Hindi is national language’ comment: Kannada poet Doddarange Gowda apologises

Bengaluru: Days after stating that everyone must respect Hindi, as it is a national language of the country, noted Kannada poet, film lyricist, and academician Doddarange Gowda on issued an unconditional public apology.

In a handwritten note, Doddarange Gowda wrote, “I never intended to carry Hindi on my head at the cost of Kannada. I am a devoted-worshipper of the Kannada language from the bottom of my heart. I carry Kannada on my head and not any other language.”

Further, he also added that he does not tolerate any kind of imposition of Hindi or English on Kannadigas. “I apologise if my words hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas,” he said in the statement.

Doddarange Gowda had faced backlash from people of the state for his Hindi is national language comment.