Mohandas Pai says professionals working in a state like Karnataka must learn local language
Joining the ongoing language row, tech investor
Mohandas Pai
said professionals working in a state like Karnataka must learn the local language and use it, especially in public dealings. Terming the refusal of certain public-dealing officials to learn Kannada as "arrogance", he said it causes unnecessary tensions, which are easily avoidable.
The
Kannada language
issue in
Bengaluru
has become a flashpoint in recent months. With the rise of workers to Bengaluru from various states over the years, there have been growing concerns among locals about the perceived erosion of the language in public life.
"Bengaluru is the most welcoming place. The local population speaking Kannada is only 33 per cent. Lot of people have come, they've benefitted, they're doing very well...
"Now, we have small problems because the people who come from outside, many of them become arrogant and refuse to speak a few words of Kannada. Speak a few words of Kannada, show respect to the local community. We must show respect to any community," Pai, Chairman of Aarin Capital, said in an interview to PTI.
Pai said this approach applies everywhere. Whether one is moving to Bengal or Maharashtra, learning a few words of the local language would help outsiders connect with the community.
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Referring to the recent
SBI dispute
, wherein a bank manager reportedly refused to speak Kannada with a customer -- a stance that sparked public outrage, protests by pro-Kannada groups, and eventually an official apology from the bank -- Pai said the situation could have been avoided.
"What she could have done is, because she's in a service job, say, sir, I'm sorry, I can't speak the language, I'm learning. I'll ask my colleague to help me out and be respectful. That's all that is required. Nothing else," he said.
Pai stressed that customer service professionals, especially in rural areas, must prioritise the customer's language and cultural context: "If you happen to be in a rural area, the customer cannot speak Hindi or English. You must speak the local language."
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He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. 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