CFTRI told to ensure pro-Kannada atmosphere

Kannada Development Authority Chairman S G Siddaramaiah has asked the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) Director Ram Rajasekharan to create a “pro-Kannada” atmosphere in the institution within 15 days and to personally report to the KDA office in Bengaluru.

He was chairing a meeting to review the implementation of Kannada in the CFTRI. A large number of Kannada writers and activists were present in the meeting.

“Two years ago, the director suspended three Kannadiga staffers of the CFTRI. He engineered the closure of ‘Kannada Sahrudaya Balaga’ which was involved in activities to promote Kannada for two decades. He also created an atmosphere that is difficult for Kannadiga staffers,” Siddaramaiah said.

He said, “Kannada, Kannadiga and Karnataka are our priorities. We have confirmed information about anti-Kannada activities going on in the CFTRI. We have cross-checked our information. So we want a pro-Kannada environment on the premises of the CFTRI within 15 days. The director should revoke the suspension order of the three Kannadiga staffers in question.”

Already five coordination meetings have been held with the CFTRI in connection with implementation of Kannada. However, all of them have been futile. Henceforth, the KDA will not come to the CFTRI. The director of the CFTRI should report to the KDA at its Bengaluru office. The KDA has summoned even the chief secretary of the state government. So the CFTRI director is in no way superior to the KDA. Before July 20, the Kannada Sahrudaya Balaga should be allowed to function from its earlier building, Siddaramaiah said.

Writer Chandrasekhar Patil said “If you people want to live in Karnataka, be Kannadigas. If you continue the attitude of wishing ill for either Kannada or Kannadigas, move out.” Activist Pa Mallesh, writers C P Krishna Kumar, Kalegowda Nagawara, Hi Shi Ramachandregowda, Hanuru Krishnamurthy and K S Bhagawan were also present.

When CFTRI Director Ram Rajasekharan was contacted, he said that the KDA has no issues over implementation of Kannada as a language in the institution.

“Regarding the suspension of three persons, all procedures, including an inquiry, have been followed. They have been suspended only after the charges against them were proved. CFTRI will decide on the future course of action, following the directions of the KDA, after holding discussion with all the officials concerned,” he said.