Page 36 - Mann Ki Baat (English)
P. 36

We extend our deepest thanks to the
                                 Honourable Prime Minister for highlighting
                                 the efforts of Kannada Patha shaale
                                 Dubai and, through it, acknowledging the
                                 dedication of the global Kannada diaspora.
                                 His words were not merely a recognition of
                                 an institution, but a powerful validation of
                                 the cultural, linguistic, and emotional bonds
                                 that Indians continue to nurture, irrespective
                                 of geography.
                                    For Kannadigas living outside India
                                 especially in a cosmopolitan city like Dubai,
                                 this recognition serves as a tremendous
                                 source of encouragement. It reassures us
                                 that our efforts to preserve and pass on our
                                 mother tongue to the next generation are
           Shashidhar            seen, valued, and respected at the national
          Nagarajappa            level.
            President               Birth of Kannada Patha Shaale Dubai
       Kannada Mitraru, U.A.E       Kannada Patha shaale Dubai (KPSD)
                                 was born from a simple yet deeply felt
                                 concern: how do we ensure that children
                                 growing up in a foreign land remain
       KANNADA                   connected to their roots? As families from
                                 Karnataka settled in the UAE for professional
                                 and personal opportunities, many parents
       PATHA                     noticed a gradual disconnect between their
                                 children and the Kannada language.
       SHAALE                    securing a venue. This was overcome with
                                    One of the earliest challenges was
                                 the generous support of JSS Private School,
       Keeping Language,         under the guidance of His Holiness Shivaratri
                                 Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt, followed
       Identity and Roots        by venue support from ASAP Tutors and Bilva
       Alive Beyond Borders      India School managed by Dr. Prabhakara
                                 Kore.
                                    What began as informal weekend
                                 gatherings, where dedicated volunteers
                                 taught Kannada alphabets and basic
                                 vocabulary, gradually evolved into a
                                 structured learning initiative. In 2014, a

                                      36
                                      36
   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39   40   41