A social media post calling for an end to “Hindi Imposition” has sparked a debate on whether display boards at a Benguluru airport should feature just two languages – Kannada and English – or include Hindi as well, to assist travellers from the North who may not be familiar with the regional language as well as English. 

The row erupted after the man claimed that Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) had removed Hindi from the display boards and hailed it as a “good” development that aligns with the much-discussed “two language policy”. 

‘Kannadigas are resisting Hindi imposition’

“Hindi is removed from digital display boards of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Kannada & English. Kannadigas are resisting Hindi imposition. This is a really good development!” said a social media user while sharing a video of the display board from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The board displays flight information in two languages – Kannada and English. 

While many welcomed the move as a step towards ending ‘Hindi imposition’, others, particularly from North India, expressed frustration, questioning how those unfamiliar with Kannada and English would get the flight information.

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“Do you think only those who know English and Kannada visit Bengaluru? Not having Hindi at metro station is understandable, but it has to be there at the airport and railway station,” said one social media user. Another responded, “Do we get information in Kannada at Delhi airport?”

Another asked, “But isn’t this just adding inconvenience to the folks who can neither understand English nor Kannada?”

“Hindi isn’t the most spoken and understood in the south. We don’t need it. So learn South languages if you want to visit our states,” wrote yet another X (formerly Twitter). 

A fourth commented, “As much as I resist Hindi imposition, removing Hindi from travel hubs like airports and railway stations is stupidity. These places should help travellers and not punish them.”

“How is Hindi imposition in an airport if the local language( Kannada)  is also there? There has to be one regional and one most used national language to benefit travelers,” expressed a fifth. 

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BIAL issues clarification

After the social media post went viral and sparked a heated debate online, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which owns and operates the KIA, said that it has not made any changes as social media posts claim in its flight information display system.

“There has been no change in our flight information display system. In line with established practices, the displays continue to feature English and Kannada to effectively assist passengers. Additionally, the wayfinding signages throughout the terminals are displayed in English, Kannada and Hindi,” a BIAL spokesperson said in a statement.

Kannada language row

Over the past few years, pro-Kannadiga group’s are pushing for Kannada in Karnataka. There have been numerous instances where people from north or other parts of India have been harassed for not knowing the language. For insance, auto drivers refusing to take passengers not familiar with the local language, vandalism of signboards in English, shopkeepers overcharging customers who speak Hindi, among other incidents.