Bengaluru: Here's what an auto driver has done to help people learn Kannada

Amid ongoing debates and occasional tensions over language barriers in Bengaluru, an auto-rickshaw driver has come up with a creative solution to foster linguistic harmony. The driver has placed a leaflet inside his vehicle, offering passengers a chance to learn basic Kannada phrases during their ride.

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The leaflet, titled “Learn Kannada With Auto Kannadiga,” features commonly used Kannada sentences alongside their English translations, designed to help non-Kannada speakers communicate more effectively in the local language. With phrases like “Namaskara sir” (Hello, sir), “Elli idira” (Where are you?), and “UPI idya athva cash aa?” (Is it UPI or cash?), the initiative provides a practical and engaging learning experience. 

very handy pic.twitter.com/RqC6lTpwuq

— Vatsalya (@vatsalyatandon)

very handy pic.twitter.com/RqC6lTpwuq

— Vatsalya (@vatsalyatandon) October 21, 2024

">October 21, 2024

This thoughtful gesture quickly gained widespread attention after a passenger posted a photo of the leaflet on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The post went viral, with users praising the driver's innovative approach to bridging the language gap. One X user noted, "This seems like a faster, cheaper way to learn Kannada," while others hailed the idea as “genius.”

The driver's initiative not only provides language assistance but also promotes a sense of inclusion and respect for the local culture. Netizens widely shared the post, applauding the driver's entrepreneurial spirit and his unique method of turning an everyday commute into an opportunity for cultural exchange.