Mysuru: District in-charge Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa has said that even medical information should be made available in Kannada so that the people can understand their health problems and the remedies easily.

He was speaking during the celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava, near Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple, North gate of Mysuru Palace, here on Tuesday.

“Most of the things in the field of medicine cannot be understood even by educated people. Such knowledge among the people who have little or no education is unimaginable. So, people are always in awe of the doctors and hospitals. Even when the doctors try to explain, people do not understand and much of the things and get confused. If steps are taken to provide medical education in Kannada, besides English as the main medium of instruction, it would not only help the general public, but also the academics. It will also help the growth of Kannada as a language,” he said.

Expressing concern over the youth getting attracted to Western culture and brain drain, the minister said that Kannadigas had to fight for their rights — in connection with language, land and share of water resources. If the youth migrate to foreign lands, the progress here will be hindered. The social fabric will also be disturbed, he said.

Earlier, Dr Mahadevappa hoisted the Kannada flag and launched the celebrations. Eighteen achievers from various fileds were felicitated on the occasion. Meritorious students, who have excelled in SSLC and PU exams were honoured and 32 of them were presented with laptops to aid their further education.

Following the puja to the Nandi Dhwaja, a colourful procession, depicting the heritage and culture of Karnataka was taken out in the main thoroughfares of the city. The minister received the guard of honour at the Rajyotsava parade.

Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Marithibbegowda, MLAs G T Devegowda and M K Somasekhar, Mayor B L Bhyrappa, Deputy Mayor G H Vanitha and president of District Kannada Sahithya Parishat Dr Y D Rajanna were present.