As Karnataka marks the 70th Kannada Rajyotsava, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm greetings to its people, saying that the state embodies the spirit of progress deeply rooted in wisdom and culture, and lauding their industrious and innovative spirit, whose excellence continues to inspire the nation.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Today, when we mark Kannada Rajyotsava, we celebrate the spirit of excellence and industrious nature that the people of Karnataka are synonymous with. We also celebrate the outstanding culture of Karnataka, reflected in its literature, art, music and more. The state embodies the spirit of progress rooted in wisdom. I pray that people of the state are happy and healthy.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his wishes, posting on X: “Warm wishes to the sisters and brothers of Karnataka on their Rajyotsava! Home to a rich legacy of art, innovation and learning, the people of Karnataka have made invaluable contributions to our culture and nation’s growth. May the state flourish with prosperity and glory.”
On November 1, 1956, the different Kannada-speaking regions of southern India were brought under a single state through the linguistic reorganisation of states.
Although the roots of the word ‘Karnataka’ are very old, the territory of present-day Karnataka was split into over 20 different administrative units, including different princely states, the Madras and Bombay presidencies, and the Nizam’s Hyderabad.
Recognising the need for linguistic and administrative coherence, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 redrew boundaries, merging all Kannada-speaking regions into a unified Mysuru State.
On November 1, 1973, it was officially renamed Karnataka, symbolising unity and linguistic pride. Since then, Kannada Rajyotsava has been celebrated every year with grandeur and patriotic fervour.
The movement for the unification of Karnataka had begun in the late 19th century, with the formation of the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Dharwad in 1890 by R.H. Deshpande. Records show that the Sangha passed a resolution in 1912, calling for the merger of the Kannada-speaking areas under the British.
Kannada Rajyotsava is listed as a government holiday in Karnataka and is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world. It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honours list for Rajyotsava Awards by the Karnataka government, the hoisting of the Karnataka flag with an address from the Chief Minister and the Governor of Karnataka, as well as community festivals, orchestra, Kannada book releases, and concerts.
(With agencies inputs)