Bengaluru: In a city known for its cultural diversity and linguistic charm, an auto-rickshaw driver has come up with an innovative way to promote Kannada while improving communication between locals and non-native speakers. Inside his auto, the driver displays a leaflet titled “Learn Kannada With Auto Kannadiga,” featuring common phrases in Kannada with their English translations.
The leaflet covers everyday sentences to help passengers with navigation, greetings, and fare-related questions. Some handy phrases include greetings like “Hello sir” and “I am learning Kannada.” For directions, phrases such as “Sir, ride a bit faster,” “Go slow,” and “Take a right/left turn” are included.
For handling payments, passengers can ask, “Do you accept UPI or only cash?” or “Do you have change for this amount?” Additionally, polite phrases like “Please wait, I’ll be there in two minutes” and “I’m in a hurry, please come quickly” make the interaction smoother.
The concept is the brainchild of “Auto Kannadiga,” a content creator. The initiative has gained traction on social media, with many praising it as a fun and friendly way to bridge the language gap in Bengaluru.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “A good way to promote learning without forcing it. Many will appreciate this and be curious about the language.” Another user added, “I’m from UP and living in Karnataka—I’ve learned most of my Kannada this way. It’s such a beautiful and respectful language.”
The leaflet gained further attention when Manjeet Nalawade, an IIM Bangalore alumnus, shared it on LinkedIn. “As a non-Kannadiga, I totally love this approach!” Nalawade praised the driver’s thoughtful effort to help both drivers and passengers navigate the city more comfortably. He humorously added, “This is yet another reminder of how Bengaluru auto drivers address everyone as ‘Sir’.”
The initiative reflects the spirit of inclusiveness in Bengaluru, gently encouraging non-native speakers to engage with Kannada, a language cherished for its warmth and politeness
