In a recent turn of events in Bengaluru, pro-Kannada groups took to the streets to voice their demand for businesses to adhere to the government’s rule, which mandates that 60 percent of signboards be written in the vernacular language. The protest led to the vandalism of more than 20 shops, including well-known establishments like House of Masaba, Starbucks, Third Wave Coffee, Forest Essentials, and Theobroma, as reported by Money Control.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada body, spearheaded the massive protest on Wednesday. Their primary demand was that all businesses operating in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, should have signboards and nameplates prominently featuring the native language, Kannada. TA Narayan Gowda, the state president of KRV, emphasized the importance of adopting the local language for businesses in the region.
The protesters went to extremes, breaking several signboards and signage that were written in English, reflecting their frustration with what they perceive as a disregard for Kannada in commercial establishments. Gowda expressed discontent with businesses from various states operating in Bangalore, stating that they often neglect to put up Kannada nameplates on their shops. According to him, they prefer using English for signage, a practice that the protesters find unacceptable.
About Pro-Kannada Protest:
“If they want to stay back in Bangalore, then they have to put nameplates on their shops in Kannada, or else they have to move from Karnataka to other states,” Gowda declared, underlining the group’s stern stance on promoting the use of Kannada in the business landscape of the state.
The language signage dispute brings to light the complexities surrounding linguistic identity and cultural pride. Pro-Kannada groups argue that enforcing the use of the native language in business signage is crucial for preserving the cultural fabric of Karnataka. On the other hand, critics question the approach of resorting to vandalism and assert that a more constructive dialogue between businesses and linguistic advocacy groups could lead to a better resolution.
As the aftermath of the protests unfolds, the incident prompts a broader discussion on the balance between linguistic preservation, economic inclusivity, and the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities within urban spaces like Bengaluru. The language debate, ignited by these events, adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about regional identity and cultural diversity in India’s dynamic urban landscapes.