Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (KM)

Mangalore, Jun 28:  The Catholic Sabha has appealed to the government to grant permission to start English medium schools in rural areas and to convert Kannada medium schools into English medium schools.

The Sabha has put forth the appeal keeping in view the interest of students and the concern of parents which were not considered to the fullest in the order issued in 1994, legal advisor of the Sabha, M P Noronha told reporters at a press conference here on Thursday June 28.

Stressing on the need for learning English, he said, ‘We live in an era of globalization, and we need to see that the future of our nation will not miss any golden opportunity for not having made appropriate preparation in terms of languages.’

Kannada as the medium of instruction in schools would not favour students on the long run though we have to prioritize our culture and language. Kannada must be taught as one of the languages, he said.

Dakshina Kannada has Tulu, Beary, and Konkani as its native languages besides the state language. Hence imposing the restriction would not cater to the needs of the people in terms of academics. Therefore, the government should think of amendments to the resolution made in 1994, Noronha said.

Spiritual director of the Sabha Fr Vincent Monterio, president Lancy D’Cunha, Sushil Noronha and general secretary N Pereira were present at the press meet.