Wonderfully surprised after reading letter from my favorite primary teacher: HDK

The November 1 edition of Udayavani newspaper had carried a letter written by the chief ministers primary school teacher, expressing happiness on how the little Kumar of her school was now governing the Karnataka state and urging him to take steps for the empowerment of Kannada

In response Kumaraswamy wrote an open letter, the copy of which is presented below:

My sincere greetings on Kannada Rajyotsava

Today’s (November 1st) Udayavani has given me a surprising gift. The letter from my favourite teacher K Padmavatamma who taught me Kannada at Holenarasipura Government Boys Primary School has carried me back to my childhood days. I will definitely try to fulfill her hopes and work on the given suggestions.

Her care for the land, its language and its people in her elderly age is unique. I feel proud that I was her student. Her role was akin to a mother who takes the tension, care and warns the children to always go on the correct path. I felt emotional. Here is a little information regarding the ‘Guru Dakshina’ asked by my Guru. Action has already been taken regarding a few topics. In the coming days, a few useful suggestions will be implemented. May we keep getting guidance from the teacher in the future also. I thank "Udayavani” team for making this possible.

1.            She has advised me and my colleagues in the cabinet to consider schools as temples and to initiate a ‘Shaladegula Yatre’. It is my aim to make government schools, the best schools. Our government has given importance to this. The infrastructure development of government schools/colleges has been taken up at the cost of Rs 1,200 crore. In the coming days, during my tours, I will visit government schools and review their condition. I’ll also advice the same to my colleagues in the cabinet.

2 and 3. In relation to the availability of information online in Kannada and the development of software in Kannada, the matter will be discussed with officials of the related department and action will be taken.

4. Kannada Development Authority is identifying and encouraging judges who conduct the Court proceedings in Kannada. I’ll discuss with the Law Department and officials of the court on giving even more encouragement to it and also take action.

5. Our administrative language is Kannada. Therefore, a notice has been sent to officials to strictly adhere to the order to conduct dealings in Kannada. As per the teacher’s recognition of my decision to inspect files only if they are in Kannada, I’ll keep following the same. I’ll advice the same to my colleagues in the cabinet. I believe that they will follow it.

6. In order to provide job appointment in private sector for those who have studied in Kannada, the revised draft of the Sarojini Maheshi Report has been prepared and is being reviewed by the government.

Yours faithful,

H D Kumaraswamy

Chief Minister, Karnataka Government