsava Awards by the Government of Karnataka, the hoisting of the Karnataka flag with addresses by the Chief Minister and Governor of Karnataka, as well as community festivals, orchestras, Kannada book releases and musical programmes.
This year’s celebrations honor those whose dedication and vision helped shape the Karnataka we know today. They include Sulebhavi Narayanamma, a leading social reformer and teacher who advocated women’s empowerment and rural education in northern Karnataka long before they became mainstream issues. Her tireless work laid the foundation for gender equality and literacy in the region.
Also revered is the late freedom fighter and Gandhian HS Doreswamy, whose activism extended far beyond the freedom struggle. A fearless advocate of civic integrity and environmental justice, Doreswamy became the moral conscience of Karnataka’s democracy.
In the field of science, Dr. CNR Rao, a Bharat Ratna awardee and one of the most distinguished chemists in the world, has brought unparalleled glory to Karnataka through his groundbreaking work in materials chemistry. His contributions have established Bengaluru as a global hub for research and innovation.
Similarly, former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan has played an important role in shaping India’s space program and educational reforms. His vision for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underlines Karnataka’s commitment to intellectual leadership and knowledge-driven development.
The cultural soul of Karnataka shines through personalities like Jnanpith Award winning poet, playwright and folklorist Dr. Chandrashekhar Kambra. His writings reflected the pulse of rural life and the essence of Kannada identity, while his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi nurtured generations of artists and thinkers.
Equally inspiring is Dr. H. Sudarshan, a public health pioneer and tribal rights activist whose work in remote forest areas transformed access to health care for marginalized communities. His life exemplifies compassion in action, which is the hallmark of Karnataka’s humanitarian tradition.
–IANS