A significant development in Karnataka's education sector has sparked a fresh debate on language policy. Prominent pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has raised a serious allegation that Malayalam is being made a mandatory subject in schools traditionally focused on the Kannada language.
Key Allegations and the December Resolution
Vatal Nagaraj, a well-known figure in Karnataka's linguistic activism, has brought this issue to the forefront. He stated that while Malayalam is being enforced in the curriculum, there is a parallel issue of Kannada teachers not being appointed in these institutions. This dual problem, according to him, undermines the prominence of the state's primary language.
Adding a timeline to the controversy, Nagaraj announced that a pro-Kannada resolution is set to be passed in December 2025. This move is widely seen as a direct response to the state's current educational directives and aims to reinforce the importance of Kannada in its own heartland.
Implications for Karnataka's Linguistic Identity
The announcement, made on November 23, 2025, has immediate repercussions. It touches upon the sensitive and often politically charged topic of linguistic identity in South India. The potential mandating of Malayalam in Kannada-medium schools is perceived by many activists as a dilution of the local language and culture.
This situation places the state government in a delicate position, balancing educational policy with cultural preservation. The outcome of the proposed December resolution will be closely watched, as it could set a significant precedent for how regional languages are treated in the Indian educational framework.
