Bengaluru, May 2025 – A video showing a State Bank of India (SBI) employee in Karnataka refusing to speak Kannada and insisting on speaking Hindi has sparked a massive linguistic controversy and political uproar across the state.
The incident occurred at the SBI Chandapura branch in Bengaluru, where a customer asked the official to communicate in Kannada, the state’s official language. In response, the staffer was seen saying in a raised voice, “I will not speak Kannada. This is India, and I’ll speak Hindi.”
The exchange, caught on video, quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from netizens, language activists, and political leaders alike.
The pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) staged protests in front of the bank, accusing SBI of neglecting the state language and disrespecting Kannada speakers. Members of the group tore Hindi signboards and raised slogans demanding accountability.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the incident, calling the staffer’s behavior “unacceptable” and warned public institutions to respect local sentiments. He urged the Union Finance Ministry to mandate language and culture sensitivity training for all bank employees operating in regional states.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also weighed in, stating that bank employees serving in Karnataka must be proficient in Kannada to ensure proper public service.
SBI Responds Swiftly
SBI, in an official statement, confirmed that the employee has been transferred and assured customers that the matter is under review. “We have zero tolerance for behavior that affects customer trust or disrespects regional diversity,” the bank said.
Shortly after the outrage, the SBI official released a follow-up apology video, speaking in Kannada with assistance, saying, “If I have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologize. I will strive to do better.”
Larger Conversation on Language Sensitivity
This episode has reignited debates around linguistic pride, national identity, and the importance of respecting regional cultures. Karnataka has consistently emphasized the primacy of Kannada in government and public-facing roles.
Experts say such incidents reflect deeper tensions between linguistic diversity and national integration, underlining the urgent need for public institutions to adopt inclusive communication practices.
As voices grow louder for recognition and respect for local languages, this incident may well become a turning point in how national institutions operate within India’s vast linguistic landscape.
