Two
different incidents. Two separate individuals. One common thread, the disregard
for Kannada, the language that forms the emotional and cultural heartbeat of
Karnataka.
In one
instance, renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam, during a concert in Bengaluru,
made a controversial remark linking the Kannada language to the Pahalgam terror
attack, leaving many shocked and offended. In another, a bank customer recorded
a State Bank of India (SBI) official in Bengaluru refusing to communicate in
Kannada. “I will never speak Kannada,” the official allegedly declared.
Both
incidents triggered public outrage, not just for the statements themselves, but
for what they symbolised: a deeper disregard for the linguistic identity of
Karnataka. These were not isolated occurrences, but symptoms of a larger, more
systemic insensitivity towards regional languages.
Language is
not just a tool of communication; it is a vessel of culture, identity, and
belonging. In Karnataka, Kannada is not merely a state language; it is a symbol
of pride, history, and unity. When someone refuses to use it, especially in a
professional or public setting within the state, it becomes more than an act of
disrespect; it becomes an attack on cultural dignity.
The incident
involving the SBI official is particularly alarming. When a citizen walks into
a bank, they are not just a customer; they are part of a community, seeking
trust, empathy, and service. Public servants, especially those in
customer-facing roles, must understand the importance of linguistic
sensitivity. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) itself promotes the use of
regional languages to foster inclusivity. Public sector banks like SBI already
prioritise regional language proficiency in their recruitment processes,
particularly for rural and semi-urban postings. It is not merely a preference; it
is a policy designed to serve the people better.
Chief
Minister Siddaramaiah’s prompt reaction, condemning the incident and calling
for mandatory language and cultural sensitivity training for public service
professionals, is a step in the right direction. His words reflect the
collective voice of Kannadigas who demand respect for their language, not just
lip service.
Meanwhile,
the call to boycott Sonu Nigam’s songs in future Kannada films, though
contentious, sends a strong signal: that cultural disrespect, especially when
voiced on public platforms, will not go unchallenged. This is not about
promoting Kannada at the cost of another language. It is about ensuring that
Kannada is not diminished in its land.
This is not
a “Kannada vs. Hindi” debate. It is about the fundamental right of people to be
served, addressed, and respected in the language of their land. When we protect
regional languages, we uphold the soul of federalism. We defend diversity. We
preserve unity.
Karnataka
does not owe free fame or commercial success to those who cannot respect its
roots. Whether you are a celebrity on stage or an official behind a desk,
linguistic respect is not optional; it is essential.
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