By News18

Copyright news18

A video of a foreigner speaking fluent Kannada at a temple canteen in Australia has gone viral, winning hearts and sparking conversations about language, culture, and inclusivity. The clip, shared by influencer Sahana Gowda on Instagram, shows the man confidently taking an order in near-perfect Kannada, leaving onlookers impressed.
The video quickly gained traction, with Kannadigas praising the man’s effort to embrace the language despite being thousands of miles away from India.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sahana gowda✈️ (@sira_to_australia)

Conversant in Four Indian Languages
What surprised people even more was his claim that he could converse not only in Kannada but also in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. In the video, his flawless pronunciation and easy delivery left many locals amused and impressed, with some calling it a rare example of genuine cultural respect.
A comment read, “This is so heartwarming. He speaks Kannada better than some people living here for decades.” Another user wrote, “This is how you appreciate a culture — by learning its language and connecting with its people.”
Social Media Reactions Highlight Language Debate
The viral moment also reignited the long-running debate on language attitudes in India. Several users pointed out the irony that many people living in Karnataka for years still refuse to learn Kannada.
A user commented, “It takes a foreigner to show us how to respect local languages. Some settlers here won’t even make an effort.”
Others, however, cautioned against politicising the issue, arguing that language wars often distract from real concerns. “Language should unite, not divide. Using it as a political tool benefits no one,” a user said.
Kannada As A Bridge Between Cultures
Adding to the wave of appreciation, another video recently surfaced showing a Russian girl and her Indian friend singing a Kannada poem while cycling through a Bengaluru neighbourhood.

Shared by the Russian girl’s mother, the clip won hearts for its simple yet powerful message of friendship across cultures.