The Hindu : Karnataka News : ‘Globalisation, a threat to culture’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

‘Globalisation, a threat to culture’

Special Correspondent

Programme to encourage youth talent inaugurated
It is organised by the Kannada and Culture Department

Bangalore: Legislative Council Chairman B.K. Chandrashekar has suggested that the Government evolve a comprehensive policy to protect cultural traditions from the ill effects of globalisation.

He was speaking after inaugurating Yuvachetana, a three-day programme organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture under the Suvarna Sanskrithi Utsava to encourage and promote talent among youth here on Monday.

Prof. Chandrashekar said that of late the effects of globalisation had been discussed across the country, but an acceptable definition of the concept was still elusive. For some people globalisation meant Americanisation of the country. For others it was just a revised form of colonialism.

One could argue that the purpose of globalisation was to undermine the self-sufficiency of individuals and society and promote interdependence right from the grass roots in all developing countries. Only thorough research in fields such as culture, trade and education would help determine whether globalisation had any positive shades to offer or was completely adverse to the country’s interests, he said.

Contrary to the country’s belief in unity in diversity, globalisation believed in enforcing uniformity in all fields. People should come up with effective programmes to prevent and counter the onslaught of globalisation, he argued.

He said the Government’s grants to various organisations for promoting the Kannada and culture and holding utsavs would no longer serve their purpose in the fast-changing scenario. Only well-integrated programmes with a broad outlook would serve the cultural interests of the State, he said.

Kannada identity

‘Mukhyamantri’ Chandru, MLC, said that it was a “tragedy” that Kannadigas were struggling to get a deserving identity for Kannada in its own land.

All those in public life, irrespective of party affiliations, should know that Kannada and related issues would figure in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in future.

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