We need a national policy to resolve issues of language and migration that many States face: Go.Ru. Channabasappa

Go.Ru.Channabasappa will preside over the 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana that begins in Mandya on December 20

Senior writer and folklorist Go.Ru. Channabasappa (Go.Ru.Cha), who will preside over the 87^th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana starting in Mandya on December 20, underlined the need for a national policy to address multiple language issues that crop up every now and then. Such a policy, the 93-year-old said, should address an array of issues including language and identity, imposition of Hindi, migration and so on.

Excerpts from an interview:

There are concerns over large-scale migration into Bengaluru and its impact on Kannada identity. How do you look at this issue?

The question of migration is a matter related to many states including Karnataka. It is common in capital cities and industrial centres of other states for employment and other opportunities. There is no provision in our Constitution for inter-state migration restrictions. Although the Constitution gives priority to preserving regional identity, the decisions of the Union government regarding inter-state issues is final.

However, since policies and rules regarding interstate migration, language, land and water disputes are not clear, 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 the states and discuss the burning issues. The effects of increasing migration on the locals and languages ​​should be thoroughly discussed, and although it is not possible to restrict migration, it should be made 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 starting English medium classes in government schools.

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

Parents are worried that if their children do not learn English, they will have no future and will not get a job. Therefore, parents are rushing to English medium. Private schools are exploiting this fear and anxiety of parents.

In the current situation, English is essential to get jobs. However, after the primary education imparted in the mother tongue, English should be taught in the best possible way. In addition, vacant English teacher posts in government schools should be filled. There is no obstacle in implementing a separate law in this regard.

Is non-implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi’s report a setback to the development of Kannada?

Even though 40 years have passed since the submission of the Sarojini Mahishi report, it has not been implemented. The report has been revised as per the current needs and submitted to the government. However, the government, which has accepted the report, has not implemented it yet. A separate cell or a ministry is needed for implementation of the recommendations. Even if 50% of the recommendations in these reports are implemented, the development of Kannada will run at a gallop.

The Union government is imposing Hindi on the State through banks, post offices and other public departments. What is the solution?

In this multilingual and multicultural state, no one language should ride on the other. The necessary encouragement may be given to learn Hindi, but imposing Hindi in administration and education on any 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 view it?

It shows the irresponsibility of our elected representatives, in particular Members of Parliament. No one should do party politics in 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 for Kannada classical language or allocated funds. I will rise this in the presidential address of the Sahitya Sammelana.

Incidents of ruling governments suppressing the freedom of expression of writers and others who raise their voices against them have been increasing recently. What is your opinion?

There has been an outcry all over the world against the ruling governments’ abrogation of freedom of expression. If freedom of expression is suppressed, it is like suppressing the very existence of the country. Freedom of expression in democracy has an important place. Instead of suppressing the opinions of any person or banning works, there should be a discussion 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 have learnt to translate based on 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 are bringing very progressive ideas in their literature. The language they use is also changing. This is a good experiment and a good development.

Published - December 11, 2024 03:07 pm IST