President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said she would make an effort to learn Kannada while urging people to preserve India’s diverse languages, traditions, and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru, Murmu responded to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who had addressed the gathering in Kannada and playfully asked if the dignitaries on stage understood the language.

“I would like to tell the honourable chief minister that although Kannada is not my mother tongue, I deeply cherish all the languages, cultures, and traditions of my country. I hold great respect and regard for each of them,” Murmu said.

She added with a smile, “I will certainly make an effort to learn Kannada, little by little.”

The President also stressed the importance of preserving regional languages and culture. “I wish that everyone continues to keep their language alive, preserves their traditions and culture, and moves forward in that direction,” she said.

Warm welcome in Mysuru

Murmu was received at Mysuru airport by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and CM Siddaramaiah before attending the event. Union minister Anupriya Patel, Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar were also present.

The exchange between the CM and the President comes months after Siddaramaiah reiterated that “everyone living in Karnataka should learn Kannada,” a remark that had sparked protests from opposition parties in the state.

Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner