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last mo.

At Mysuru Event, President Murmu Says She’ll Learn Kannada After CM’s On-Stage Question

The brief exchange was read as a symbolic nod to linguistic pluralism in a state wrestling with how assertively to promote Kannada in daily life.

President Droupadi Murmu receives a warm welcome from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on her arrival in Mysuru on Monday.
Siddaramaiah asks President Murmu, “Do you know Kannada?” | Image: Republic

Overview

  • During AIISH’s Diamond Jubilee in Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked President Droupadi Murmu if she knew Kannada as he began his address in the language.
  • Murmu replied that Kannada is not her mother tongue, voiced respect for all Indian languages and traditions, and said she would try to learn Kannada little by little.
  • The remarks came during the first leg of her three-day visit to Mysuru and followed a warm airport reception by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and the chief minister.
  • Laughter and applause greeted the on-stage banter, with local reports describing the tone as cordial and light-hearted.
  • The moment drew online scrutiny and fresh commentary on Karnataka’s language policies, which have included signboard rules, pro-Kannada activism, and Siddaramaiah’s earlier call for residents to learn Kannada.