‘Stop Hindi imposition’: Language activists demand Diwali wishes in Kannada

Customers, employees and netizens based in Bengaluru demanded that local language Kannada be prioritized as Diwali wishes came in Hindi and English. #StopHindiImposition trended on Twitter.

The debate over Kannada language and Hindi imposition in the southern states has erupted on Twitter again after Diwali wishes came in English and Hindi, but not in the local language.

A fresh row was triggered once again on Twitter over language and Hindi imposition. (Image source: Velivada)

Netizens flooded Twitter with posts highlighting that Kannada is the last language in line in Karnataka capital Bengaluru, which has a significant Hindi-speaking population. “First Class English. Second Class Hindi. Third Class Kannada in Kempe Gowda International airport, Bengaluru. The H'ble PM of India will inaugurate a statue of #KempeGowda on Nov 10 here and garner all Hindu Vokkaliga votes for BJP in Karnataka,” a user tweeted.

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Along the same lines, a pro-Kannada user posted, “Today's office in Bengaluru!! Our org is celebrating Deepawali/Diwali and they only prefer Hindi & Hindi culture !! MNCs talk abt diversities but they never follow. I can read the lines but can't understand!! Dear Kannadigas Happy bankrupt!! that's what #HindiImposition does!”

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A popular clothing store in Bengaluru also came under fire as customers demanded to be served in their own language. “@pothysonline.. it’s Deepawali in Namma Bengaluru and not Diwali. Change the content immediately @KannadaGrahaka,” a netizen called Vinay Bharadwaj wrote.

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Despite being called a global city and being the tech hub of the country, Bengaluru cyberspace, primarily Twitter, continues to witness these debates time and again.