Woman In Bengaluru Highlights Bias Against Non-Kannada Speakers

A recent viral thread on social media has brought attention to the challenges faced by a woman while living and working in Bengaluru. Using the handle @shaaninani on a popular platform, she recounted her difficult experiences during her time in the city, describing it as unpleasant.

The woman, who moved to Bengaluru after marrying into a Punjabi family, shared her frustrations about being identified as North Indian due to wearing traditional bridal bangles (chooda). She expressed dismay over frequent harassment from local auto drivers who questioned her presence in Bengaluru, criticized her lack of Kannada language skills, and demanded higher fares under the pretext of her newly married status.

Her grievances extended to interactions with service providers, including an incident with BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company), where she claimed to have encountered language barriers and unhelpful responses during a power outage issue.

The challenging weather conditions further added to her dissatisfaction, with continuous rain causing transportation difficulties and aggravating traffic congestion and waterlogging issues. These factors ultimately led her to quit her job and relocate to Gurgaon, where she described feeling a positive change in her energy levels and a better quality of life.

The woman’s thread quickly gained traction online, generating over 2 million views and sparking a debate among social media users. Many shared similar negative experiences in Bengaluru, criticizing what they perceived as the city’s arrogance and demanding attitude towards non-Kannada speakers.

“This is the actual state of Bangalore. I faced similar issues during my short visit,” commented one user, reflecting the sentiment echoed by others who resonated with the woman’s account.

The viral thread has brought to light broader discussions about cultural assimilation, language expectations, and the challenges faced by migrants in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru. It underscores the importance of inclusive attitudes and improved infrastructure to enhance the living experience for all residents and visitors alike.