A recent post by Vikram Chopra, CEO of Cars24, on X (formerly Twitter), has ignited a debate on linguistic identity and workplace inclusivity. Addressed to professionals in Bengaluru considering opportunities in Delhi-NCR, the post humorously stated:
“Still can’t speak Kannada after years in Bengaluru? It’s okay. Aa jao Dilli (come to Delhi). We are not saying Delhi NCR is better. Only that it really is.”
Chopra invited those interested to reach out, adding a personal touch to his recruitment call.
Backlash and Criticism
The post faced criticism for allegedly belittling the Kannada language and seeming to prioritize Delhiites or North Indians for jobs. One user commented, “So basically you want north Indians/Delhiites in your team? The rest of the folks?” Others questioned the validity of his claim about Delhi-NCR being “better,” citing issues like crime rates and social challenges in the region.
Another user unearthed an old tweet by Chopra from 2009, where he criticized Delhi’s people, adding to the controversy.
Context of Kannada Advocacy
The incident has sparked fresh discussion about linguistic inclusivity in Karnataka, especially following Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s call for fostering a “Kannada atmosphere” across the state. He urged residents to adopt Kannada in daily life, highlighting it as a responsibility to protect the state’s language and culture.
Support for Chopra’s Post
Some users defended Chopra’s post, interpreting it as an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by non-Kannada speakers in Bengaluru. Others appreciated the initiative for facilitating professionals to work closer to their families in Delhi-NCR.
Broader Implications
The debate underscores the ongoing tension between regional linguistic identity and national workplace inclusivity. It raises important questions about how businesses navigate cultural diversity in an increasingly interconnected workforce.
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