BENGALURU: Karnataka should have its own official state flag and it should get legal sanctity, said Prof Chandrashekar Patil, senior Kannada writer and president of the 83rd Kannada Sahithya Sammelana.
Speaking at a Meet the Press event here on Wednesday, Chandrashekar Patil, popularly known as Champa, said the demand to have a state flag is not new. “The existing flag was designed by Kannada activist Ma Ramamurthy. We are now emotionally attached to the yellow-red coloured flag.
When Ramamurthy designed, it was for a political party named Kannada Paksha, which no longer exists,’’ he said.“India is a country of various cultures and practices. Having a state flag does not damage the ‘One Country One Flag’ belief. Kannada flags will not be hoisted higher than the Indian flag. Karnataka should become a model for other states who can also have their own flags,’’ he said.
On the language policy, Prof Champa said since the states were formed on linguistic basis, regional language should be given priority. “For implementation of Kannada as a subject from Class 1, there are legal hurdles. The Supreme Court says it is left to the parents to decide. This order is not only a blow to Kannada, but for all regional languages. There is a need to amend the Constitution. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has letters to all CMs in this regard. The response does not seem to be good. I have urged him to send another letter and call all CMs for a meeting at Bengaluru. He should convince them,’’ Champa felt.
He also said implementation of Kannada in day-to-day administration is good in rural areas, but poor in urban. “We are lagging behind Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra which give priority to their local language,’’ he said. Use of Kannada should be given priority in lower courts, he added.
Chit-Chat with Champa
I do not have any opinion on celebrating Tipu Jayanti, but I personally feel Jayantis of personalities from any religion should not be declared a government holiday.
Any government will always support writers who are favourable to it, be it at the state or central level.
An atmosphere of fear has been created among writers who should be cautious while expressing their views. But this situation will not persist for long.
Karnataka has failed to design an action plan to get funds allotted from the Union government for development of Kannada, a classical language.
Reservation should be given to Kannadigas in private sector which is using state land, water, power and other facilities