As a native of Bengaluru, I have witnessed the difficulties that migrants face when trying to integrate into the local culture. Language plays a critical role in this process - it allows us to communicate, share experiences, and truly understand and empathize with one another. However, the Kannada language, the primary language of Karnataka State where Bengaluru is situated, is currently absent from popular language-learning platform Duolingo.

Karnataka hosts more than 8.5 million migrant workers. Many of these individuals wish to learn Kannada, but struggle to find accessible and effective tools to do so. As Kannada is spoken by 44 million native speakers, it's educational, social, and cultural importance is undeniable, not to mention its economical implications. By learning Kannada, these migrants can reduce language barriers, enhance their employment prospects, and immerse themselves more fully into the local culture.

But the issue transcends beyond simply improving the migrant experience. Language barriers contribute to a sense of isolation and misunderstanding between local and migrating groups leading to numerous "language wars". Therefore, unity and inclusiveness must be our prime focus.

Duolingo, with over 300 million active users, has made language learning accessible to all – let’s make sure that 'all' includes those wishing to learn Kannada. I personally believe that this action will be a significant step forward in eradicating language-related issues and building bridges between native and non-native populations.

Let's urge Duolingo to include a Kannada course on their platform. Knowledge is power, and understanding each other is the pathway to unity. Sign the petition, and let's eliminate language as a barrier – together.