‘I’ll learn Kannada little by little:’ President Droupadi Murmu’s savage reply to Karnataka CM

Mysuru turned into a stage for a light-hearted roast on Monday when President Droupadi Murmu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared a cheeky exchange during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH).

With a grin, Siddaramaiah quipped, “Do you know Kannada? I speak Kannada,” almost as if to test the President’s linguistic skills.

Murmu’s Mic-Drop Moment

Not one to miss a beat, President Murmu delivered a classy yet savage response that drew loud applause:

“Although Kannada is not my mother tongue, “I would like to tell the Honourable Chief Minister that, although Kannada is not my mother tongue, I deeply cherish all the languages, cultures, and traditions of my country. I hold great respect and regard for each of them.”

#Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in a commenting and playful tone asked the President of India , Smt Droupadi Murmu : “Do you know Kannada?”

President Murmu gracefully replies , she respects all Indian languages and promises to learn Kannada little by little♥️

Will Sidda dare to ask… pic.twitter.com/0cuD18S9CS

— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) September 2, 2025

Beyond the Banter

President Murmu’s response wasn’t just a witty comeback; it carried a larger message. She encouraged people to preserve their native languages and traditions, stressing that diversity is India’s strength. 

"I extend my best wishes for this. And I will certainly make an effort to learn Kannada, little by little,” she added, drawing applause from the gathering.

The Bigger Picture

This fun exchange comes amid Karnataka’s heated language politics, where everything from signboards to auto rides has been caught in a Kannada-versus-others tug of war. From mandated Kannada signage to pro-Kannada groups demanding stronger enforcement, the debate keeps flaring up, sometimes noisier than peak Bengaluru traffic.

For now, President Murmu has proven that diplomacy can be sharp, respectful, and meme-worthy all at once.