The language debate heating up in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru. It’s not on Hindi Vs. Kannada, or English vs. Kannada, it’s any other language other than Kannada that is increasingly becoming an issue for many Kannadigas who think their language is getting ‘endangered’. While Kannadigas are looking for respect o their culture, non-kannadigas want acceptance. The influx of people nationally and internationally in Bangalore is not new, this city is historically a hub for all thing success.
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Bengaluru, is a rich melting pot of history, cultures, traditions, and languages. Although the city was founded by Kannadiga ruler Kempe Gowda, it transformed into a mingled with multiple other cultures under British rule, attracting Tamilians, Teluguites, Marathas, and Malayalees, Assamese and basically everyone around the globe.
Surprisingly, according to data from the 2011 Indian Census, only 44.5% of the population in Bengaluru Urban can speak Kannada, which means 55.5% are non-kannada speakers. In totality, Karnataka has a total of 66.54% of people can speak Kannada.
The Demand for Respect
Kannadigas emphasize the importance of respecting their language and culture. They are not asking for complete assimilation but rather for migrants to show an effort to adapt. The sentiment is clear: locals want newcomers to learn Kannada and appreciate the cultural nuances of Karnataka, while new residents want people to be more accepting. Notably, many newbies in the city have made efforts to learn a few words or even the entire language out of their own will as they wished to fit in well with the city. So, the effort part is subjective to how people are taking it, but aggression isn’t the answer at all.
A potential solution could be a social initiative encouraging migrants to learn Kannada, perhaps through a government-supported app or community classes led by locals - This could boost mutual respect and understanding since an IT hub like Bangalore is known to welcome people with open arms.
Historical Grievances and Government Actions
The current climate can be traced back to various historical grievances. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been vocal about the need to promote Kannada, urging residents to create an environment where the language is indispensable. In 2023, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) has issued directives requiring non-Kannada employees in banks to learn the language or face consequences.
In August 2017, the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) issued a bizarre diktat where it asked all the nationalised, rural banks' non -Kannada employees working in the state to learn the Kannada language in six months or leave. The authority had also asked the banks to set up Kannada units at all their branches in the state, in line with Hindi units that existed for the implementation of the language.
Karnataka's CM Siddaramaiah had even condemned schools that punish children for speaking Kannada, warning of strict action against such institutions. The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) proposed removing Hindi as a third language in schools, making Kannada compulsory while, Siddaramaiah also emphasized that job preferences should be given to Kannadigas and called for the removal of non-Kannada speakers from security and cleaning jobs in Namma Metro. The chorus of voices against Hindi imposition in Karnataka grew louder, particularly since the ‘Namma Metro Hindi Beda’ campaign grew in protest of Hindi signs in Metro stations in Bengaluru.
He expressed concern that failing to protect the language and local job opportunities could lead to Kannadigas losing their rightful positions to outsiders.
Recent Incidents
Earlier this year, in a strange incident, a Kannada-speaking man threatened Blinkit after receiving a notification in Hindi. Labelling it an ‘alien language,’ the frustrated man expressed his dissatisfaction with Blinkit using Hindi instead of Kannada for customers in Bengaluru. Sharing a chat screenshot with Blinkit’s support team, the man, wrote, “Blinkit sent a harmful notification and wished me “Gaya,” which means “wound” in Kannada.”
A 22-year-old engineer was reportedly assaulted for not speaking Kannada at a pub, while a viral social media post warned newcomers that they would be treated as outsiders if they did not attempt to learn the language. Such incidents contribute to a narrative of exclusion and hostility towards non-Kannadigas.
The Call for Unity
While it’s essential for Kannadigas to protect their language and culture, it’s equally important to foster an environment of inclusivity and compassion. Aggression may not be the best approach; instead, encouraging dialogue and mutual learning can help bridge the gap between locals and migrants.
The situation in Karnataka reflects a complex interplay of language, identity, and cultural pride all over our country. We, as citizens, need to start the chain of education, learning & teaching within our communities or friend groups.
This doesn’t mean unlearning to learning, it’s just the beginning of a cycle of learning more from learning one thing.
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