Bengaluru: A heated exchange at a State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Bengaluru’s Chandapura suburb has caused an online debate about language handling in India. It happened when a customer asked the bank manager, speaking Kannada, to answer in Kannada. Yet, the manager spoke Hindi to them, resulting in a quarrel caught on video and went viral. The incident has led to disputes about using local languages and the region’s identity. Several groups have said they will protest against how the bank dealt with it.
On May 20, 2025, the fight happened at an SBI branch located in Bengaluru’s Chandapura area. Witnesses say the man insisted, in Kannada, that he should be served in Kannada. He pointed out that it is widely used in Karnataka. Unfazed, the manager spoke in Hindi, increasing tension. In the video seen by many, the customer says to the airline staff, “Please use Kannada; this is Karnataka.” That doesn’t matter to me, does it? This is India. I’ll reply to you in Hindi. By standing up to him, she started a long and heated argument that many online viewers find fascinating.
Tensions are rising, and the RBI has given revised directions.
With the argument continuing, the customer mentioned that RBI rules direct bank staff to speak to customers in languages they are most comfortable with. The manager said, “You never hired me,” as she insisted she wouldn’t use Kannada. When she said she didn’t need Kannada, the customer gave a mock “Well done, madam, well done” reply. Because of the argument, many people on either side have expressed their opinions. These opinions include defending the customer and a few expressing concerns about the manager’s actions.
Social Media Criticism and Arranged Protests
Bengaluru Chandapura SBI Branch Manager says “she will never speak Kannada” as this is India and she speaks Hindi
RBI has given clear guidelines saying staff should provide service in the local language@TheOfficialSBI
better take action against her.pic.twitter.com/llkqTjsW7R— 👑Che_Krishna🇮🇳💛❤️ (@CheKrishnaCk_) May 20, 2025
Kannada-dialect speakers have been very upset by the video’s appearance on platforms such as X. Many netizens considered the manager’s refusal to speak the indigenous language disrespectful. Others argue that people shouldn’t be required to speak only one language in a country where many are spoken. People who care about Kannada are organising a march to the main SBI office in Bengaluru, where they will give the bank a memorandum. They believe the incident insults Karnataka’s language pride.
This incident highlights the significant connection between language, culture, and identity in India, a country that places a high value on regional languages. Because Hindi is common in major institutions across India, the manager is focused on it. However, the customer requires Kannada because of local authority. With the help of a single video, many are now talking about how Indian banks respond to the country’s many languages.
Because of the situation, SBI feels pressured to explain how it will use language when communicating with customers. The episode shows how critical it is to maintain unique local cultures even as we work toward unity. As we speak, the internet argument keeps people talking, enlarging the voices of both groups.
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