Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 15: A fresh language-related confrontation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has gone viral on social media, reigniting debate over linguistic expectations and allegations of language imposition in metropolitan cities.
The video clip shows a man confronting an airport staff member, repeatedly questioning his ability to speak Marathi. The man is heard insisting, “Speak in Marathi. Don’t you know Marathi?” while the staffer appears visibly perplexed by the sudden exchange.
Maintaining composure, the airport employee asks the man about his concern and whether he requires assistance. He suggests continuing the conversation in Hindi, saying, “Do you have a flight to catch? Let’s talk in Hindi. Do you need any help?” However, the response fails to pacify the man, who claims he does not know Hindi and questions how someone can work in Mumbai without knowing Marathi.
As the situation escalates, the staff member briefly switches to Marathi and says, “Mala Marathi yet nahi” (I do not know Marathi). The admission appears to further anger the individual, who is then seen warning the employee of “consequences” for not being able to speak the language.
The video has triggered sharp and divided reactions online. Several users criticised the confrontation, terming it unnecessary harassment of a frontline worker performing his duty. One commenter observed that linguistic divisions were increasingly surfacing in public spaces, diverting attention from more pressing national concerns.
Others drew comparisons with regional language expectations in other parts of the country. Some questioned whether a Marathi-speaking employee would be permitted to communicate solely in Marathi at an airport in Delhi, while others argued that such incidents persist due to a lack of firm action against those who provoke staff over language issues.
Notably, some self-identified Marathi speakers also expressed discomfort over the episode. One user remarked that the employee appeared willing to communicate and might even be in the process of learning Marathi, adding that compelling language use through confrontation “is not in good spirit.”
The incident has once again highlighted the sensitive and complex nature of language politics in India’s urban centres.