Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday outlined his vision of transforming Karnataka into a globally recognised state and said his dream is to make the state a hub of opportunities for the world.
Addressing the AKKA Silver Jubilee World Kannada Conference being held in Philadelphia, USA, through video conference from Bengaluru, Shivakumar began his address with, “I have a dream for Karnataka.”
His vision, he said, is to make Karnataka not just one of India’s leading states but a state that is recognised and admired globally and emerges as a centre for global opportunities.
Shivakumar said developing Bengaluru and Karnataka to global standards, creating new opportunities, securing the future of the youth and taking governance closer to the people are among his key priorities. He also noted that the state government would complete 100 days in office on September 10.
‘Kannada is not just a language; it is a way of life’
Describing the AKKA conference as more than just an event, Shivakumar called it a “Kannada fair”, a celebration of Karnataka, memories and an opportunity for Kannadigas to reconnect with their roots.
“Being a Kannadiga is not just about speaking Kannada. It is a culture, a way of life and a legacy of values,” he said.
He highlighted Karnataka’s diversity, referring to the rains of Malnad, the sea along the coast, the resilience of Kalyana Karnataka, the warmth of Kittur Karnataka, the cultural heritage of the Old Mysuru region and Bengaluru’s global outlook.
“All of these together are Karnataka; all of these together are Kannada,” he said.
Shivakumar also recalled the rich literary and cultural heritage of Kannada, saying it carries the thoughts of the Vachana poets, the devotion of the Dasas, Kuvempu’s message of Vishwamanava, the poetic brilliance of D.R. Bendre, the knowledge of Shivaram Karanth, the depth of Masti Venkatesha Iyengar’s literature and the emotional richness of P.T. Narasimhachar.
‘100 days enough to set a new direction’
Shivakumar said 100 days may not be a long period, but it is sufficient to establish a direction, clarify the government’s objectives and begin a new journey.
He said several new programmes, ideas and administrative measures had been initiated during the short period.
“ My vision is not limited to the next two or three years. My dream is that by 2037, the world should see Karnataka in a different light,” he said.
Congratulating the entire AKKA family on completing 25 years, Shivakumar said the organisation had evolved beyond being merely an association.
“Over the last 25 years, AKKA has not remained just an organisation; it has become a family,” he said, noting that it had brought Kannadigas together across national borders and generations.
He praised AKKA’s efforts to promote Kannada language, literature, art and culture and pass the legacy on to future generations.
