In a passionate appeal for linguistic preservation, popular actor Pooja Gandhi has called upon Karnataka's Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, to take decisive steps to strengthen Kannada-medium schools across the state. The appeal was made during the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the historic St Joseph's Kannada-Medium High School in Koppa, Chikkamagaluru.
A Plea for Kannada's Future
Pooja Gandhi, who has endeared herself to the Kannadiga community by mastering the language, expressed deep concern over the steady decline in student enrollment at Kannada-medium institutions. She labeled this trend as dangerous for the future of the Kannada language, its rich culture, and the identity of Kannadigas. The actor argued that the taxes paid by the people of Karnataka should be invested first and foremost in building the basic infrastructure of Kannada schools.
She presented concrete suggestions to reverse the decline, including the urgent filling of all vacant teaching and staff positions in these schools. Gandhi also advocated for a policy where all Karnataka Public Schools must operate in the Kannada medium to ensure the language's grassroots vitality.
Mother Tongue: The Foundation of Learning
While acknowledging the importance of English as a global language, Pooja Gandhi was unequivocal about the primacy of the mother tongue in foundational education. "Primary education must be in the mother tongue or regional language," she stated. She emphasized that this stage is crucial for the holistic development of a child, asserting that complete knowledge and cognitive understanding are best achieved through learning in one's native language.
"Kannada's future lies in Kannada-medium schools, and the students would get a good future," she opined, linking the language's prosperity directly to the strength of its educational institutions.
Government Response and Alumni Reunion
In his address, Minister Madhu Bangarappa highlighted the state government's ongoing efforts to streamline the education system. "We have been making all the possible efforts to offer quality education to all," he assured the gathering. The event was also attended by Sringeri MLA T D Rajegowda and H G Venkatesh, son of former education minister H G Govindegowda.
The jubilee celebration doubled as a grand reunion for the school's alumni, creating a festive atmosphere on campus. Old students from across the country gathered, turning the event into a joyful occasion to reconnect and reminisce. Generations of alumni shared stories, reliving memories and celebrating the school's enduring legacy.
One alumnus, H L Deepthi, who visited the campus after three decades, was visibly emotional upon meeting old friends. "I had no contact with a majority of them. But the event reunited us," she shared, encapsulating the day's spirit of nostalgia and community.
