Speak in Kannada only... Woman's viral post highlights Bengaluru cultural challenges amid Karnataka job quota row

New Delhi: Amidst ongoing debates over Karnataka's controversial quota bill, a woman's emotional account of her struggles in Bengaluru has garnered widespread attention on social media. Identified as Shaani Nani, she detailed her decision to resign from her job due to feelings of homesickness and the perceived negativity surrounding her.

I was working in Bangalore for 1.5 years. Married in Punjab, I wore chooda for the entire 1 year as it is a part of my tradition. It was clearly evident I was from North India.

What a harassment it was to commute in auto from flat to office and back. The audacity of local auto…

— Shaani Nani (@shaaninani) July 17, 2024

Cultural clash and auto driver hassles

Shaani Nani, originally from Punjab and married recently, lamented her daily confrontations with Bengaluru's auto drivers. She described instances where drivers questioned her presence in the city, her adaptation to Kannada, and even solicited additional fares citing her marital status.

Language barrier with BESCOM

A particularly distressing incident involved Shaani Nani contacting the BESCOM office to report a power outage, only to be abruptly told to communicate in Kannada and not in Hindi or English. This encounter further exacerbated her sense of alienation in the city.

Public reaction and debate

Shaani Nani's post sparked a robust debate online, with opinions divided over the perceived linguistic and cultural challenges faced by non-local residents in Bengaluru. Some users empathized with her ordeal, citing similar experiences, while others defended the city's cultural identity and emphasized the importance of adapting to local customs.

Controversy surrounding Karnataka's job quota bill

The backdrop to Shaani Nani's narrative is Karnataka's State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Establishments Bill. The bill mandates significant quotas for local candidates in job appointments, with proficiency in Kannada required for eligibility, sparking concerns and opposition from industry bodies.