We need a national policy to solve the language and migration problems that many states face: Go.Ru. Channabasappa

There are concerns about large-scale migration to Bangalore and its impact on Kannada identity. How do you see this question?

The issue of migration is an issue linked to many states, including Karnataka. It is common in capital cities and industrial centers of other states for employment and other opportunities. There is no provision in our Constitution regarding restrictions on interstate migration. Although the Constitution gives priority to the preservation of regional identity, the decisions of the Union government on interstate matters are final.

However, since policies and rules regarding interstate migration, language, land and water conflicts are unclear, it is essential to implement a national policy to resolve them. In this regard, the Union government should convene a meeting of chief ministers of all states and discuss the burning issues. The effects of increased migration on the local population and languages ​​should be discussed in depth, and although it is not possible to restrict migration, it should be mandatory for migrants to learn the local language . Similarly, if Kannadigas migrate to other states, they too should learn the language of that state.

The implementation of Kannada medium of instruction in primary education is still a source of confusion. The state government itself is launching English classes in public schools.

Children should receive primary education in their mother tongue. It is not fair for governments to change this. This is a betrayal of the children. At no time should a different language be imposed on children as the language of instruction at the primary level. Many education experts around the world agree with the argument that children should receive primary education in their native language.

Parents fear that if their children do not learn English, they will not have a future and will not find work. Therefore, parents are rushing to English. Private schools exploit this fear and anxiety among parents.

In the current situation, English is essential to find a job. However, after primary education in the mother tongue, English should be taught in the best possible way. Additionally, vacancies for English teachers in public schools should be filled. There is no obstacle to the implementation of a separate law in this regard.

Is non-implementation of Sarojini Mahishi report a setback for the development of Kannada?

Even though 40 years have passed since the Sarojini Mahishi report was presented, it has still not been implemented. The report was revised according to current needs and submitted to the government. However, the government, which accepted the report, has not yet implemented it. A separate unit or ministry is needed to implement the recommendations. Even if 50% of the recommendations of these reports are implemented, the development of Kannada will run at a gallop.

The Union government imposes Hindi on the state through banks, post offices and other public services. What is the solution?

In this multilingual and multicultural state, no language should overlap the other. Necessary encouragement can be given to learn Hindi, but imposing Hindi in the administration and education of a State is wrong.

Due to lack of funds and other reasons, the work of Kannada Classical Language has come to a standstill. How do you see it?

This shows the irresponsibility of our elected officials, particularly MPs. No one should play partisan politics on educational and cultural issues. I had actually prepared the report submitted to the government on the classical language. The Union government has not given priority to classical Kannada language or allocated funds. I will raise this in Sahitya Sammelana’s presidential speech.

IIncidents of governments in power suppressing the freedom of expression of writers and those who raise their voices against them have increased recently. What is your opinion?

There has been an outcry across the world against the abrogation of freedom of expression by governments in power. If freedom of expression is suppressed, it is like suppressing the very existence of the country. Freedom of expression in a democracy occupies an important place. Instead of suppressing anyone’s opinions or banning works, there should be a debate about them.

What is your inspiration for translating English works into Kannada at this age?

I am not a college graduate. I studied in poverty. I learned to translate thanks to my experience. I translate in my free time so that good ideas reach Kannadigas from other languages.

How do you view young writers today?

Many of today’s young writers bring very progressive ideas to their literature. The language they use is also evolving. It’s a good experience and a good development.