A woman’s candid account of her challenging experience living and working in Bengaluru has sparked a widespread online discussion. Using the handle ‘Shaaninani’ on ‘X’, she shared her grievances about life in the city, describing her time there as deeply unpleasant.
In her detailed post, she recounted wearing traditional bridal bangles, known as chooda, for nearly a month, which visibly marked her as a North Indian. She lamented the daily ordeal of commuting in autos, where local drivers would often question her presence in Bengaluru, criticize her lack of Kannada proficiency, and demand higher fares due to her marital status. According to her, these interactions left her feeling alienated and frustrated, describing them as “very bad.”
Her frustrations extended beyond transportation issues. She mentioned an incident where a call to BESCOM regarding a power outage was met with a curt response insisting on Kannada-only communication. She argued that this highlighted a bias towards Kannada speakers in addressing service concerns.
She further expressed her dismay with Bengaluru’s weather, describing it as perpetually gloomy with incessant rain, causing widespread traffic jams and waterlogging that severely restricted her mobility and outdoor activities.
In Gurgaon, I feel a drastic change in energy. I can enjoy long walks, indulge in good food, and travel freely without the uncomfortable conversations with auto drivers, she concluded.
Her candid revelations struck a chord with many on social media, prompting a flurry of responses. Comments ranged from agreement with her experiences to criticism of Bengaluru’s alleged unfriendliness towards non-Kannadigas and the challenges faced by visitors and newcomers alike.
