13 thoughts on “ಎರಡನೆ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಯ ಇಂಗ್ಲಂಡಿನ ಯುವ-ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರು ಏನು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ? – ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ್ ಮೆರ್ವೆ, ಅನನ್ಯಾ ಪ್ರಸಾದ್ ಮತ್ತು ರವಿಶಂಕರ್ ಸರಗೂರ್ (ತರ್ಜುಮೆ: ಉಮಾ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್)”

1. I agree with Ramamurthy that we should invite the second generation Kannadigas to participate in this forum and express their opinion first hand. This is what I have written in Kannada in my earlier posting. I agree also with what Sudarshana Rao has written that the parents should nurture an environment at home for children to pick up Kannada. What about the second generation Kannadigas born in the UK and growing up and many of them are living away from their parents, we can not ignore them. We should create an environment in our Kannada Balaga and other similar organisations to make them participate more to express their opinion in our organisations. They are the ‘immediate future adult Kannadigas’. If they are not supported by our organisations they will become vulnerable for a change. This is what is happening right now in other communities where the second generation is already participating in some ideological pursuits which is causing a great concern for everyone including the country as a whole.

   LikeLike

   Reply

2. kannadiga without kannada- could be broadly classed as Indian origin. Language is the gate for the culture. I agree that we should take one step at a time and nurture the needs carefully. The saddest part is the arrogance and ignorance of a good majority kannadiga parents not to nurture such an environment at home for the children to pick up. If the tradition and culture does not hold a place at the homes of the language speakers, I do not see much hope.
   As an organisation, Kannada associations should target it and drive the messages.

   LikeLike

   Reply

3. Although it is nice to read various comments here, I wish one of those young members who took part in this debate at Chesterfield had also contributed. May be they do not visit this site and I suppose there is no reason why should anyway. May I therefore suggest that we invite a selected band of members from the second generation including those took part in the debate to express their views.
   I do not agree that learning kannada is of paramount importance but knowing our traditions, roots and history of Karnataka are perhaps more important. I am not suggesting for one minute that most of them lack but unless they themselves make an effort and appreciate their children will grow up not knowing our history.
   Long time back when I had the honour of being the president of KB, I started a project called Discover Karnataka with help from Karnataka Tourism who were quite keen. Although there was a lot of enthusiasm but it did not get off the ground.
   Now with modern day of communication and ease of travel it may be a good idea to revitalise this idea.
   I have said enough and let’s hear from those who matter.

   LikeLike

   Reply

4. My thoughts on ‘Future of Kannada Language’ among Kannadigas in foreign Countries.

   There seems to be three issues regarding the ‘Kannada Literature & Culture’ with respect to the Kannadigas living outside Karnataka especially those living in countries like UK and USA.

   1. Maintenance of Kannada literature and culture among so called first generation Kannadigas, most of whom are living abroad for more than 40 years and many of whom are now ‘retired’ from their career. To these senior Kannadigas Kannada Literature and Culture seems to be more of a ‘Nostalgic’ significance and less of a ‘Kannada’ identity. For this group the Kannada associations like ‘Balaga’, Koota’ or ‘Kannada Association’ are a kind of ‘Home sickness relieving’ organisations. Many of the members of this group have first hand experience of living, growing and educating themselves in their homeland Karnataka. There are many individuals who have an unfulfilled potential for developing in the fields of literature and fine arts of Karnataka and many among them have missed in participating or fulfilling their ambitions. Therefore we see many of these members are improving their skills further and developing into writers, poets, singers and performers in fine arts of Karnataka even after fulfilling their obligations of careers and parental roles. Kannada Balaga and similar organisations seem to be catering more to the needs of this group rather than to the needs of all generations of Kannadigas living in the other countries.

   2. There are equally a large group of members of the ‘second generation’ of Kannadigas who are born abroad growing and getting educated in countries outside India like USA, UK, Canada, Europe and Australia. Many members of this group have now reached the age of 30 or 40 years and most of them can understand Kannada language because of their parents but are not able to converse in Kannada fluently. Only a handful of members of this group can converse fluently in Kannada. Due to the recent developments in the world and impacts of other cultures, these growing minds are facing a dilemma and they are placing more importance to their own identities and roots rather than their parents’ languages. Naturally they are turning to organisations like Kannada Balaga to get some directions regarding their own identities. Moreover these members are marrying into their host communities as well. Their children are naturally picking up their mother tongue other than Kannada. The main priority of this group seems to be consolidating their own identity and roots rather than developing the language of Kannada and its literature. Kannada Balaga UK and similar organisations seem to be not heeding to their cry of ‘Help’.

