’Arrogance’: Mohandas Pai on Bengaluru migrant population who refuse to speak Kannada

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, June 8, 2025: Amid the ongoing debate over use of Kannada by non-natives in Karnataka, tech investor and former Infosys executive T.V. Mohandas Pai has reignited the fiery row, saying that working professionals in Karnataka must learn and use the local language—Kannada—especially while dealing with public.

Chairman at Aarin Capital, Pai condemned the rising trend of “arrogance" among non-natives working in Bengaluru over refusing to learn even basic Kannada.

While speaking to news agency PTI, Pai cautioned such attitude leads to avoidable tensions with the local population.

“Bengaluru is one of the most inclusive cities in India. The native Kannada-speaking population here is around 33%. People from across the country have made the city their home, have prospered here, and continue to do well. But some of them, instead of integrating, develop a sense of superiority and outright reject the local language. That’s not acceptable," news agency PTI quoted Pai as saying.

Calling it as a mark of respect for the state people relocate to for work, Pai added the principle applies nationwide.

“Whether someone moves to Bengal, Maharashtra or Karnataka, it helps to learn a few words of the local language. It’s not just about communication—it’s about respecting the culture of the place you’ve chosen to live in," the tech investor further said.

Citing a recent controversy that involved an SBI bank manager in Karnataka who allegedly refused to speak Kannada with a customer, he said, “This entire episode could have been avoided with just a little humility." “All she needed to say was, ‘I’m still learning Kannada, let me ask a colleague to help.’ That would’ve shown basic respect."

The incident had spurred strong response from pro-Kannada groups and drew flak, prompting the bank to issue an official apology.

Underlining the role of language for professionals who deliver public service, especially in rural Karnataka, Pai said, “If you are posted in a village or small town, your customers may not understand Hindi or English. In such cases, it is your responsibility to adapt and speak the local language," he said.

The debate over language use has become a central issue in Karnataka’s politics and public discourse in recent months, particularly in Bengaluru. The city’s rapidly growing migrant population has sparked concerns among locals about the declining use of Kannada in day-to-day interactions.