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Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
One city, many tongues ooru retold in many languages
Bengaluru's multilingual character, rooted in its history of welcoming diverse communities, is a defining feature. While Kannada remains prominent, Hindi and English are increasingly common, especially among certain groups. Despite concerns about language chauvinism, the city's inclusive spirit endures. On a narrow lane off Brigade Road on a cloudy Sunday afternoon, a minor argument broke out over parking a two-wheeler. While there was nothing new about the spat, it bore a distinct Bengaluru signature. One argument, two men, three languages. While one was speaking in Kannada, the other switched between Urdu and Tamil, trying his best to go as close to the other's language as possible. Across the city, we often encounter conversations – not just such arguments – which involve two or more languages in an exchange of information, wishes, feelings, and ideas. Sometimes, there is even a crude mixture of regional tongues, which makes us wonder which language to classify the 'strange' dialect under. There are numerous memes and comic videos that portray the multilingual nature of the Bengaluru resident in creative ways. A Bengalurean manages to give directions, conduct business, and even argue in multiple languages, however imperfect in using them. This linguistic feature predates the arrival of diverse communities to the city's large PSUs during the decade following India's Independence. Kempegowda, the city's founder, is known to have welcomed diverse communities of traders, weavers, goldsmiths and artisans to the city in the 16th century. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The evolution of Bengaluru from the distinct entities of the city (pete) and Cantonment, which merged around the early 20th century and grew to take the shape of the metropolis it is today, is a tale that is repeated so often that it is almost clichéd. However, this pattern of growth that the city underwent still explains the current distribution of languages in Bengaluru. While Kannada remains the language on the streets in, say, Nagarabhavi, it is not really the lingua franca of Marathahalli or HSR Layout. Though many might know and understand Kannada (or even Tamil or Telugu), they tend to start a conversation in Hindi and switch to Kannada in case the other person speaks it. Karnataka's consistent inclusion of Hindi in its school curriculum facilitated easy communication with the migrant population from northern India. According to Dr Na Someswara, the specific linguistic markers of the city's different parts no longer remain the same. 'There is a mixed crowd in most of these areas now. But I think a few areas like Basavanagudi and Chamarajpet have managed to preserve the authentic Kannada flavour,' he said. Dr Someswara is a household name in Karnataka. A physician by training, he is best known as Kannada's most prominent quiz master. He grew up in Malleswaram – amid roughly equal numbers of people speaking Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. 'We picked up those languages effortlessly. Also, they were comfortable speaking to us in Kannada,' he said. While Malayalis were rare, people speaking Urdu and Marathi were part of the city's linguistic landscape. A large Tamil community of workers developed on the southern outskirts of Malleswaram due to the establishment of textile mills that drew workers from Tamil Nadu , he pointed out. He recollected his frequent visits to Shivajinagar as a young boy. 'I used to look for spare parts from scrap dealers as I was interested in assembling radios and other electronics,' he said. 'Though the locality was Urdu-dominated, I could manage to converse in Kannada and develop good rapport with the people there.' Over the years, Dr Someswara has observed Hindi and English taking over the languages of the region. 'Today, we are often required to talk to shopkeepers and service staff in Hindi as they don't learn basic Kannada,' he said. Dr Jyothi Venkatesh, director of Bengaluru City University's Centre for Global Languages, draws inspiration from the city's multilingual character. 'For a language educator, the city's multicultural and multilingual landscape provides a rich context for teaching and learning languages. The presence of global tech companies and international communities further exposes learners to English and other foreign languages, making Bengaluru a natural laboratory for language acquisition, cross-cultural communication, and linguistic innovation,' she explained. A Kannadiga by birth and daughter of a diplomat, she studied French in Belgium in a local school, not as a foreign language, but as the native language of the locals. She was among the first students to pursue an MA in French at Bangalore University, before joining the department as faculty. She feels that the day-to-day experience in Bengaluru is often more multilingual than in many individual European cities. 