Don't make language an issue, says Kiran

Sep 22, 2006
Publication : Times of India

Making good use of a platform to speak directly to the deputy chief minister B S Yediyurappa, Biocon CMD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw spoke out against the move to close schools flouting the state language policy.

The book was launched by B S Yediyurappa, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Managing Trustee Biocon Foundation and CMD, Biocon Limited at Huskur Village today.

"I appeal to you, Mr Yedipurappa, not to make language an issue. Education is a crying need in this country and education from any medium should be encouraged. Please resolve the issue soon. It's unfair to the lakhs of children who will be affected," she said. She was speaking at the release of Kannada mathematics self help books, 'Chinnara Ganitha' for classes one and two at Huskur village on Thursday.

In his speech, Yediyurappa said English should be taught to rural children so that they can face up to not just national, but global competition "Efforts like these ("Chinnara Ganitha') will help children in rural and urban areas be on equal footing. Please introduce this in Shimoga as well," he said.

The book, which has been written by Baldwin Girls' High School teacher Prathima Rao, has been translated in Kannada.

The book is priced at Rs 26, but 20,000 copies will be distributed free of cost in Kannada medium government schools in Anekal. Books for students up till class eight will be introduced shortly.

"I want all children in this village and all rural areas to be on par with children in the city. This initiative is our way of showing commitment to these children who form the knowledge economy of our country," said Shaw. Currently, she has also undertaken a Rs 40 lakh project to build 800 toilets in the village.