Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people of Karnataka on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava, the state's formation day, hailing it as a celebration of the "spirit of excellence and industrious nature" that defines its residents. In a post on X on Saturday, Modi stated, "Today, when we mark Kannada Rajyotsava, we celebrate the spirit of excellence and industrious nature that the people of Karnataka are synonymous with. We also celebrate the outstanding culture of Karnataka, reflected in its literature, art, music and more. The state embodies the spirit of progress rooted in wisdom. I pray that people of the state are happy and healthy." The message underscores Karnataka's pivotal role in India's growth, marking the 70th anniversary of its creation as a unified Kannada-speaking state.
Kannada Rajyotsava commemorates the linguistic reorganisation of states on November 1, 1956, when the princely state of Mysore was renamed Karnataka in 1973 to honour its Kannada heritage. This unification brought together Kannada-speaking regions from the Bombay, Hyderabad, Madras, and Coorg presidencies, fulfilling the aspirations of the Gokak Agitation in the 1980s for official language status. Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, symbolises the state's blend of ancient wisdom—evident in UNESCO sites like Hampi—and modern innovation, contributing over 8% to India's GDP through IT hubs and aerospace industries.
Modi also conveyed greetings to the people of Madhya Pradesh on its foundation day, praising the state's "rich heritage and immense contribution to India's progress", and to Haryana on its formation anniversary, lauding its "unwavering resolve and dynamism". November 1 additionally marks the establishment of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Lakshadweep in 1956, with celebrations across these regions highlighting India's federal diversity born from the States Reorganisation Act.
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Festivities in Karnataka include state awards, cultural parades in Bengaluru, and temple rituals, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging unity amid political rivalries ahead of local polls. Modi's message resonates as the state navigates challenges like drought and urban growth, reinforcing national pride in its progressive ethos.
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