Arebhashe Has Enriched Kannada, Says Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah being welcomed by women members of the Arebhashe community at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru on Sunday. Photo: The Kodagu Express

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that if Kannada forms the foundation of Karnataka’s identity, regional languages such as Arebhashe have played a crucial role in enriching it.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 2024 Arebhashe Academy Honorary Awards ceremony at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture and the Karnataka Arebhashe Samskruthi mattu Sahitya Academy, Madikeri.

Arebhashe-speaking Gowdas primarily live in Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu, with their population estimated at over three lakh. Drawing from historical accounts, the Chief Minister noted that the 1882 Gazette had recorded the community as residing in Sakleshpur. “Severe drought and the drying up of the Hemavathi river had forced them to migrate towards Sullia, where they later settled. Over the years, with linguistic influences from Tulu, Konkani, and Kannada, Arebhashe evolved into a distinctive regional language,” Siddaramaiah said.

ALSO READ: New Damselfly Species Discovered in Kodagu’s Shaded Forests

“Originally part of the larger Gowda community, they are today recognised as Arebhashe Gowdas, a group with its own cultural identity,” he added. Siddaramaiah also recalled his familiarity with Kurunji Venkataramanagowda, an eminent figure and an Arebhashe speaker.

Highlighting Karnataka’s linguistic diversity, he said the State is home to around 230 minor languages, all of which have drawn from Kannada. He urged the Academy to intensify efforts toward preserving and promoting Arebhashe for future generations.

Siddaramaiah announced that a proposal to allot land in Madikeri for the Arebhashe Gowda community would be placed before the next Cabinet meeting and implemented thereafter.

Meanwhile, speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said:

“Do not hesitate just because your population is only four lakh. One enlightened leadership or one strong decision can take you anywhere. A leader does not need lakhs of followers, courage and determination are what truly matter. Arebhashe speakers have excelled in various fields, including industry, education, literature and music.”

He added, “Members of the Arebhashe community have requested land for their organisational activities. If you meet me and submit a representation, land will be allotted depending on availability. Politics comes and goes, but I will always stand with you.”

At the ceremony, the government felicitated K.R. Gandadhara, U.P. Shivananda, and D.S. Anand, who received the Arebhashe Academy Honorary Award.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning, Byrathi Suresh, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda and several officials were present.