Bengaluru: Kannada-speaking professor suspended, reinstated after public outcry

A college professor in Bengaluru was suspended after responding to a student in Kannada at R.V. Learning Hub College, triggering a statewide debate on linguistic rights and educational policy. The incident occurred when a student posed a question in Kannada during class, and the professor replied in the same language. Another student objected, insisting that the response should be in English, leading to an argument.

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The professor, defending his use of Kannada, reminded students that it is the official language of Karnataka. However, the disagreement escalated, and the student who demanded English claimed he could not understand Kannada and insisted on instruction only in English. Following this, the college principal reportedly asked the professor to resign the next day.

The issue gained public attention after a tearful video of the professor went viral, prompting backlash. News First's coverage drew widespread support for the professor, leading to the intervention of pro-Kannada activist Rupesh Rajanna, who arrived at the campus to express solidarity.

In response to public and media pressure, R.V. Learning Hub College promised to reinstate the professor, a decision made shortly after the report aired. The institution has since committed to addressing the issue and preventing such incidents in the future.

This episode has sparked renewed calls for protecting regional language rights in academic institutions.