Bengaluru Official Language Row: Viral Video Sparks Outrage Among Kannadigas

A viral video capturing people struggling to name Bengaluru's official language-mistakenly choosing Hindi, English, and Tamil-has been making waves on social media. The clip has sparked strong reactions from Kannadigas, who are expressing frustration over the misrepresentation of their language.

No Mention of Kannada in Viral Video

The vox pop video, reportedly recorded in Mumbai, shows respondents failing to identify Kannada as the official language of India's Silicon Valley.

In the video, a man conducting the survey asks, "What is the official language of Bengaluru?"

A woman replies, "I think Bengaluru doesn't have an official language."

Another person confidently answers, "Hindi." A third chimes in, "Hindi or Sanskrit. I am putting my best bet on both."

Three other women also agree that Hindi is Bengaluru's official language. Some others suggest Tamil and English as possibilities.

Kannadigas React: 'Our Language Is Being Sidelined'

The video has sparked outrage among Bengaluru residents, who see it as yet another example of Kannada being overshadowed in its own land.

"I bet 80% of them don't even know where Bengaluru is! These Gen Z kids lack general knowledge!" wrote one social media user.

Another fumed, "Send them back to school." A third called it "atrocious."

A social media user lamented, "Kannadigas have learned Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi to respect and accommodate others, but in return, Kannada is being sidelined in its own land. The minority outsiders have made their languages dominant, dishonoring Kannada."

Another pointed out how misconceptions about Hindi's status contribute to the problem: "This isn't entirely their fault. Schools have reinforced the idea that Hindi is India's national language. Many still stereotype South Indians as either Madrasis (Tamil speakers) or communists (Malayalis). They recognize Telugu because of masala movies, but Kannada remains unheard of."

The viral video has reignited the debate over Bengaluru's linguistic identity, with Kannadigas demanding greater recognition and respect for their language.