A viral video shows a man demanding an auto driver speak in Hindi in Bengaluru.

INDIA NEWS By Aniket Chakraborty Apr 22, 2025 Arrow Image credit | @MaheshPatil_B | X

The man’s statement, “Speak in Hindi if you want to stay in Bengaluru,” ignites a regional language debate.

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Social media users, mostly Kannadigas, express outrage over the insensitive remark.

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The auto driver responds, “You speak Kannada if you are in Bengaluru,” challenging the man.

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The incident sparks a heated conversation about language and identity in Karnataka’s capital.

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In response to the backlash, the man issues a public apology in Kannada.

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The apology video sees mixed reactions from social media users, with some forgiving and others remaining critical.

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Some users urge for understanding and communication in English, but others emphasize respecting regional languages.

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The incident highlights the growing tension around language politics in India’s metropolitan cities.

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The debate raises questions about identity, inclusion, and the respect for regional languages in a multilingual country.

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