The Thiruvalluvar statue is in the news again. Installed near the Ulsoor Lake, this statue which was supposed to be unveiled on September 9, 1991 has remained under the veil for 18 years. All efforts to unveil the statue have ended up in stirring passions between Kannadigas and Tamilians. This time, the state government has finally decided to unveil the statue of Thiruvalluvar in Bangalore on August 9. Simultaneously, a statue of Sarvajna will be unveiled in Chennai on August 13. DNA spoke to TA Narayana Gowda, President, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, about the statue deal between the state and Tamil Nadu.
The state has decided to unveil Thiruvallavur statue next month. What is your comment?
We welcome the decision by the two governments. But regarding the classical language issue, Tamil Nadu has raised objections in the Madras high court and a PIL has also been filed in the court. So, unless both the governments discuss the issue and get the case withdrawn, we will not allow the government to unveil the Thiruvallavar statue in the city.
What will your future course of action be, should the government not accede to your request?
We will approach the state government and demand them to pressurise Tamil Nadu to withdraw the PIL filed against the according of classical language status to Kannada. If the government does not concur, we will call for a meeting of litterateurs and intellectuals next week, and decide the future course of action then.
How will KRV solve the long-standing demands of Kannadigas?
KRV plans to meet the Prime Minister and the other ministers next month and pressurise them to fulfill our demands. If they don’t give in, we will of course continue to fight.
What is KRV doing to ensure that Kannada is used on signboards?
We have taken the issue of ‘three Bhasha Sutra’ very seriously. We have been fighting for several years, to implement this in all central and state government offices. Following the three language policy in the state is mandatory and this is an established principle. The first priority should be given to Kannada, the second to Hindi and the third, to English. Unfortunately, not a single central government office follows this principle. In the coming days, KRV will hold a big protest against this injustice meted out to Kannada.
Is KRV still protesting against the injustice done to Kannadigas in Railways recruitment?
KRV has not stopped its struggle against the injustice done to Kannadigas. We are fighting with the same resolve.
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