Kannadigas in the Eyes of a Malayali: A Personal Perspective

Out of all the diverse communities that I have had the privilege of meeting, Kannadigas have left a particularly deep and nuanced impression on me. Over the years, my experiences and interactions with them have ranged from college days to my professional endeavors, and have helped shape a complex view of this unique community.

Early Impressions

My first true impression of Kannadigas came from my early college days. One particular individual from Karnataka, whom we'll refer to as Arjun, made a lasting impact on me. Arjun's gentle and subdued demeanor, paired with his self-restraint, set him apart. Despite losing track of Arjun over the years, his influence lingered. My encounters with Kannadigas in similar settings, such as military camps and civilian life, only further reinforced my impressions of their poise and grounded nature.

Further Experiences

As I ventured into my profession as a TV producer, I had the opportunity to work in areas with large Kannadiga populations. From my interactions with them, I observed that they were often soft, humble, and grounded. This was particularly evident in my work on literacy programs, where the local Kannadiga population showed great appreciation for the efforts made. One such notable encounter was with Sunitha, an interpreter who worked on a literacy program called ‘Akshara Vijaya’, based on Yakshagana. Although we lost touch over time, our connection remained strong, rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

Cultural Insights

From my travels and interactions, I have come to appreciate the distinct temperaments of Kannadigas, which I perceive as more mellowed and calm compared to the assertiveness of Tamils. This difference in temperament can be partly attributed to the geography of the regions. While Tamil Nadu's harsh terrain and Kerala's lush greenery contribute to their unique characteristics, Karnataka's wider landscapes and gentle demeanor are equally notable.

During my time at IIT Madras, my roommate was a Kannadiga theatre enthusiast. Our friendship was smooth and cordial, reflecting the ease and warmth of the Kannadiga community. These experiences have helped me understand and appreciate the nuances of Kannadiga culture, including their culinary preferences, particularly Mysuru Masala dosas and Mysuru Pakus.

Personal Anecdotes

A memorable early interaction with a Kannadiga elderly man on a bus in Karnataka was remonstrated with my poor attempt at speaking Kannada. My somewhat humorous attempt to say “Nanu Kannadi Dalli Mathaduthille” (I speak Kannada) ended in a small misunderstanding, but it also highlighted the importance of language proficiency in strengthening relationships.

My love for South Indian cuisine led me to pick up the dish Badam Halu with ease, as it is one of the first words I learned from my Kannadiga professor, Prof. Rama. These culinary experiences have contributed to a deeper connection with Kannadiga culture.

Friendship and Cultural Exchange

In my personal life, I have had the unique experience of befriending Anuradha Ananth during my studies in Cardiff, UK. Our friendship was occasionally marred by minor linguistic misunderstandings, but these ultimately strengthened our connection. Through shared culinary adventures and cultural explorations, we enriched each other's lives, assimilating the cultures of Kannadigas and Malayalis. Despite her current residence in Germany, our bond remains strong, illustrating the lasting impact of these deep friendships.

While my observations and interactions with Kannadigas are inevitably colored by personal experiences, they have provided invaluable insights into this vibrant community. The camaraderie, warmth, and cultural richness that Kannadigas bring to the table have undoubtedly enriched my life and shaped my understanding of diversity and inclusiveness.