Vaibhav Jain, a wealth supervisor, moved to Bangalore in April 2023, after staying practically a decade in Mumbai. The transition felt thrilling — Bangalore’s nice climate and dynamic vitality made for a refreshing change. Extra than simply adapting to a brand new metropolis, he discovered himself drawn to Karnataka’s cultural essence.
Encounters with auto drivers, home helps, and locals highlighted how deeply Kannada was embedded in day by day life. Impressed, he determined to be taught the language — not out of necessity however as a gesture of appreciation.
“I had seen so many individuals from southern states studying Hindi whereas residing in Mumbai, NCR, or Indore. I believed, why not strive studying Kannada myself?” he wrote in a prolonged publish on LinkedIn. He even picked up a guide to get began, keen to attach together with his new environment.
However the metropolis’s ambiance started to shift. Debates over Kannada identification and rising resentment towards “outsiders” turned extra pronounced. What started as an enriching expertise quickly felt unsettling. “This was not the Bangalore I had come to admire,” he wrote. The heat he had initially felt appeared overshadowed by rising hostility, making him query his place within the metropolis.
Jain stated his transfer had been tied to his skilled journey — following WealthDesk’s acquisition by PhonePe — however the shifting social local weather contributed to his determination to go away. He acknowledges that Bangalore, like several metropolis, grapples with overpopulation, water shortages, and site visitors congestion. However these are rising pains, not obstacles to inclusivity.
Karnataka has lengthy taken satisfaction in its heritage, with Kannada being greater than only a language — it represents the state’s identification and cultural legacy. Over time, issues about its diminishing prominence amid the dominance of Hindi and English have fueled efforts to safeguard its place. From requires obligatory Kannada signage to protests in opposition to the imposition of different languages, the discourse displays a deeper worry of cultural erosion.
“To those that really feel strongly about preserving Karnataka’s tradition, I respect your satisfaction and fervour,” he shared. However he believes the nation thrives on unity in variety, with every state including to India’s wealthy mosaic. His time in Bangalore was stuffed with admiration and discomfort, a mixture of studying and reflection.
“This publish isn’t about pointing fingers however sharing my perspective,” he stated. “To Bangalore and its folks: thanks for the recollections and the teachings.”
