VTU Mandates Respect for Kannada in 220 Colleges

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has issued a comprehensive directive to all 220 affiliated colleges requiring mandatory respect for Kannada, Karnataka's official language. The move comes after *unpleasant incidents* involving disparagement of the language in academic settings.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar emphasized that with 3 lakh students from diverse backgrounds, clear guidelines are necessary to prevent disrespect toward Kannada. The directive places direct accountability on college principals and prohibits teaching and non-teaching staff from using *derogatory or inappropriate words* about Kannada.

Key provisions include zero tolerance for violations, mandatory staff sensitization, and immediate disciplinary action against offenders. The university aims to balance linguistic diversity with fundamental respect for local culture, ensuring that global educational standards do not compromise Karnataka's linguistic dignity. The directive represents a preventative approach to maintaining linguistic harmony across VTU's extensive network of institutions.