Kannada should grow into a language of technology and knowledge, says Minister

The Karnataka government’s push to position Kannada as a language of technology and knowledge was reaffirmed on Thursday by Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, who highlighted the state’s linguistic heritage while outlining policy measures aimed at modernising the medium of instruction and digital communication. Speaking at a ceremony in Mandya, the minister argued that the language’s evolution from a classical literary vehicle to a contemporary tool of innovation is essential for preserving cultural identity while fostering economic growth. He cited recent data showing that Mandya district boasts the highest proportion of Kannada‑speaking residents in the state, a demographic factor he believes can serve as a catalyst for broader linguistic revitalisation.Cheluvarayaswamy noted that the district’s contribution to Kannada literature and culture has been “immense”, referencing historic figures such as poet Gopalakrishna Adiga and contemporary authors who have continued the tradition of regional storytelling..

He warned that without deliberate investment, the language could risk marginalisation in an increasingly digital world where English and other global tongues dominate the tech sector. The minister’s remarks were part of a larger governmental agenda that includes the creation of new Kannada‑medium software, the translation of scientific textbooks, and the establishment of a state‑funded centre for language technology research.The minister outlined a multi‑pronged strategy designed to integrate Kannada into the digital ecosystem. Central to the plan is the development of an open‑source operating system and suite of applications that would be fully localised in Kannada, allowing students and professionals to work in their native language without compromising on functionality..

The government has already allocated ₹150 crore for the project, which will be overseen by the Department of Kannada and Culture in collaboration with the Karnataka State Information Technology Mission. According to the minister, the initiative will also involve partnerships with private tech firms to ensure that the software meets international standards while remaining accessible to rural users.In addition to software development, the policy framework includes a comprehensive programme for translating scientific and technical literature into Kannada. The minister announced that a team of linguists, subject‑matter experts and software engineers will work together to render textbooks for engineering, medicine and computer science into the regional language..

The aim is to make higher education more inclusive for students who are more comfortable with Kannada, thereby widening the talent pool for the state’s burgeoning industries. Early pilot projects have already produced Kannada versions of introductory programming manuals, which have been well received in colleges across Bangalore and Mysore.Cheluvarayaswamy also emphasized the role of teacher training in achieving the language’s technological transformation. He announced the launch of a series of workshops for educators that will focus on integrating Kannada‑based digital tools into classroom curricula..

These sessions, to be held across 30 districts, will cover topics ranging from the use of Kannada‑language coding platforms to the creation of multimedia content for remote learning. The minister stressed that equipping teachers with the right resources is critical to ensuring that students develop both language proficiency and digital literacy simultaneously.The minister’s speech touched on the economic implications of a technologically adept Kannada-speaking workforce. He cited a recent report by the Karnataka Innovation Council that projected a 4.5 percent increase in gross state domestic product (GSDP) over the next five years if the state succeeds in mainstreaming regional language technology..

The report highlighted sectors such as agritech, fintech and e‑government services as areas where localized solutions could drive efficiency and inclusivity. By fostering a robust ecosystem of Kannada‑centric tech startups, the government hopes to attract investment while retaining talent that might otherwise migrate to metropolitan hubs.While the policy outlook is ambitious, critics have raised concerns about implementation challenges. Language technology experts point out that creating high‑quality machine translation, speech recognition and natural language processing tools for Kannada is a complex task that requires sustained funding and research..

Some academics have warned that a rushed rollout could result in subpar products that fail to gain user trust, potentially undermining the very goals the initiative seeks to achieve. The minister acknowledged these concerns, stating that the government will adopt a phased approach and invite feedback from the academic community to refine the programmes.In the cultural sphere, the minister reiterated the importance of preserving Kannada’s literary heritage even as the language expands into new domains. He announced the establishment of a digital archive that will house manuscripts, poetry and oral histories from across the state, with special emphasis on works from Mandya district..

The archive will be accessible through an online portal, allowing scholars and the general public to explore the region’s rich literary tapestry. By digitising these resources, the government hopes to safeguard them against physical deterioration while making them available to a global audience.The initiative also includes incentives for startups that develop Kannada‑language solutions. Companies that create apps, educational platforms or e‑commerce services in Kannada will be eligible for tax rebates, seed funding and mentorship programmes administered by the Karnataka Startup Cell..

The minister cited several early‑stage ventures that have already begun experimenting with Kannada voice assistants and localized health‑information bots, noting that these efforts demonstrate the market’s readiness for such innovations. He urged entrepreneurs to view the policy as an invitation to bridge the gap between tradition and technology.Concluding his address, Cheluvarayaswamy called on citizens, educators, industry leaders and policymakers to work collectively toward a future where Kannada is not only a symbol of cultural pride but also a functional medium of scientific discourse and digital interaction. He appealed to the people of Mandya, describing the district as a “living laboratory” for the language’s transformation, and urged other regions to emulate its example..

The minister’s remarks were met with applause, signalling broad political support for the agenda, even as the practicalities of execution remain to be navigated in the months ahead..