The Kannada language issue in Bengaluru has recently become a focal point in public discourse. Tech investor and former Infosys executive T.V. Mohandas Pai has voiced his opinion, asserting that professionals working in Karnataka should learn and use Kannada, particularly in public interactions. He has criticized what he perceives as "arrogance" among some migrants who refuse to speak the local language, stating that it creates unnecessary tensions.
Pai highlighted that Bengaluru is a welcoming city with a diverse population, where the native Kannada-speaking population constitutes only about 33%. He acknowledged that many people from across the country have come to Bengaluru, prospered, and continue to do well. However, he pointed out a growing problem: some of these newcomers, instead of integrating, display a sense of superiority and outright reject the local language. According to Pai, this attitude is unacceptable.
In an interview with PTI, Pai emphasized that sensitivity is crucial when moving to a new state. He believes that learning a few words of the local language is beneficial, regardless of whether one moves to Bengal, Maharashtra, or Karnataka. It's not just about communication but also about respecting the culture of the place one has chosen to live in. He said that speaking a few words of Kannada demonstrates respect for the local community.
Pai also referenced a recent incident involving a State Bank of India (SBI) bank manager who reportedly refused to speak Kannada with a customer. This incident sparked public outrage and protests by pro-Kannada groups, eventually leading to an official apology from the bank. Pai suggested that the situation could have been easily avoided if the manager had simply expressed regret for not knowing Kannada and offered to seek assistance from a colleague.
Pai's remarks echo similar sentiments expressed in May 2025, when he responded to the SBI language row, urging respect for Kannada. Following a viral video of an SBI branch manager in Anekal, Bengaluru, refusing to speak Kannada, Pai stated that businesses must serve local customers in a language they understand. He questioned why learning approximately 200 words to converse was difficult, emphasizing that customers are not captives or subjects and that such arrogance is unacceptable.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in on the SBI incident, condemning the bank officer's behavior and calling for cultural and language sensitization training for banking personnel across India. He stated that respecting the local language is respecting the people.
The debate around language use in Bengaluru has intensified as the city's migrant population has grown, leading to concerns among locals about the diminishing presence of Kannada in daily life. Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has also contributed to the discussion, drawing attention to the challenges posed by unchecked migration to Bengaluru and its impact on the city's infrastructure and quality of life.
