Kannada vs Hindi: Bengaluru language row sparks identity storm

What started with a Bengaluru bank manager dismissing Kannada as unnecessary has erupted into a full-blown linguistic flashpoint, reviving long-simmering tensions over the place of Kannada in Karnataka’s public spaces. The manager’s defiant remark — “This is India, I’ll speak Hindi, not Kannada” — not only prompted his transfer and an apology from SBI, but also inflamed pro-Kannada sentiments statewide.

The controversy has since escalated. A Union Bank ATM near Nagarbhavi came under fire on social media for lacking Kannada as a language option, with a user questioning why only English and Hindi were available. “What’s the point of giving Hindi but not Kannada?” they wrote — calling Hindi an “alien” language. The post received both support and sharp criticism, igniting a bitter online war over language rights and cultural sensitivity.

The uproar mirrors past concerns voiced by Kannada activists and leaders. In 2024, Kannada Development Authority Chair Prof. Purushottama Bilimale and the 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana warned against the rising dominance of Hindi and emphasized preserving Karnataka’s linguistic heritage.

At the heart of this battle lies a deeper struggle: language as identity. For many in Karnataka, Kannada is not just a tongue — it’s a symbol of history, pride, and self-respect. And every perceived slight, from bank counters to ATMs, only deepens the fear of cultural erosion.

#DefendKannada #LanguageIsIdentity #RespectRegionalLanguages #KarnatakaSpeaks