03 March,2011 06:05 AM IST | | B V Shiva Shankar
Activists and noted writers oppose Infosys Chief Mentor N R Narayana Murthy's participation in Vishwa Kannada Sammelana claiming that he has done little to protect the interests of Kannadigas in the state
Infosys chief mentor, N R Narayana Murthy is facing 'Kannada' heat as several language activists in the state are unhappy with the idea of him inaugurating the Vishwa Kannada Sammelana scheduled to be held in Belgaum later this month. Kannada activists including noted writers oppose the idea saying, Narayana Murthy has not protected the interests of Kannada and Kannadigas in the industry.
With or without Murthy? Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has called
a press conference today and is expected to voice his views on Narayana
Murthy's participation at the Vishwa Kannada Sammelana. File pic
Hotting up
Ugly scenes were witnessed on Wednesday at a meeting called by I M Vittalmurthy, special officer of the Vishwa Kannada Sammelana. It was here that activists raised objections about inviting Murthy and threatened to boycott the conference if he went ahead with the inauguration.
The meeting was called adjourned after it was decided to leave the final decision to chief minister. "I can understand the sentiments of the people. It is not good manners to ask somebody not to inaugurate a function after the government has officially invited him. But, I can't take any decision on this right now. I will update the CM and will await instructions," said Vittal Murthy, principal secretary (Information and Kannada & Culture)
Decision time
Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa has called a press conference today and is expected to voice his views on Narayana Murthy's participation. Vittal Murthy said it was a well thought decision to invite Narayana Murthy in recognition of his contribution to the state and it was the people of Belgaum who desired to see him at the conference.
"In fact Narayana Murthy was hesitant at first, but agreed to inaugurate the conference after the CM perused. After all, he is the pride of our state," Vittal Murthy added.
Contention point
The activists on the other hand beg to differ, saying, Narayana Murthy was not representing true Kannada pride. Their main contention is that he advocated English learning at the cost of Kannada and refused to reserve jobs for Kannadigas in Infosys, citing merit was the criterion.
"Narayana Murthy represents neo capitalists who are only bothered about profit and loss and do not care for the local language and culture. He has enjoyed the benefits given by the government, but has no interest in the needs of the locals," said an activist from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.
While endorsing the views of the activists, Dr U R Anatha Murthy, noted writer and Jnanapeetha awardee, said he was opposing Narayana Murthy's earlier proposal for a two-language policy, which advocated that Kannada must be the medium of instruction and English must be learnt as a language for communication.
Breaker
Anatha Murthy added, "Principally I am against Narayana Murthy's stand of denying jobs to the locals citing merit as the drawback."However, he was not averse to Narayana Murthy's participation as the conference was not only about Kannada literature. He said he would go to the conference and air his views even if it embarrasses Narayana Murthy.
A G Pandurnanga, Narayana Murthy's secretary, said, "Usually Narayana Murthy keeps away from controversies. He is away presently and unaware of the developments. We have to wait to see what his final stand on this will be."
The Contempt
Narayana Murthy had earlier kicked up a storm by refusing to sing the national anthem in the Infosys campus at Mysore in 2007 during a function. He claimed that the audience consisted mostly of foreigners and they would have been unable to follow. However, heu00a0 later allowed an instrumental rendition of the anthem to be played.
The incident cost him the candidature for presidential polls held in 2007. Congress wanted to field him, but later decided to field Prathibha Devisingh Patil, the current president, owing to the controversy.
Dream girl Hema Malini too faces stiff opposition
Another icon facing the wrath of Kannadigas, is actress Hema Malini, who is running for Rajya Sabha elections from the state. While BJP is supporting her candidature, Kannada writers have teamed up to field Kannada scholar Prof K Maralasiddappa who is being backed opposition parties.
Their main grouse is that Malini is an outsider and does not know anything about the state, and hence should not represent the state. "Leave alone knowing Kannada as a language, she can't even relate herself to the state in any way. There is no reason for her candidature from the state," said Girish Karnad, noted writer and Jnanapeetha award winner.
However, Hema Malini is a strong favourite to win tomorrow's polls as the numbers show. While BJP has 105 seats excluding the speaker, the opposition has only 98 seats. "No one should think I am an outsiders as many of my films are shot in Karnataka and I know very well about the state. I hope I win the polls and get the opportunity to serve the people," said Malini.
