Viral auto image sparks outrage over language and regional pride: Karnataka grapples with xenophobia concerns

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Karnataka, adorned with a message that has caught everyone off guard. A Twitter user going by the name of 'Roshan Rai' was the one who shared the image, using the platform to denounce the misuse of regional pride to mistreat others. The auto's message emphatically insists that everyone within Karnataka's borders must be proficient in Kannada, the state's native language.

Regrettably, the text also contained derogatory language, inciting controversy and sparking accusations of «xenophobia of the highest order.» The offensive words read, «You are in Karnataka, learn Kannada. Don't show your attitude, you f***. You have come to beg here.» Within moments of its upload, the image amassed over 8,000 views, fueling an online firestorm of debates and discussions.

As public anger intensified, netizens from all walks of life took to the virtual realm to voice their opinions. One Twitter user expressed disbelief, questioning how anyone could take pride in a city burdened with subpar infrastructure and exorbitant prices. Another individual emphatically stated that such attitudes were utterly unacceptable in a society striving for unity and inclusivity.

Simultaneously, the spotlight turned to Karnataka's Kannada and culture minister, V Sunil Kumar, who addressed the situation in an exclusive interview with News18. He shed light on the 'Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Bill,' which had been introduced in the previous year's September session. The minister asserted that this bill held the key to «promote and safeguard this rich South Indian language» effectively.