Kannada for techies

 

 

“Kannada is such a beautiful language. However, I have been in Bengaluru for three years and know barely two words of it. Though I am interested, I can't afford it because of my work schedule. The Kannada Development Authority has now come forward to teach us Kannada on our premises. I am so happy that I can learn it within my company campus!” Rachel, an Indonesian, proceeded with two dollops of Kannada words a with a twinkle in her green eyes.

The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has already started Kannada classes for non-Kannadiga techies and other government officials who are working in Bengaluru. The KDA started its first Kannada speaking centre in Bimal, an automobile company, two to three months back and has not looked back since then. The authority is now planning to set up at least 30 more such learning centres in different parts of the city. City Railway stations, software firms and private companies are coming forward to grab the opportunity.

KDA President Dr Siddalingaiah says, “Talks are on with IT companies in the city, to help the techies to communicate in Kannada and thereby realise the dream of effective implementation of Kannada as an administrative language. The opening of the centres depends on the need. The response from IT companies’ has been positive. If 25-30 students set forth to attend the classes, the Kannada and Culture department will offer resource persons and the KDA will meet the expense”. The techies will attend an hour of classes for a period of three months. The companies need only give their time and premises for the classes.

The Tamil association and Islam organisations are keen to participate and have given their approval to start the centres. The KDA has decided to start 50 centres throughout Karnataka. Bangalore and Mangalore Railway stations have given the green signal and three Madarasas provided students and premises in Mandya district.

“Wherever we find linguistic minorities, we march forward with our task. We have started the ‘Kannada learning movement’ campaign. With this, we try to add some publicity and amass people towards the learning centres” says Sidhalingaiah. The KDA arrange's seminars in courts, drama and cultural activities in Schools etc. At the Karnataka level, the KDA is all set to arrange a package of Kannada activities such as singing Kannada songs, holding seminars etc. The fear of the local language crumbling will be uprooted as Bengaluru is on the way to became a small India in itself. Good luck to the KDA.