'Kannadigas today are increasingly multilingual. However, among certain groups, such as the elite and urban populations, there is a growing tendency to rely primarily on English. This, sometimes, leads to a decline in deep Kannada fluency. At the same time, a strong counter current of cultural pride and language activism is emerging, aiming to preserve and promote Kannada amidst these changing linguistic dynamics,' she added. Of late, social media has been successful in tarnishing the city's image by portraying the people of Bengaluru as language chauvinists who make life miserable for those who cannot speak Kannada. So much so that the international Booker prize winner Banu Mushtaq had to clarify to 'national' media on behalf of the people of Karnataka. During a felicitation ceremony, she recounted how she responded to questions regarding intolerance in Karnataka. 'I had to explain to them how their actions have disturbed the inherently inclusive and tolerant culture of Karnataka,' she lamented. At the same time, it is also true that people tend to turn any argument into a language war and make it a point to bash 'outsiders'. Those unaware of the ground reality are often carried away by the exaggerated accounts of some unfortunate incidents. Sunil M Ghodke, an autorickshaw driver, attributed most of these fights to the tone and tenor of those in conversation. 'I come across people with both gentle and harsh demeanours in every linguistic group. In my experience, language has hardly been a problem,' he stated. Ghodke, a resident of Frazer town, speaks six languages, including his native tongue Marathi. 'I grew up in Bengaluru, but my origins are in Hubli. Around 500 Marathi-speaking people live in my neighbourhood,' he added. Amid all this, Bengaluru's spirit of inclusivity still stands tall as the city welcomes migrants with open arms. The need of the hour is mutual respect and, of course, accessible and innovative ways to learn Kannada and other languages. One such initiative by the Kannada Rashtra Telangana Association (KRTA) has been effective in helping children learn Kannada. These are children from Telugu-speaking families which have moved to Bengaluru. 'Many children are learning Kannada faster than their parents who are techies and have managed to learn very little Kannada,' said Sundeep Kumar Makthala, president, KRTA. He is inspired by the historical, cultural and linguistic ties between Telangana and Karnataka. 'The ancient Kannada poet Pampa was closely associated with the Telugu states. The two states have a lot in common, including languages, history, food and festivals,' he said. The association has been sanctioned a Telangana Bhavan that was planned on the lines of a Kannada Bhavan in Hyderabad. 'It will be a centre of cultural exchange where we celebrate iconic Telugu festivals like Bathukamma,' Makthala said. Blending into the linguistic fabric of the city takes both effort and support. Letting go of resistance was all it took to start learning a new language in a city like Bengaluru. As someone rightly pointed out through a message written inside an autorickshaw, a photo of which went viral: 'Don't be a guest forever.'
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Hans India
BESCOM Contract Worker Takes Own Life After Losing Rs 11 Lakh To Fake CBI Cyber Fraud
A tragic case of cyber fraud has claimed the life of a 42-year-old BESCOM contract employee who succumbed to the psychological pressure of online extortion in Karnataka's Ramanagara district. The victim, identified as Kumar, worked at the electricity board's HSR Layout office in Bengaluru and was discovered hanging from a tree in Kelagere village within Channapatna taluk. The devastating incident unfolded after Kumar became the target of sophisticated cyber criminals who employed psychological manipulation and threats to extract money from him. The fraudsters used a calculated approach, with one individual identifying himself as Vikram Goswami and claiming to represent the Central Bureau of Investigation. Kumar's detailed suicide note revealed the extent of the harassment he endured from these cybercriminals. The imposter convinced Kumar that he was facing a "digital arrest" and that law enforcement authorities had issued an arrest warrant against him. This fabricated scenario was designed to create panic and urgency, making the victim more susceptible to the fraudster's demands. The criminal demanded immediate financial payments to prevent Kumar's supposed arrest, providing multiple bank account numbers for money transfers. The fraudster's approach was systematic and relentless, maintaining constant pressure on the victim through repeated contact and threats. This persistent harassment ultimately led Kumar to transfer Rs 11 lakh across various accounts as instructed by the imposter. The