   3. Now there is a new influx of younger (first generation) Kannadigas migrating into the countries like U.K and USA in the past 10 years. Many of this group are of IT and BT professions and although they came with an intention of short term stay, they are deciding themselves to stay on a long term basis mainly due to their children’s education and due to their own job prospects. Naturally their children are picking up the local language like English for their communication at their school and with their peers. There is a large cultural gap between these children and the children of the second generation of Kannadigas of UK of the same age group. Just like the parents of the children of the first group as mentioned above in their earlier years of migration into this country, the younger parents of this new group are now anxious about the future of their young children growing up in this country.
   Naturally for the reasons mentioned earlier most of these children will pick up English language for their communication as it is the language of the host community. When these children grow up they become more easily integrated with the host community and many of them will marry into these host communities.

   In conclusion, the organisations like Kannada Balaga UK seem to have come into existence initially mainly to satisfy the social and cultural needs of the migrated group of Kannadigas in foreign countries. Due to the impacts of other cultures in the whole world these groups of Kannadigas are finding themselves to take up the responsibilities of providing cultural identities to the upcoming new generation of Kannadigas. At present our organisations seem to be addressing the needs of older generation and that of the newer generation in helping to preserve Kannada language and literature and not worried about the needs of the second generation of Kannadigas already growing up in this country. Anchoring these young adults with their Kannadiga identity and cultural roots is more important than trying to make them speak in Kannada language.
   As the newer generations of Kannadigas are born and grow up in a foreign country, the Kannada language seems to slip away from their ‘Mother tongue’. The older generation reminisces in their Kannada language. The newer incoming Kannadigas from Karnataka bring in fresh Kannada language with them. This fresh Kannada flows down to their next generation but it slips from their descendents again. Then we need yet another fresh influx of a new generation of Kannadigas to bring in their ‘Fresh Kannada’ into our community, so on and so forth.

   Therefore will ‘Kannada language’ remain as a ‘Floating language’ in the communities of Kannadigas in foreign countries?

   LikeLike

   Reply

5. Dr G S S Prasad writes:
   I am glad that we are debating such an important and contentious issue
   At next Yugadi KB function maybe we can arrange a group discussion on “What 2nd Generation Kannadigas really want “let us plan this in advance and invite young people and give them a prime time. To be fair we have not given enough time and attention for this group. It’s my perception that most second generation kannadigas come to KB function because of parent’s pressure or to hang out in adjacent foyer and to socialize. I am sure they do appreciate some of the cultural programme that needs no language. I cannot generalise as there are some mature older second generation kannadigas who whole heartedly participate. This sub group has individuals with wide age range and maturity. The big question is who should be targeted?
   Some of us who are too passionate about language and culture may have high expectations and some remain sceptical about the commitments from this group. We need to find a middle ground.
   We need to look at various models of activities and try and connect these youngsters. We need to facilitate parallel programmes and provide an opportunity to befriend each other and socialise in the first instance. We should avoid thrusting Kannada and culture on them when they are not ready.
   Youth programme at Chesterfield function was a small step in understanding their views. We should proceed cautiously, negotiate and nurture. We need to create a time slot for their activity in our main programme too.
   One step at a time approach may be prudent.
   ‘You can lead a horse to water’…..

   Dr Prasad

   LikeLike

   Reply

6. ಸುದರ್ಶನ್ ಅವರೆ,
   ನೆನ್ನೆಯ ಕನ್ನಡಪ್ರಭ ವೃತ್ತಪತ್ರಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ, ಜರ್ಮನಿಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷಣಿ ಆಂಜೆಲಾ ಮರ್ಕೆಲ್, ಭಾರತದ ಕೇಂದ್ರೀಯ ವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯ ಶಾಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, ಜರ್ಮನ್ ಭಾಷೆಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರಾಶಸ್ತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹಿಂದಕ್ಕೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ, ತಕ್ಷಣವೇ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಮೋದಿ ಅವರ ಜೊತೆ ಸಮಾಲೋಚೆನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಓದಿದೆ. ಇದು ಅವರ ಭಾಷಾಭಿಮಾನವನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿ ತೋರುತ್ತದೆ. ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿನ ತರುಣರಿಗೆ ಇದರ ಅರಿವಿಲ್ಲ. ಭಾಷೆಗಳ ಅತುಲ ಸಂಪತ್ತನ್ನೇ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ, ಅದನ್ನು ಉಳಿಸಿ ಬೆಳಸುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ತರುಣರು ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿ ಆಲೋಚನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲವಲ್ಲಾ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಬಹಳ ದುಃಖದ ವಿಷಯ. ಬ್ರಿಟನ್ನಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕನ್ನಡ ತರುಣರೂ, ಈ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಮನ ಹರಿಸಿದರೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದಲ್ಲವೇ. ನಮ್ಮ ಬಳಗದ ಸಮಾರಂಭಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಪರಂಪರೆಯನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರೆಸಲು ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ತೋರಿದರೆ, ನಮ್ಮ ಭಾಷೆಗೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪವಾದರೂ ಭವಿಶ್ಯವಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ಮನೆ ಮನೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಸುವುದು ಬಹಳ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದ ವಿಷಯ. ನೀವು ಇಂಗ್ಲೀಷಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದದ್ದನ್ನು, ನಮ್ಮ ತರುಣರು ಓದುತ್ತಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಆಶಿಸೋಣ.
   ಉಮಾ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್

