Karnataka to increase Urdu Academy grants, hold meeting with minority groups

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has promised additional funding for the Karnataka Urdu Academy and announced a separate meeting with minority community representatives next week to discuss their concerns, reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting constitutional rights and promoting social harmony.Shivakumar made the announcements on Sunday while inaugurating the Karnataka Urdu Academy's annual awards ceremony, book release and 'Jashn-e-Urdu' programme at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall in Bengaluru. He also presented awards to 20 people for their contributions to Urdu language, literature and culture.The Chief Minister said the government would hold discussions with leaders and legislators representing minority communities, including Christians, Muslims, Jains and Buddhists. The views and concerns of legislators from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) would also be heard."It is our responsibility to fulfil the promises made in our election manifesto, as well as the assurances given to various communities on different occasions. We are holding meetings with the objective of resolving issues while respecting everyone's sentiments and ensuring that no one is hurt. We will safeguard the rights and the dignity guaranteed under the Constitution," he said. URDU ACADEMY TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL GRANTSShivakumar said the proposal to increase grants for the Urdu Academy had already been discussed with the ministers concerned and that the government would assess its requirements before extending support."Whatever the academy requires will be reviewed and supported. The government will stand behind the growth of Urdu language, literature and culture," he said. He also defended the government's commitment to minority welfare, saying a department could not be shut down simply because some people lacked faith in minority communities."Our government exists to protect the interests of minorities and to be their voice. We are committed to ensuring that no community faces injustice," he said.'GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS'The Chief Minister said the state government would function strictly within the framework of the Constitution and ensure equal respect and protection for people across castes and religions."All of us, including Rahul Gandhi, took our oath holding the Constitution in hand. Preserving the Constitution and upholding its ideals by offering equal respect and protection to all castes and religions is the government's commitment," he said.Shivakumar said the government and the Congress party believed in bringing society together rather than creating divisions.'URDU IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART'Describing Urdu as a language that transcends community boundaries, Shivakumar said it had the power to connect people through literature, poetry and shayari."Urdu is not a language limited to just one community; it is the language of the heart. This language knows no boundaries. Everyone should respect the Urdu language and culture, which have earned global recognition," he said.Recalling an Urdu poetry event during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, the Chief Minister said he had spent nearly an hour listening to shayari and found the experience deeply enriching.He said the audience included Muslims, Jains, Brahmins, Kannadigas, Hindi speakers and people from different religious and linguistic backgrounds, all listening to the poetry with keen interest."This is a fine example of how language can connect people," he said.Shivakumar also emphasised that knowledge should be respected irrespective of the language in which it was expressed, adding that no language, including English, should be treated with disrespect."Language is a medium of communication. Everyone should love and respect their mother tongue and recognise the importance of one's mother and mother tongue," he said.'LET US WORK LIKE A NEEDLE THAT BINDS PEOPLE'In an appeal for social harmony, Shivakumar used the analogy of scissors and needles to underline the importance of unity."Our languages may differ, but human emotions are the same. Humanity is our caste, humanity is our religion. Both scissors and needles can be made from iron. We do not need the work of cutting. Let us work like a needle that stitches and binds people together," he said."Our government and party work to unite society; we have no interest in dividing it," he added.The Chief Minister also congratulated 20 award recipients for their contributions to Urdu language, literature and culture, praising the academy's efforts to promote Urdu.- Ends