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, now called North Karnataka and Hyderabad Karnataka were dissolved in the new state. 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 change of name was cheered by all. The very name Kannada and Karnataka evoked a sense of unity. But in the past few years, it is proved beyond all reasonable doubts 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. 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 Watch dog).
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 holds India’s most popular and envied IT show called BangaloreIT.com.
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