   LikeLike

   Reply

7. In the past we have arranged such debates but with regret very few of the second /third generation are Genuinely interested in what KB does. On three or four occasions they were asked to organise an event as they think fit to attract younger crowd but the format was no different. There is a big “cultural” gap between those born and brought up here and the recent arrivals of the same age. They do not even acknowledge each other. For example Kannadigaru uk attracts some 400 to 500, all under 40s or so when they organise events. They will also have the same problem in future.
   The current leadership is not putting much effort in addressing this issue. At Chesterfield we did have a good turnout but fortunately there were a number of Kannadigas, the so called I T crowd, who in opinion are the future torch bearers of KB.
   Unless our own home grown younger generation who have their own families now realise that there is a need for an identity to reflect our cultural heritage, there is not really much we can do.
   Please do not dismiss me as a pessimist, believe me we have tried very hard.
   I would be interested in hearing more suggestions here.

   LikeLike

   Reply

   • Dear Mr.Murthy,
     You raise some valid questions. I have been to kannadigaru UK functions as well. As long as these functions remain entertainment oriented primarily and socialisation opportunity secondarily and food and outing tertiary, I cannot envisage the second generation ( failing first generation) developing an aptitude to develop a reasonable interest and depth of understanding to carry forward the torch of language and culture. Kannada, is just a reason to get together and nothing beyond that- it looks like. Problems the language faces, how we could improve using kannada at home and teach kids, could be discussed and resolutions taken; but nothing of that sort happens This time, Shivaprasad has tried to steer it to a new direction and some serious touch and hope it would ignite some interest in experimenting to help the cause of kannada. In addition, language and tradition is closely linked with history, stories,mythology, folktales, poems,most importantly a familiarity with the treasure of kannada words. All this should happen at home. KBUK can only facilitate. This needs a serious introspection from kannadigas.
     ( I have intentionally replied to this in English)
     Sudarshan

     LikeLike

     Reply

8. Uttama prayatna mattu aarambha. Munnadesabekagide. Shivaprasad ee hosa ayaamakje chaalane neediddu, adakke yuva peelige spandisiddu eradoo abinandanerya.

