Lingual Divides and Regional Identities, The Persistent Land and Language Issue in India; The Stark Reality Of Inter-State Migration Within The Country

The ugly reality of lingual divides and regional identities is very well exemplified in a viral video, wherein a heated argument between an auto-rickshaw driver and passengers over language preferences unfolded, creating a stir on the internet. The incident took place in Bengaluru, where the woman passenger, captured in the video, expressed her reluctance to speak Kannada, stating, “Why should I speak Kannada?”

This led to a confrontation between the driver and the passengers. The video gained significant attention, accumulating over 2 million views on Twitter alone.
The 26-second clip showcases the auto driver refusing to converse in Hindi and criticizing the woman for not speaking Kannada. In response, the woman, who continued recording the interaction, refused to speak in Kannada.

However, what came next is really bothersome and highlights the above point particularly well – “This is Karnataka, and you people should speak in Kannada. You people are north Indian beggars. This is our land, not yours. Why should I speak in Hindi?”

This is where it gets ugly, the last two lines and one can understand where it is coming from, you see Bengaluru has, through the years of being an IT capital, attracted people from all over the country, not to forget the world, and this has led to a vast migration of the population of people belonging to different states who come to work in the IT companies, nothing wrong in that.

Another fact, when Bengaluru as a city was young, it was a very well-planned city with great natural resources and climate, but as it happens with most cities in India, it exploded!
Both in terms of unplanned infrastructure and mass migration of population, the result – simply overcrowded and dwindling infrastructure.

Perhaps, this is what the auto man was hinting at; however, this incident also serves as a stark reminder that the linguistic and regional identities within India are far from being united. While the country proudly boasts its diversity, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and fractures that continue to exist, threatening the idea of a cohesive nation.

Lingual Divide and Cultural Attachments

The fact is that India, with its vast expanse and diverse population, is home to numerous languages and dialects. Each state takes pride in its regional language, which often becomes a symbol of cultural heritage and identity. However, this deep attachment to one’s language can sometimes fuel tensions and create divisions between different linguistic groups.

The incident in Bengaluru reflects the clash between Kannada, the predominant language in Karnataka, and Hindi, one of the widely spoken languages in North India. The video exposes the frustration and resentment that can arise when individuals prioritize their native language over the need for effective communication.

The exchange between the two escalated when the auto driver requested the passengers to speak in Kannada. In defiance, one of the passengers responded, “No, we will not speak in Kannada. Why should we speak in Kannada?” This further intensified the argument, prompting the driver to ask the passengers to disembark from his auto rickshaw.
Frustrated, the driver exclaimed, “This is Karnataka, and you people should speak in Kannada. You people are north Indian beggars. This is our land, not yours. Why should I speak in Hindi?”

Why Not Kannada Or Any Other Language, For That Matter
At the same time, while they could be mounting points against the auto driver, it is essential to understand that trying to speak in another language only shows respect and curtsy towards the regional language, traditions and cultural heritage of that state, and we must equally respect that.

Politics Fanning Regional Divide
The Politics of Language, or the issue of language in India, has not only remained a social and cultural matter but has also seeped into the realm of politics. Several states have witnessed significant protests and movements demanding the recognition and promotion of their regional languages.

These demands often arise due to a sense of neglect, where linguistic communities feel their language is overshadowed by Hindi or faces marginalization in official domains. These political undertones further deepen the divisions, leading to clashes and deepening the rifts between different states.

Historical Land Dispute, My State Vs Yours
The language debate is often intertwined with territorial disputes, with states claiming ownership over specific lands. These disputes highlight the underlying tensions and the lingering sense of regionalism that persists in India.

Conflicts over land often worsen language-based disagreements, as both become intertwined in the struggle for identity and supremacy. Such disputes are not limited to Karnataka but can be observed in various regions across the country, thus beginning a cycle of animosity and hindering the vision of a united India.

The Need for Dialogue and Understanding
The Kannada vs Hindi debate garnered significant attention on the internet. In response to the video, author Rejimon Kuttappan commented, “Please find that lady who intimidated the auto driver and advise her to read the Indian Constitution Preamble ten times.”

The video received various reactions on Twitter, with some questioning the driver’s arrogance and others expressing concerns about the lack of respect for the local language.

One user wrote, “I admire this auto driver. Why should he speak in Hindi? If he were to come to Lucknow and speak in Kannada, would they accept it? Hindi is not our national language. I speak six Indian languages, including Hindi, and I make it a point to learn the local language wherever I live or work.”

Another user shared, “Both parties speak English proficiently. So, why the conflict? There’s no need to impose any language on anyone. Everyone should learn a common language like English if they are not comfortable with regional languages.”

The Role of Politics in Fanning the Flames of Lingual Divides, Be Wise
The language issue in India, with its inherent regional complexities, has become a battleground for politicians seeking to capitalize on linguistic divisions for their own gain. Political parties often exploit these divisions to consolidate their vote banks and create a sense of regional identity, perpetuating the animosity between different states and languages.

Let’s Not Playing The Regional Card
In the pursuit of power and influence, political parties frequently play the regional card by aligning themselves with specific linguistic communities. They make promises to safeguard and promote the regional language and culture, capitalizing on the sentiments of the local population. By doing so, they deepen the divide between different linguistic groups, often portraying one language as superior or more deserving of recognition than others. This approach not only fuels animosity but also undermines the unity and diversity that India stands for.

Language as a Tool for Vote Bank Politics
Language issues have become an effective tool for political parties to secure vote banks. They often manipulate sentiments by highlighting the dominance of a particular language or region, painting themselves as defenders of linguistic rights. This divisive approach sidelines genuine concerns and hampers meaningful discussions on promoting multilingualism and fostering harmony. Instead of focusing on inclusive policies that bridge the language gap, politicians use language as a weapon to consolidate power and maintain their hold over specific regions.

The Last Bit, While the language issue in India undoubtedly holds significance for cultural preservation and identity, it is unfortunate that politics often exploit these sentiments for political mileage.
The incident involving the auto-rickshaw driver and passengers in Bengaluru is not an isolated event but rather a reflection of the deep-rooted divisions that persist across India concerning land and language.

At the same time, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. There is nothing wrong and a sign of intelligence and compassion when we respect and make efforts to understand and speak a language and also respect the diversity that exists in this vast country. It is high time that people promote understanding, dialogue, and respect among its diverse linguistic and regional communities rather than take an absolute ‘No’ approach!