Mysuru: Condemning the relegation of Kannada to ‘Modern Indian Languages’ category under the new Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) adopted by the University of Mysuru (UoM), Kannada lecturers under the banner of Kannada Degree Teachers’ Association, staged a demonstration in front of Crawford Hall here yesterday.

Alleging that injustice has been meted out to Kannada language, the protestors questioned the rationale adopted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for classifying Kannada as a modern language, while Tamil and Telugu had been grouped under ‘Classical Indian Languages.’

Urging the UoM to plead Kannada’s case with the UGC, the teachers said “We want the UoM to take up the issue with the UGC and ensure that the language is given its due.”

Highlighting that the marginalisation of Kannada posed threat to the academic activities around the language, the teachers argued that the University’s apathy will stall Research on Kannada.

Noting that under CBCS, students will have to study Kannada only for two semesters and it has become an elective, while it was mandatory for degree students to study Kannada for four semesters earlier, the teachers demanded that the University take strict measures for the implementation of compulsory Kannada courses in degree colleges. The protestors withdrew the demonstration after acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh assured to look into their demands seriously.

Association Convenor M. Ramakrishna, Writers Dr. C.P. Krishnakumar, Dr. Malali Vasanth Kumar, Prof. M. Krishngowda, Prof. G.H. Nayak, Prof. H.S. Ramachandra Gowda, C.S. Sarvamangala, P. Mallesh, Bannur K. Raju and others took part.