The criteria for the formation of the Indian States is language. India became a Republic in the year 1950 and in same year linguistic provinces were formed. The state of Mysore is one such state in South India.
The state of Mysore was created taking into fold various parts of the region, which were ruled by kings. Several districts in the new state, now called North Karnataka and Hyderabad Karnataka, were dissolved. The new state was named after Mysore, which by itself was a princely state.
People of North and Hyderabad area did not accept the name Mysore. People of this region were demanding a change in the name. After prolonged debate, the name of the state was changed to Karnataka on November 1, 1973.
Late Devaraj Urs the then Chief Minister of state, took this landmark decision. Officially, the new state was born on Nov. 1 and on this day every year birthday of the state is celebrated. This is popularly called as Kannada Rajyotsava or Karnataka Rajyotsava. Rajyotsava means “birth of a state”.
Initially, the change of name was cheered on by all. The very names Kannada and Karnataka evoked a sense of unity. But in the past few years, it has proved beyond all reasonable doubt that the enthusiasm is all but short-lived euphoria.
Come Nov. 1 Karnataka will be in a joyous mood. This day is a government holiday. Very few will be out in the streets and community centres chanting Kannada. The majority of people will enjoy the gift of a holiday.
The government didn’t keep quiet. It gave a call to observe Kannada Awareness Year in 1993. It even formed a committee called Kannada Kavalu Samiti (Kannada Watchdog).
Is the dog watching? No, laments true lovers of the language. We don’t want any to watch us, we will take our own way… says the rest.
The State Govt announces Rajyotsava awards every year, which is given to people who have contributed to the Karnataka state.
Since 1999, Bangalore has held India’s most popular and envied IT show called BangaloreIT.com.
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