Kannada Development Authority Secretary directs Dasara Exhibition authorities

Mysore/Mysuru: Following a complaint by pro- Kannada activist Aravinda Sharma, Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Secretary Dr. Santhosh Hangal has directed  Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) CEO  to take steps to use Kannada language in lieu of English at the ‘Selfie Spot’ in Dasara Exhibition premises in the city.

Kannada activist Sharma in an email addressed to  KDA had complained against the use of English words ‘I Love MysuruDasara Expo” at the Selfie Spot at Dasara Exhibition premises,  along with photos and urged KDA to issue a notice to KEA CEO and ensure  that Kannada gets the priority at the Selfie Spot.

Responding to his complaint, Secretary of KDA haspointed out that as per the Official Languages Act 1963 and the various subsequent circulars of the State Government, Kannada should be used as the Official Language of the State at all levels.

“Kannada should be the Official Language and must be used as the official language of the State and all departments must join hands to ensure the development of Kannada. Hence, it is the duty of you and me to use Kannada everywhere,” says the letter written by the Secretary to CEO of KEA Rajesh G. Gowda.

Speaking to Star of Mysore in this connection, KEA CEO Rajesh Gowda acknowledged that he has received a mail  from KDA directing him to use Kannada primarily.

“Since MysuruDasara is famous all over the world, tourists visit Mysuru from across the globe. Hence, we have used  English,” he clarified.

“Selfie Point is not an information centre. We have given priority to Kannada language everywhere in the expo except this spot. We will provide another Selfie Point in Kannada for next Dasara,” said the CEO and added that he will soon write to KDA in this regard.