Say it in Kannada

Say it in Kannada
By: Chetan R
Date: 2008-10-31

Bangalore:

FOR A CAUSE: M S Suresh Kumar with sample name plates
On Rajyotsava, do your bit for the Kannada cause by making just one phone call. In return, you'll get a Kannada nameplate or number plate that even comes with a pithy quote.

The idea is that of M S Suresh Kumar, a city-based civil contractor, who plans to distribute more than 2,000 name and number plates free of cost, starting November 1.

"It's all for a cause," said Suresh Kumar, "I want to create awareness among people, who seem to have forgotten Kannada."

All for Kannada

As part of the campaign, Namagondhu Kare, Nimagondhu Naama Phalaka Uchita (call us and you'll get a nameplate free), Suresh Kumar, along with residents of Sahakarnagar, will install and distribute number plates for vehicles and nameplates for houses and trees.

Such plates will be distributed to anyone who calls and who wants to contribute to the cause of Kannada.

"The number of people displaying English nameplates is increasing. Those interested in promoting Kannada can join hands with us," said Suresh, "The more the people participating, the more effective will our campaign be."

Around 1,000 plates are meant for houses. They will have the residential address in Kannada along with quotes from Kannada literature like Siri Gannadam Gelge.

Another 1,000 plates bearing names of Kannada litterateurs including Basavanna, Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa will be installed on trees. Trees will be named after the greats and the plates will have some information about them. There are about 100 number plates for vehicles.

Sahakarnagar residents will pay for the campaign in the hope that it will make Bangaloreans more conscious about their state and language. "We hope it shall change the mindset of people," said Ramakant Gungri, a resident.

Suresh Kumar has also constructed a bus stand in Sahakarnagar that highlights the state's rich heritage.
(To get a free name or number plate, dial 9448046373.)