   LikeLike

   Reply

9. ಮಾನ್ಯ ಸಂಪಾದಕ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಸದಸ್ಯರೇ,

   ಮೊಟ್ಟಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಬಾರಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದಿನ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಯವರು ನಮ್ಮ ಬಳಗದ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ತಮ್ಮದೇ ಆದ ವಿಚಾರಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಿರುವುದು ಬಹು ಶ್ಲಾಘನೀಯವಲ್ಲವೆ? ಇದು ಅವರ ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷೆ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಅಭಿಲಾಷೆಯನ್ನು ತೋರುವುದಲ್ಲದೆ ಇದು ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ಪ್ರಪಂಚದಲ್ಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಇತರ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಗಳ ಪಲ್ಲಟದಿಂದ ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದಿನ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗೆ ತಮ್ಮ ಸ್ವವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವದ ಪ್ರಾಮುಖ್ಯತೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಅವರಿಗಿರುವ ಅಭಿಲಾಶೆಯನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿ ತೋರುವುದು. ಆದುದರಿಂದ ಹಿರಿಯರಾದ ನಾವುಗಳು ಈ ಮುಂದಿನ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗೆ ಉತ್ತೇಜನ ಕೊಡುವುದು ಬಹು ಮುಖ್ಯ. ಇವರಿಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಬಳಗದ ಸಮಾರಂಭಗಳಲ್ಲದೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಅಂತರಜಾಲೆ ಮತ್ತು ಜಾಲ ಜಗುಲಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರ ಭಾಗವಹಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ಉತ್ತೇಜಿಸಬೇಕು. ಆದರೆ ಅವರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಇರುವ ಒಂದು ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕೊರತೆಯೆಂದರೆ ಕನ್ನಡಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡುವುದು ಮತ್ತು ಓದುವುದು. ಈ ಆಂಗ್ಲದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿ ಬೆಳೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಇವರಿಗೆ ಆಂಗ್ಲಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯವಹರಿಸುವುದು ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯ. ಹಾಗೆಂದರೆ ಇವರುಗಳಿಗೆ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆಸಕ್ತಿಯಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದಲ್ಲ. ಇವರಿಗೆ ಮೇಲೆಹೇಳಿದ ಕಾರಣಗಳಿಂದ ಕನ್ನಡದಮೇಲೆ ಅಭಿಮಾನವಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ತಮ್ಮ ಕನ್ನಡ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವದ ಮೇಲೂ ಅಭಿಮಾನವಿದೆ. ಆದುದರಿಂದ ಇವರುಗಳಿಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಜಾಲ-ಜಗುಲಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಗಳ ವಿಚಾರ ವಿನಿಮಯ ಮಾಡುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಆಂಗ್ಲಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯವಹರಿಸಲು ಮತ್ತು ಆಂಗ್ಲಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ ಮತ್ತು ಪರಂಪರೆಗಳಮೇಲೆ ಲೇಖನಗಳನ್ನು ಬರೆಯಲು ಅವಕಾಶವನ್ನು ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಬೇಕೆಂದು ನನ್ನ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ.
   ಇತಿ ರಾಜಾರಾಮ ಕಾವಳೆ.

   LikeLike

   Reply

   • ರಾಜಾರಾಮ್ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯವನ್ನು ಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಅನುಮೋದಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ತರುಣ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಯೊಂದಿಗೆ, ಮುಂದಿನ ಬಳಗದ ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ, ಈ ವಿಷಯಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ನಮ್ಮ ಜಾಲಜಗುಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂದೇಶ ಸುದ್ದಿಧಾರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಲೇಖನಗಳನ್ನು ಬರೆಯಲು ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಿಸಬೇಕು. ಮೊದಲಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರು ಆಂಗ್ಲಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದರೂ ಪರವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಅವರ ಭಾಗವಹಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ಸುಧಾರಿಸಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ನಮ್ಮೊಡನೆ ಸೇರಿಸುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು.
     ಉಮಾ ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್

     LikeLike

     Reply

10. This is one of the brilliant efforts from KBUK. The credit should go to Dr Shivaprasad (I think he is the one who came up with idea). Ravi, Ananya and Ashirvad, well done for organising and writing the report. Many thank to Uma for translating it in no time. I think we need more of these programs in KBUK. As we had parallel session for KSSVV, it might be worth considering creating a parallel youth wing of KBUK. What I am hearing and observing is lack of participation of the young kannadigas and reluctance to even attend KBUK events. I do not think they connect themselves with what is happening in the KBUK ‘main stream’ event. Time for KBUK to think of creating youth wing of KBUK where more of these parallel session are held.

    LikeLike

    Reply

11. ಮೊದಲಬಾರಿಯ ಇಂಥ ಯುವ ಸಭೆಯ ವರದಿ ಓದಿ ಸಂತೋಷವಾಯಿತು. ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದಿನ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಭಾಷೆ-ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಬಗೆಗಿನ ಅಭಿಮಾನ ಇರುವದು ಶ್ಲಾಘನೀಯ. ಈ ಸಲದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಯುವಕರನ್ನು ಹುಡುಕಿ ಹೋಗಿ ಇಂಥ ಸಮಾರಂಭವನ್ನು ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆಯೂ ಇದು ಮುಂದುವರೆಯಲೆಂದು ಆಶಿಸುವಾ. ತರ್ಜುಮೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಹಿರಿಯರಿಗೂ ಮುಟ್ಟಿಸಿದ್ದು ಸಾರ್ಥಕ.
    ಶ್ರೀವತ್ಸ ದೇಸಾಯಿ.

    LikeLike

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Enter your comment here...

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Email (Address never made public)

Name

Website

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

Notify me of new comments via email.

Notify me of new posts via email.

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.