psychological impact of this continuous extortion proved overwhelming for Kumar, who found himself trapped in a web of deception and fear. His suicide note detailed how the constant harassment from the cyber fraudsters became unbearable, ultimately driving him to take his own life as the only escape from the torment he was experiencing. Law enforcement agencies responded promptly to the discovery of Kumar's body, with officers from the MK Doddi Police Station in Channapatna conducting an initial investigation at the scene. A formal case has been registered in connection with the incident, and authorities have taken steps to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The case has been transferred to the Cyber Crime Police Station for specialized handling, recognizing the digital nature of the fraud that led to this tragedy. This transfer ensures that investigators with specific expertise in cybercrime will handle the case, potentially improving the chances of tracking down the perpetrators and preventing similar incidents. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber fraud schemes targeting ordinary citizens across India. The use of fake government authority, particularly impersonating central investigative agencies, has become a common tactic employed by cybercriminals to intimidate victims and extract money from them. The case underscores the urgent need for greater public awareness about such fraudulent schemes and the importance of verifying any claims made by individuals claiming to represent government agencies. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not conduct arrests through phone calls or demand immediate financial payments to resolve legal issues. The tragic loss of Kumar's life serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of cybercrime, extending far beyond financial loss to encompass devastating psychological impacts on victims. The constant stress and fear generated by such harassment can have severe mental health implications, as demonstrated by this heartbreaking case. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to trace the digital footprints left by the fraudsters and identify the individuals responsible for this elaborate scheme. The case will likely contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures and develop better protection mechanisms for potential victims of similar crimes. This incident emphasizes the importance of immediate reporting to authorities when faced with suspicious communications claiming to be from government agencies, rather than succumbing to the pressure and demands of potential fraudsters.
New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Rag-picker-turned-thief arrested in Bengaluru, Rs 75 lakh worth valuables recovered
BENGALURU: This is a rags-to-riches story, but with a twist. Balaji alias Khadeema Prakash, 43, began his tryst with Bengaluru by scrounging for rags in streets. It, however, was not enough to meet his addiction for drugs, alcohol and betting. Starting 2001, Balaji began to steal gold, silver and other valuables from homes and selling them to a receiver. Finally the Madiwala police caught up with him and the receiver, Rajendra alias Rajiv Gandhi, a tailor. The police have charged Balaji for theft in 133 houses and recovered stolen articles worth Rs 75 lakh, including 779 grams of gold ornaments, 100 grams of silver items and two two-wheelers. Balaji is a resident of Yadavanahalli near Attibele while Rajendra is a resident of Govindashetty Palya. The modus operandi of the accused was to look for flats or individual buildings that were for sale. In the guise of a prospective buyer, he would gain the confidence of the owners and without their notice he was either stealing the door keys or was taking the picture of the keys on his mobile. The accused would go back after six months and check if there were more footwear of women outside the flats or buildings assuming that such houses would be having more ornaments. He would wait for the residents to go outside by locking the door and then enter using the duplicate keys and escaping with the valuables. 'To mislead the police, he would pose as a delivery boy by wearing e-commerce platforms T shirts at the time of committing thefts. Betting, drugs, alcohol were his addiction and he was into stealing to source money for his habits. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths who had arrested him in May last year had sent him to jail. After coming out of the jail, he committed thefts at 13 more houses. Fearing that he would be caught, he was also not using mobile phone. However the police were monitoring his wife and associates' phone calls that led to his whereabouts,' said an officer. The accused had committed thefts in Madiwala, HSR Layout, Bandepalya, MICO Layout, Hulimavu and areas in the city.
Deccan Herald
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Deccan Herald
How green is your home?
