I am a student of Grade VIII in Bengaluru, originally from North India, and my journey with Kannada has been challenging. Growing up, Kannada was not a language I was taught at home. Yet, in our diverse and multicultural city of Bengaluru, the government has mandated that Kannada be a compulsory second language in schools. This policy has significantly impacted students like me and our academic performance.

While I respect and appreciate the rich culture and heritage of Karnataka, it is vital to consider the backgrounds and needs of all students in a cosmopolitan city like Bengaluru. Being forced to study a language that is unfamiliar can lead to undue stress and adversely affect our grades, which are crucial for our future education and opportunities.

There are many students from diverse backgrounds in Bengaluru schools who face the same predicament. Our city is a melting pot of cultures, and students come from different parts of India and even the world. It's time for our educational system to reflect this diversity and provide the option to choose a second language that aligns more closely with our backgrounds, such as Hindi or Sanskrit.

Statistics reveal that nearly half of Bengaluru's population is from outside Karnataka, and this number continues to grow. By implementing flexibility in language learning, schools can better cater to the needs of a diverse student body and foster an inclusive environment.

We urge the educational authorities to reconsider this policy and offer alternatives that accommodate students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Providing a choice in language learning not only respects our rights but also ensures equitable educational opportunities.

Please join me in advocating for this change that honors the diversity of Bengaluru and supports the educational needs of all its students. Sign this petition to call for the removal of Kannada as a compulsory second language in Bengaluru schools.