A growing online community in Karnataka, made up of people like Chetan Krishna and B. Mallikarjuna, is mobilizing to protect the Kannada language and culture from what they see as the imposition of Hindi. Krishna, a civil services aspirant, and Mallikarjuna, a farmer, have never met but share a common goal: defending Kannada in Karnataka.
This “new language war,” reminiscent of the Tamil-Hindi conflicts in Tamil Nadu, has sparked movements both online and offline. The community promotes Kannada content, challenges Hindi dominance, and addresses anti-Kannada sentiment, especially as Hindi Diwas approaches on 14 September.
Groups like Namma Naadu Namma Alvike and Banavasi Balaga have emerged, planning protests, including a black-clothing campaign at banks and online posts opposing Hindi imposition. Their efforts reflect rising tensions, especially after incidents involving local residents and non-Kannadiga migrants.
Pro-Kannada activists argue that Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan identity should not overshadow the linguistic heritage of Kannada, pushing for a more inclusive approach that respects regional languages.
Read More: