BENGALURU: Biocon chief
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Wednesday apologised for her tweet criticising
pro-Kannada activists opposing the government’s proposal to introduce English medium classes in
government primary schools.
In a letter to
S G Siddaramaiah, chairman of Kannada Development Authority (KDA), Shaw explained that her tweet referred to a media headline and it had been misinterpreted.
“I firmly believe that Kannada is a rich language which must be given prominence in every way possible to respect our heritage. Kannada literature, poetry and theatre have always enjoyed a high status in the arts and literary world globally and we must celebrate this more and more. I hope you and I are on the same page,” said Shaw in the letter.
“….I apologise if I have unintentionally caused you any anguish,” she added.
The KDA chairman had led a delegation to the CM on last Saturday and urged him to roll back the budgetary proposal on English medium classes. Shaw tweeted the same day calling the
Kannada activists “significant naysayers” prompting a sharp reaction from Siddaramaiah, who wrote to her seeking an apology. Kannada writers had written a open letter demanding her apology.
Earlier on Wednesday, a few Kannada activists, waving broomsticks, staged a protest in front of Biocon office on Hosur Road.
Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (TOI File photo)
