Folk artists take out a procession in Bengaluru on Friday

BENGALURU: Migrants in Karnataka should learn Kannada and the local culture while retaining their roots, chief minister BS Yediyurappa said on Friday as he marked the state’s 64th foundation day.

He joined the celebrations for Kannada Rajyotsava at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. “People from other states and countries living in Karnataka must adopt the language, culture and lifestyle of the land, and respect ‘Kannadathana’ while retaining their own culture. They must learn Kannada,” he said.

Yediyurappa, who hoisted the tricolour and the yellow-red Kannada flag , advocated the use of Kannada in business interactions and commercial activities. He called Kannadigas role models, who respect traditions and languages of places where they work or live, and urged people from other states to do the same while staying in Karnataka.

“To retain the richness of Kannada, it should be mandatory to speak in Kannada at home and people must come out of desire [vyamoha] for English.

Kannada Rajyotsava must not be limited to celebrations but must reflect in our everyday action,” he said. “School-going children must learn Kannada. Nobody should hesitate to speak in Kannada.”

The state government, he added, was doing its best to make Karnataka a model for the nation. Over 7,280 children were part of various performances and activities.

Minister for primary and secondary education S Suresh Kumar said the state government had asked private companies to give preference to Kanandigas in employment.

Makkala Mela under hot sun

Makkala Mela was one of the main events. In hot weather, students from government and private schools in Bengaluru’s south zone participated in activities such as march past, fold dance, group singing and yoga. During a dance-drama performance, children enacted the bravery of freedom fighter Kitturu Rani Chennamma, who challenged the British over tax imposition. They recounted the contribution of Kannada poet Kuvempu, enacting the story of his poem ‘Raithageethe’, which narrates the life of a farmer. Two separate march pasts were held to give equal importance to the tricolour and Kannada flag.

Social worker dresses up as Bhuvaneshwari Devi

Shobha Sunila Gundami, 59, a social worker, dressed up as Bhuvaneshwari Devi. Holding the Kannada flag, she explained the importance of Kannada to children. “This is the 17th time I have done this. Kannada is the only language I know,” she said.

