Bengaluru police introduce Kannada phrase cards for auto drivers

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police launched a new initiative on Friday to promote Kannada-speaking as part of Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations.

The police are distributing laminated cards to autorickshaw drivers across the city. These cards contain essential Kannada phrases with English translations, designed to facilitate easy communication between drivers and passengers.

"We have started distributing the cards and will continue for the next month. The primary goal is to ensure smooth interactions between passengers and drivers, particularly in light of recent incidents,” Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda told DH.

Each card includes a QR code that links to a video demonstration when scanned. The initiative is voluntary, with costs covered entirely by the Police Department.

The concept was inspired by Ajmal Sultan, a Bengaluru autorickshaw driver (@autokannadiga0779), whose similar initiative gained attention on social media.

"This Kannada Rajyotsava, the BTP proudly introduces a small step towards promoting Kannada! Look for #LearnKannada messages on 5,000 autos around the city. Embrace the language, embrace the culture," M N Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), posted on X.