There were days when indoor plants meant petite potted ferns or rose plants perched on windowsills of large homes or tiny balconies. Today's urbanites have opted for a bold, refreshing trend - bringing large-sized exotic indoor plants to their living spaces, adding a touch of drama and turning them into conversation starters. Apart from adding a dash of colour and elevating the interiors, they also reconnect city souls with Nature. From stylish penthouses to compact apartments, indoor green havens with statement plants are turning into the ultimate design accessory..A case in point is that of Beena Sambargimath. She started with a modest home in Bengaluru around 2019 and then decorated her large sea-facing balcony in Chennai with greens. Today, she is known for curating exquisite, large indoor plants that transform homes and offices, along with custom-designed planters. Beena's work reflects the growing love for lush, over-sized greenery and the need for expert HSR Layout's viral 'hacker house'.Indoor plants in driving this rising passion for large plants indoors? For starters, modern interiors with their minimalist neutral palettes, wide windows and open-plan layouts provide the perfect canvas for leafy giants. In the absence of this green oasis, these homes would look plain. A towering fiddle-leaf fig beside a sleek sofa or a cluster of areca palms in a sunlit corner introduces texture, softness and a sense of well-being. These plants also turn a room into a living, breathing space instantly..'Large plants are living sculptures,' says Beena. 'They bring drama to a space, clean the air and create a soothing ambiance. They are conversation starters and mood lifters.' She adds that though it takes some effort to choose the right plants, planters and the exact placement along with daily care, it's all worth the final fashion entrepreneur Meeta Jagannath experienced the magic first-hand. 'We built a large house in Bengaluru. We did not want too many furniture pieces in it. So, we decided to use plenty of plants instead. Our living room has a huge netted ficus plant which has become the focal point. We also have palms and frangipani at small islands we created and to deck up the stairs landings, driveway and wide corridors', she box - Emotional connect What sets the trend of greening interiors apart is the emotional satisfaction plant parents derive. 'I feel a sense of nurturing and peace' says Ashwin Kallimani a Belagavi-based architect who loves to incorporate large plants into spaces he designs. 'It's not just decor - it's a living breathing presence.' Ashwin always keeps in mind plants while designing homes and works closely with plant curators from the design stage itself. Plants have to be an integral part of the whole design he says.
Hindustan Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru turns into one big party after RCB's long-awaited IPL win. Watch
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans did not hold back as the team lifted the IPL trophy after 18 long years. In Bengaluru, fireworks lit up the skies and the roads turned into one big party as RCB fans came out in full force to celebrate the win against Punjab Kings. It was a celebration 18 years in the making, marking the franchise's maiden IPL victory since the league's inception. One could have been forgiven for mistaking the night of June 3 to be Diwali, the way fireworks lit up the sky in Bengaluru after RCB trounced Punjab Kings in the final. One stunning video shows how the city of Bengaluru transformed into an oasis of light on June 3. The drone footage shows firecrackers going off at every few steps and every house lit up to celebrate the IPL win. A post shared by sʀɪʜᴀʀɪ ᴋᴀʀᴀɴᴛʜ (@sriharikaranth) Another shows traffic brought to a standstill as RCB fans descended upon the streets in droves. The fans were seen dancing and cheering joyously. A post shared by K K Karan Aiyappa (@karan_aiyappa_) HSR Layout in Bengaluru turned into one big party - visuals show the streets choc-a-bloc full of people, some waving flags, many dancing. Cars came to a halt as pedestrians blocked the roads with their celebrations. A post shared by FindMyHouse | Flats in bangalore | Rental houses (@findmyhouse_bangalore) RCB fans were ecstatic not just for the win but also because it marked a momentous occasion for Virat Kohli, who has been with the team since its inception in 2008. Cricket's biggest star, known as 'King Kohli' by his 300 million-plus followers, had to wait 18 seasons to clinch the title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As RCB finally clinched their first IPL title after 17 years, defeating PBKS by six runs in a thrilling final in Ahmedabad, Kohli slumped to his knees and cried. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. I've tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have,' he said. 'To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled.'
