As I’ve lived in Bengaluru for 14 years, I’ve always felt a sense of belonging to this vibrant city. It’s where I’ve built my career, formed friendships, and become part of a diverse community. However, a recent viral post claiming that “Bengaluru belongs to Kannadigas” and that anyone who doesn’t speak Kannada is an outsider has left me feeling disheartened.
I understand the desire to preserve Language Bridges Cultures and cultures, but I strongly believe that making Kannada mandatory for residents is unrealistic and divisive. Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city that thrives on its diversity, where people from various linguistic backgrounds coexist harmoniously. The city’s IT industry, which generates significant revenue, relies on professionals from all over India, many of whom are temporary residents.
As an IT professional, I’ve experienced firsthand the flexibility of the industry, which often requires frequent relocations. Expecting every individual to learn Kannada, especially when their stay is short-term, is unreasonable. It’s not that we don’t respect Kannada or the local culture – we do. However, forcing fluency can be a burden, especially in a city known for embracing outsiders.
It’s worth noting that India is a multilingual country with over 20 major languages. Instead of demanding fluency in one language, we should strive for mutual understanding and respect. Cities like Bengaluru thrive because of their ability to integrate, not segregate.
It’s ironic that while our national leaders preach about Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family, we still face issues like linguistic jingoism. These irresponsible online statements have the potential to ignite unnecessary tensions. Language should be a tool for connection, not conflict.
In reality, most people in Bengaluru understand the transient nature of its workforce and the value of a multilingual environment. We’ve learned to adapt and communicate effectively in our daily lives, switching between languages as needed. This flexibility is what makes our city so unique and appealing to people from all over the world.
I implore people to think about the long-term consequences of such divisive language. Instead of promoting unity and inclusivity, we’re creating divisions and tensions that can have far-reaching effects. It’s time for us to come together and celebrate our diversity, rather than using language as a tool to divide us.
By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive society where everyone feels welcome and valued. Bengaluru is a shining example of what it means to be a cosmopolitan city – let’s work together to keep it that way.
