Bengaluru Hindi Diwas event called off amid protest, triggers debate on Hindi imposition

A protest in Bengaluru led to the cancellation of an event, highlighting tensions over Hindi imposition and regional languages, particularly Kannada.

Bengaluru witnessed cancellation of a Hindi Diwas event on Monday after members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KaRavE) staged a protest.

The program, organized by the Railway Department at the Desi Masala Hotel in Gandhinagar, was called off . (X/@karave_KRV)

The program, organized by the Railway Department at the Desi Masala Hotel in Gandhinagar, was called off following intervention by KaRavE women leaders under the direction of TA Narayangowda, Karnataka State President of the organization.

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The protest in Bengaluru sparked a range of reactions on social media. Some users criticized the centralization of Hindi, arguing that the language receives state-backed resources to expand while regional languages struggle.

“Language is about power and control. Hindi Diwas functions less as a celebration and more as a war cry against regional languages and cultural identities,” one post read. Another commented, “Hindi imposition is nothing but Hindi racism. Kannadigas are fighting Hindi racism.”

Other voices called for moderation, emphasizing that language debates often deepen social divisions. “Language war is pure silliness; it achieves nothing but creates more divide among Hindus and natives,” a social media user wrote.

However, the South Western Railway issued a clarification stating that the reported Hindi Diwas program at the private hotel was not organized by Railways.

"Railways has not held any official Hindi Diwas function at the private hotel in Gandhinagar,” said Pranesh K.N., PRO, South Western Railway, Bengaluru Division, in a statement.

(This copy was updated)