Cars24 CEO's Hiring Post Sparks Debate Over Language and Inclusivity in Bengaluru
A recent post by Vikram Chopra, the CEO of Cars24, has sparked a debate about language and inclusivity in the workplace.
Chopra shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) aimed at people in Bengaluru looking for jobs in the Delhi-NCR region. The post read, “We are not saying Delhi NCR is better. Only that it really is. If you wish to come back, write to me at vikram@cars24.com with the subject – Delhi meri jaan. Still can’t speak Kannada after years in Bengaluru? It’s okay. Aa jao Dilli (come to Delhi).”
We are not saying Delhi NCR is better. Only that it really is.
— Vikram Chopra (@vikramchopra) December 19, 2024
If you wish to come back, write to me at vikram@cars24.com with the subject – Delhi meri jaan ♥️ pic.twitter.com/lgQpXMiaKt
Some saw the message as a fun way to attract new employees, but many others felt it disrespected the Kannada language. In June 2024, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged people to promote a “Kannada atmosphere” across the state and use the language more in daily life.
Supporters of Chopra’s post argued that it acknowledged the challenges faced by non-Kannada speakers in Bengaluru, saying it’s important for workers to be close to their families. However, some criticized the message, asking if Chopra wanted only people from North India or Delhi on his team. Others pointed out that Delhi might not be as great as it seems, suggesting that crime data might paint a different picture.
Interestingly, a user found a 2009 post from Chopra where he had criticized Delhi, saying, “The most difficult thing in Delhi is to deal with its people.”
