A recent discussion over language use in public institutions, specifically banks, has been sparked by a video that has been going viral on social media platform X. The post shows an argument between a customer and a bank manager in Kolar, Karnataka. It highlights the tension between the Hindi and Kannada speakers.
A bank customer is seen in the video which was posted by a user X, he asked the manager why the service slips are available only in Hindi and English, without a Kannada option.
As seen in the video the exchange soon turns into a heated argument as each side argues for their position on language.
One of the customers questions the manager of the bank, “Why is the slip not available in Kannada? I know both Kannada and English. as seen in the video. You speak Kannada sir, with those who come here.”
To which the bank manager replied, “ India mein Hindi chalta hai. Hindi baat karo”. (People in India speak in Hindi. Talk in Hindi)
The customer says, “Who told you to speak in English then? Is this how officials speak?” In response someone else says, “Only people like you tell Hindi is the national language.”
At this moment, another man responds, “This is not the issue about language bet regarding money.”
However, the customer counters, “ Language is also needed. What would I write if this only had Hindi and English options? If we had our own language, I could write by myself.”
Online users have responded to this incident, they offered their opinions on the long standing language barrier in North and South India.
