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'Make travel easy, not complicated': Kempegowda Airport's Hindi-free display boards spark controversy, prompts language debate in Bengaluru

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The Economic Timespublisher-detail-arrow
13th April, 2025 18:38 IST
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has quietly taken Hindi off all its signboards, leaving only Kannada and English. A video showing this change went viral on X (formerly Twitter), drawing over 2 million views and prompting an emotional and polarised response from the public.

Some called the move bold. Others found it baffling. And many more were left asking a simple question: who is this airport really for?


Online reactions: Between pride and frustration
Social media quickly lit up with reactions. While a few users celebrated the push for Kannada visibility, many slammed the decision as exclusionary, especially at an international gateway.

One user questioned the practicality of the change, writing, “Do you think only those who know English and Kannada visit Bengaluru? While it may be understandable not to have Hindi at metro stations, it should certainly be present at airports and railway stations.”








Another pointed to what they saw as a contradiction in approach, “While the Dubai Crown Prince tweets in Hindi to show respect for India, some of our own citizens disregard Hindi, even though it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.”

A third user shared their frustration about accessibility, “As much as I oppose the imposition of Hindi, removing it from travel hubs like airports and railway stations is unwise. These places should facilitate travel, not complicate it for people.”

These quotes have echoed across platforms, giving voice to a growing discomfort among those who rely on Hindi in a multilingual country.

What the video revealed
The viral video that reignited the language debate shows digital display boards at the airport flashing information in Kannada, English, and Urdu—but not Hindi. The omission stood out to many, especially in a country where Hindi is spoken by over 40 per cent of the population.

Several users called the decision “stupid” and questioned why English—a colonial language—was retained, but not Hindi, India’s most widely spoken tongue. For many, this wasn’t just a signage issue. It was a statement.

Cultural assertion or exclusion?
Supporters of the change argue that it promotes regional identity and celebrates Kannada pride. They see it as a necessary correction in a country where regional languages often feel sidelined.

But critics argue that an international airport should prioritise inclusivity. Bengaluru, after all, is not just Karnataka’s capital. It is a global city, home to people from across India and abroad.

They worry that removing Hindi creates barriers, especially for domestic travellers from northern and central India who may not speak English or Kannada fluently.

Still no word from the airport authority
So far, the airport management has remained silent. There has been no official statement explaining the policy change or addressing the backlash.

But the volume of the debate suggests it won’t be swept aside easily. The controversy has put a spotlight on broader issues—how public spaces balance local pride with national accessibility, and how language can both unite and divide.

At the heart of it all lies a simple challenge: How do we make our airports, stations, and public spaces truly open to all?

That’s a conversation India is now having—online, in airports, and beyond.

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