Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jan 19: “There should be discussions on government’s decision to start English medium classes in government schools in Karnataka. Opposition to English medium might mean hindrance to poor children. Therefore, there should be uniform education system in the country for growth of mother tongue,” said Vidhana Parishat opposition leader Kota Srinivas Poojary. He was speaking after inaugurating Kannada literary conference at Lions Bhavan, Brahmagiri on Friday.

“There are 48 thousand government and two thousand aided Kannada medium schools in the state. About one crore children study there. There are 2.5 lac teachers and 1.5 lac Bisiyoota staff in those schools. 18% of the 2,30,000 crore budget is being used for education, but there are no toilets in fifteen thousand schools. Seven thousand schools out of 45,000 government schools do not have drinking water. Therefore, children get attracted to schools which have facilities, but government has permitted to open one thousand English medium schools. Opposing those is discriminatory to poor children. Therefore, let there be uniform education system in the country. The government can only be persuaded to nationalize education to bring equality,” he said.

“However, there should be discussions on who should take decision about the medium of instruction. Government should take a decision that is agreeable to all, but there is scarcity of linguists in Vidhana Mandala,” he said.

Janapada scholar Dr Gananath Ekkar said that there are efforts for the growth of Kannada in undivided Dakshina Kannada district amidst local languges Tulu, Konkani and Byari language. “The government should provide basic facilities in Kannada medium schools and employ good teachers. English medium schools appear to be equipped with good facilities and environment but the activities there are not excellent,” he said.

“Regarding employment, the government should immediately implement Sarojini Mahishi report. There should be representation for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in government sponsored academies. Communal harmony is getting spoiled because of political reasons. It is necessary to prevent its entry in Udupi. Differences should be sorted out by discussions. We should coexist with respect for one another,” he said.

Municipal council member Harish Shetty Ambalapady hoisted the National flag. Works of Dr Niketan and Sachidanand were released. Former president of conference Upendra Somayaji set in motion the campaign of books donation.

District Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Neelavar Surendra Adiga chaired the conference. Municipal councillor Rashmi, Chittaranja Bhat, Lions bhavan president Rajagopal S, Dr Subrahmanya Bhat, Subrahmanya Shetty, Valerian Menezes, Sooralu Narayanamadi and Muraleedhar K were present.

Kannada Sahitya Parishad taluk president Vasanthi Shetty Brahmvar welcomed. Poornima Janardhan compered the programme. Girija Hegde Gaunkar proposed vote of thanks.