Prime Minister Modi has once again placed cultural identity at the centre of national discourse by highlighting the Kannada Pathshala initiative in Dubai during the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat aired on December 28, 2025.
PM Modi used the platform to underscore how Indian languages continue to thrive far beyond the nation’s borders, powered by community commitment and shared heritage.
In his address, PM Modi drew attention to the Kannada Pathshala, a grassroots weekend school in Dubai where more than 1,000 children from the Indian diaspora actively learn to read, write, and speak Kannada.
PM Modi praised the initiative as a shining example of how cultural roots can remain strong even amid rapid globalisation and digital lifestyles.
He stressed that language is not merely a tool of communication but a living carrier of values, history, and collective memory.
PM Modi explained that local Kannada-speaking families in Dubai launched the Pathshala after noticing a gradual erosion of mother tongue usage among tech-savvy children growing up overseas.
Without waiting for institutional backing, these families built a free, volunteer-driven learning space that now attracts students every weekend.
PM Modi described this effort as an inspiring demonstration of community leadership aligned with India’s civilizational ethos.
Growing Reach and Cultural Impact
Since its inception in 2023, the Kannada Pathshala has expanded rapidly, both in enrollment and curriculum depth.
Teachers use interactive storytelling, cultural lessons, and basic literature to keep children engaged.
PM Modi highlighted that such initiatives strengthen emotional bonds with India while nurturing confident global citizens rooted in their linguistic identity.
PM Modi also linked the success of the Kannada Pathshala to India’s growing soft power. He stated that when Indian communities preserve language and culture abroad, they amplify India’s influence through respect, authenticity, and continuity.
According to PM Modi, the diaspora plays a critical role in projecting India’s pluralistic spirit on the world stage.
Public reaction to PM Modi’s remarks poured in across social media platforms.
Many users expressed pride in seeing Kannada receive national recognition, particularly appreciating PM Modi’s clear and accurate pronunciation of the language’s name.
Supporters echoed PM Modi’s call for preserving linguistic diversity and urged similar recognition for other regional languages thriving abroad.
At the same time, some voices urged deeper policy engagement.
While welcoming PM Modi’s acknowledgement, critics argued that symbolic praise should translate into stronger institutional support for regional language education within India as well.
PM Modi, however, reiterated that societal participation remains the backbone of cultural preservation, with government initiatives acting as enablers rather than replacements.
By spotlighting the Kannada Pathshala, PM Modi reinforced his broader message that India’s cultural strength lies in its languages and the people who protect them.
The episode reaffirmed PM Modi’s consistent emphasis on unity through diversity, where every language contributes to the nation’s collective identity.
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