The continuing Kannada language debate in Karnataka has flared up as soon as once more, notably in Bengaluru, a metropolis recognized for its vibrant multicultural identification. The dispute facilities on whether or not folks, particularly those that don’t communicate Kannada, needs to be anticipated to be taught the native language to be able to respect regional tradition.
The controversy took a brand new flip after a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur accused a police officer of harassment over his incapability to talk Kannada.
Accusation of Harassment by Entrepreneur
Vatsal Sanghvi, an entrepreneur, shared his expertise on social media, claiming that he and his good friend had been subjected to unwarranted harassment by a policeman whereas they had been sitting outdoors round 10:30 pm in Bengaluru.
Based on Sanghvi, the police officer initially approached them with a hostile angle, questioning their presence and actions. Nonetheless, the state of affairs reportedly modified when his good friend started conversing in Kannada. Sanghvi said that the officer’s tone softened, and he finally apologized, permitting them to proceed with out additional problem.
I don’t if anybody else has confronted this in Bengaluru however this occurred yesterday
I used to be sitting with a good friend outdoors go native, lavelle street at ~10:20 PM submit and was exhibiting him a product on my laptop computer (we had been about to go away after which abruptly realised that I missed exhibiting him…
— Vatsal Sanghvi (@Vatsal_Sanghvi) January 15, 2025
Sanghvi took to social media to specific his frustration, writing, “I’m all for studying the native language, however uncalled-for harassment for not talking it’s unacceptable.” He additional emphasised that he believes in respecting native tradition however doesn’t assist mistreatment based mostly on language limitations.
Bengaluru Police Reply
Following the viral submit, the Bengaluru Police division responded with a regular request for extra particulars. Of their reply, they requested Sanghvi to supply the precise location of the incident and to direct message (DM) his contact quantity for additional investigation.
This response was typical of the police division’s commonplace process when coping with public grievances, but it did little to quell the rising debate surrounding the difficulty.
The Kannada Language Controversy
This newest incident has solely added gas to the continued Kannada language controversy in Bengaluru, which has divided public opinion. Some advocates for the language argue that studying Kannada is important for respecting native tradition and fostering higher integration into the group.
They consider it is a crucial side of preserving the area’s identification in a metropolis with a big inflow of individuals from different states.
