Elderly Man Denied Entry to Bengaluru Mall for Wearing Dhoti

In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, an elderly man named Fakirappa was reportedly denied entry to GT Mall for wearing a dhoti, a traditional Indian garment. This incident occurred on the evening of July 16 and quickly sparked massive outrage online. Despite having pre-booked movie tickets, Fakirappa and his son were stopped by the mall’s security staff. The video showing this confrontation went viral, leading to widespread criticism of the mall’s management and security personnel.

The Incident

The video captures Fakirappa and his son pleading with the mall’s security staff, who denied them entry due to the dhoti. The security personnel cited the mall’s policy, which apparently forbids entry to individuals in traditional attire like dhotis. Fakirappa, having traveled a long distance, expressed that changing clothes was not feasible, but the mall supervisor strictly enforced the policy, demanding that he change into pants to gain entry.

A farmer wearing a Panche (Vesti) was not allowed to enter GT Mall in Bengaluru as his dress was ‘inappropriate’. Asked to wear Pants.
Few months ago, Virat Kohli’s One-8 commune in Mumbai did the same.
Shameful incident pic.twitter.com/tmRggT5ijS

— Sharan Poovanna (@sharanpoovanna) July 17, 2024

Public Outrage

The viral video led to widespread condemnation from netizens who accused the mall of disrespecting Indian traditions and the elderly man. Social media was flooded with comments criticizing the mall’s policy and its enforcement. Many argued that the dhoti, an integral part of Indian heritage, should not be a reason for discrimination. The incident was seen as a disrespectful act towards cultural attire and raised questions about the inclusivity of such establishments.

Cultural Significance

The dhoti is a traditional garment worn by men in India, symbolizing cultural heritage and simplicity. It is commonly worn in rural areas and during cultural and religious ceremonies. The incident at GT Mall brought to light the cultural insensitivity faced by individuals who adhere to traditional attire. Many netizens pointed out that such actions undermine the rich cultural diversity of India and alienate those who proudly wear their traditional clothes.

Apology from Mall Staff

In response to the backlash, the mall staff reportedly honored Fakirappa and apologized for the incident. According to a report by TV9 Kannada, Fakirappa was presented with a shawl by the same mall staff that had initially insulted him. The mall in-charge, Suresh, apologized for his staff’s unruly behavior, acknowledging the mistake and the hurt it caused.

Broader Implications

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about cultural respect and the policies of public establishments in India. It raises questions about the balance between maintaining certain standards and respecting cultural diversity. Many believe that such policies need to be revisited to ensure they do not discriminate against individuals based on their attire.

Moving Forward

The incident at GT Mall serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. Public establishments must recognize and respect the diverse cultural practices of their patrons. The apology and subsequent honoring of Fakirappa are steps in the right direction, but they also highlight the need for systemic changes to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

In conclusion, the incident where Fakirappa was denied entry to GT Mall for wearing a dhoti has sparked significant outrage and highlighted the need for greater cultural sensitivity. The apology from the mall staff is a positive step, but it underscores the need for broader changes to ensure respect for traditional attire and cultural diversity.