Mysuru: “Parents should converse in Kannada with their children at home to be proud of the language” opined MP Pratap Simha.

He was speaking at a function organised by the District Wing of Karnataka State Government Employees Association at Kalamandira here recently to mark Kannada Rajyotsava and presentation of ‘Seva Ratna’ awards to government employees along with ‘Pratibha Puraskar’ to meritorious children of the employees.

Simha pointed out that Kannada was not just a language but rich in literature and the Kannada flag with yellow and red colour resemble turmeric and vermilion, two sacred ingredients. He expressed happiness in Kannada language with over 2,000 years of history getting classical status which should go on for another 2,000 years.

He hailed the city as the cultural capital of the State having produced several literary giants.

Continuing, Simha said that people should have an introspection regarding usage of Kannada at home first so that the younger generation could feel proud of the language. He expressed  apprehension over Kannada going extinct if that trend was not maintained. Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Tanveer Sait inaugurated the programme.

‘Seva Ratna’ Award was presented to 46 government employees. ‘Pratibha Puraskar’ was presented to 118 children of the employees for excelling in SSLC, 72 in PUC and 30 in degree courses.

Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council Marithibbegowda, MLA Vasu, MyLAC Chairman H.A.Venkatesh, DC D. Randeep and office-bearers of the Association were present.