Karnataka: Forum protests decision to replace third language with AI

September 22, 2026 /Posted byBandy EW / 0

The Deshiya Bhasha Hitarakshana Vedike, a forum for protection of regional languages staged a protest on Monday, opposing the congress-run Karnataka government’s intention to replace the third language in schools run by it with a subject on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Over 2,000 teachers participated in the protest that took place in Bengaluru’s Freedom Park. Teachers and activists called for resumption of recruitment of third language teachers which has been uncertain because of the proposed AI introduction according to protesters.

They claimed that a draft notification on “Karnataka Education Department Services (Public Instruction Department) (Recruitment to Certain Teaching Posts) (Special) Rules, 2026”, published by the government on July 14, sidelines languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Konkani, Tulu, Malayalam and Arabic being taught in its schools.

“This poses a serious threat to linguistic diversity and employment prospects of language teachers. Many such teachers will lose their jobs if this is implemented. Articles 29, 30, and 350A mandate protection of linguistic and cultural diversity and direct the states to provide students with education in their own languages.

Therefore, in a state like Karnataka, which is a hub and origin place of several local languages, it is essential to ensure equal opportunities for all recognised languages,” stated a press release by the Vedike.

The Vedike, however, did not oppose AI as a subject in schools, saying it is a welcome development. “We are not against the introduction of AI. But, replacing the third language with AI as a subject is not appropriate from the perspective of education or India’s multilingual heritage.

The forum president D Manjunatha said that third language and AI cannot be interchangeable subjects. “Since AI is equally essential for students, it should be taught as a separate specialised or elective subject. This would enable students to acquire modern technological knowledge without compromising their language learning,” said Manjunatha.

Also read: Bengal: “Unused” assets of 933 zero-enrolment schools to be handed over to state govt

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“It must have seemed natural to me that the close-eyed obedience of the student was a form of bhakti. Bhakti was — this scene reminds us — a critique of the idea of god and bhakti itself. The andh bhakt worships the powerful, the academic-bhakt the powerless, so that both transform into a fetish. One wants to remain Hanuman, the other lives with the belief that it’s only a matter of time that they too will become Foucault. ‘Star professor’ should be an oxymoron in the classroom; but star professors lubricate the personality cult, seemingly unaware that it is a weapon of bullying and indoctrination. Instead of conquering the classroom like Alexander, I wish that teachers stood out of students’ sunlight.”

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Karnataka: Forum protests decision to replace third language with AI

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