Deshabhakta ದೇಶಭಕ್ತ

I have written to the Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, seeking the immediate withdrawal of the tender issued by the Directorate of Minorities for providing 60 days of Army Training exclusively to minority students for 2026–27. A publicly funded programme relating to national defence and service to the nation cannot discriminate among young citizens on religious grounds. Such exclusion raises serious constitutional concerns under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution. Army training and opportunities to serve the nation must be open to all deserving students, irrespective of religion. The Government should adopt inclusive, transparent and merit-based eligibility criteria and strengthen NCC and pre-recruitment training programmes across educational institutions.

This is how geographical identity changes with demographic shifts. The Karnataka Chief Minister’s tour programme, now circulating on social media, refers to the centuries-old Hasanamba Temple as being located in Ameer Mohalla, Nehru Street, Hassan. The Hasanamba Temple, which opens only for a few days every year during Deepavali, has a rich historical and cultural identity. It is unfortunate that such a historic temple is being identified through a locality name that reflects a changing demographic landscape. A place’s historical and cultural identity should never be overshadowed by demographic changes.