Dharwad: The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha has called on the state government to withdraw its decision to start English medium sections in government schools. The organisation also demanded the implementation of the CBSE board’s directive that mandates the continuation of education in the mother tongue.

This demand was raised during a meeting held at the Kavi Sammelana Bhavana in Dharwad, presided over by Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Chandrakant Bellad. The meeting focused on recent developments concerning language policy in Karnataka, the Centre’s advisory promoting mother tongue instruction, and the implications of the state’s bilingual education approach.

Speakers at the gathering expressed strong opposition to the state government’s order to introduce English medium in Kannada government schools. They urged the government to roll back the decision and ensure that students continue learning in their mother tongue. The forum also demanded the reinstatement of 125 marks earlier allotted to Kannada in the school curriculum. It further urged the government to implement the CBSE board’s rule that requires mother tongue education across affiliated schools.

Writer Veeranna Rajur said the Centre’s National Education Policy supports learning in the mother tongue, but the Karnataka government’s move to introduce English medium in government schools contradicts this. He stated that such steps, regardless of which party implements them, must be opposed if they undermine Kannada.

Speakers also highlighted the need to follow CBSE’s mother tongue order and provide a quality, inclusive syllabus that aids intellectual, physical, and emotional development of students. They stressed that curriculum reforms must include opinions from language scholars and educationists to ensure that children receive well-rounded and contextually relevant education.

Among those who addressed the gathering were educationist Shanthinath Dibbada, children’s author Ninganna Kunti, senior writer Malathi Pattanashetti, former education commissioner Venkatesh Machakanur, and retired education director Sidram Manahalli. Ravi Kulkarni and other dignitaries were also present. The resolutions of the meeting were presented by Kavisam General Secretary Shankar Halagatti.

Notable attendees included Vishweshwari Hiremath, Dr. D M Hiremath, Dr. Sanjeev Kulkarni, Rajeshwari Maheshwarayya, Dhanavanth Havajola, Shivanand Bhavikatti, K H Nayak, Guru Tigadi, Chandrashekar Rottigavada, and Satish Turumari, among others.

The meeting concluded with a united appeal to the state government to protect Kannada as the medium of instruction in public education.