Bengaluru, Jan 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the commendable work of the Kannada Mitraru U.A.E in creating and managing a school in Dubai that enables thousands of children to learn their mother tongue while living abroad. This recognition has profoundly impacted the Kannada-speaking community in the region, as stated by Shashidhar Nagarajappa, President of the Kannada Patha Shaale Dubai (KPSD) and Karnataka Sangha Dubai.

In a recent address, PM Modi lauded the contributions of Kannada Mitraru U.A.E for their role in promoting the Kannada language among the Indian diaspora's children through the establishment of a school in Dubai. He emphasized that Kannada is a source of pride and commended the KPSD for their dedication to teaching thousands of children to read, write, and converse in the language overseas.

Speaking to IANS, Nagarajappa expressed that the Prime Minister's acknowledgment was a significant honor and an emotional experience for the entire Kannada community in Dubai. “We never anticipated that our efforts would gain recognition from the Prime Minister. When PM Modi mentioned Kannada and our school, it sparked celebrations throughout Dubai and the UAE,” he stated.

He recounted a call from the Indian Consulate in Dubai inquiring about the Sangha after the Prime Minister’s Office showed interest in the initiative. “At that moment, we didn’t expect to be mentioned. When ‘Mann Ki Baat’ aired, we were in a review meeting. One of our members pointed out that the Prime Minister had spoken about the Dubai Kannada School. It was truly unforgettable,” Nagarajappa remarked.

Following the mention, congratulatory messages flooded in from around the globe. “Individuals who hadn’t contacted us in years reached out to congratulate us. The children were especially elated,” he added.

The Dubai Kannada School conducts classes on Fridays and Saturdays, offering approximately 40 classes across various time slots. Students are divided into three proficiency levels, with nearly 1,400 currently enrolled, aided by 19 teachers and around 80 volunteers, including office-bearers like Vice President Siddalingesh B.R., General Secretary Sunil Gavaskar, Joint Secretary Shashidhar Mundaragi, and Treasurer Nagaraj Rao, all serving without pay.

Nagarajappa mentioned that this initiative began in 2014 after dialogues with community leaders throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. Although previous attempts were made by organizations like Karnataka Sangha Dubai, the current effort was structured with classrooms, trained educators, and a formal syllabus endorsed by the Kannada Development Authority.

The school was officially inaugurated on November 1 (Kannada Rajyotsava Day) 2014, with examinations, parent-teacher meetings, and concluding celebrations held during significant festivals each year. During the Covid-19 pandemic, classes transitioned online, resulting in a notable increase in student enrollments.

The Dubai Kannada Patha Shaale also honors individuals contributing to Kannada's preservation by awarding the Kannada Mitra Award. “This initiative is powered purely by our love for the language. We neither accept nor offer monetary compensation. Preserving Kannada for future generations is our duty,” Nagarajappa emphasized.

He appealed to the Karnataka government to keep Kannada-medium schools operational, even if student numbers are low, stressing the importance of language preservation for the growth and identity of the state.

Nagarajappa noted that NRI Forum Chairman Praveen Kumar Shetty and Mohan Narasimha Murthy are patrons, while Frank Fernandes and Mohammad E. Mulooru serve as advisors. “Our initiative is inclusive, with representation from various cultures and backgrounds,” he remarked.

“This is the first time a Prime Minister has spoken about the Kannada language, especially in the context of NRIs. Congratulations flooded in, and the media spotlighted the story the following day. It felt surreal. The children were overjoyed,” he added.

He stated that the Consulate General’s office later invited the Sangha for a meeting, during which officials engaged with children about their Kannada language proficiency. “Our children in Dubai speak Kannada fluently and achieve excellent grades,” he noted.

Reflecting on initial efforts, Nagarajappa pointed out that the Kannada-speaking population in Dubai is substantial, given that it is a major commercial hub of the UAE. “In 2014, we gathered community leaders and encouraged them to enroll their children in Kannada classes. There was tremendous support from both Dubai and other regions of the UAE,” he stated.

He recalled that prior initiatives by Karnataka Sangha Dubai in 1989 and other groups ultimately could not maintain momentum. “We took on the responsibility, and children showed enthusiasm in attending classes. New teaching techniques were implemented to enhance engagement,” he remarked.

Having lived in Dubai for 24 years, Nagarajappa has collaborated with his wife, Roopa Shashidhar, as head of the teaching team and other like-minded groups for the past 12 years to advance Kannada education among children fluent in other languages yet disconnected from their mother tongue.

“We founded an organization called Kannada Mitraru (Kannada Friends) 12 years ago. Every child has the right to learn their mother tongue. We raised awareness among parents and encouraged them to enroll their children in Kannada classes,” he stated.

He concluded by reiterating that the organization operates on the principle of neither accepting nor offering money. “This initiative is about our mother tongue, and it is our responsibility to transmit it to future generations.”