In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, an elderly farmer in Bengaluru was denied entry to GT Mall simply because he was wearing a traditional 'dhoti' and shirt. The 60-year-old man, accompanied by his son, had arrived at the mall to watch a movie but was stopped at the entrance by security guards citing their dress code policy. The Karnataka government has directed a Bengaluru shopping mall to shut down for a week after this incident.
The refusal, which occurred last evening, quickly escalated into a contentious debate over cultural insensitivity and discrimination. According to reports, the security personnel informed the farmer that the mall's management does not permit entry to individuals wearing traditional attire like the 'dhoti' and requested him to change into trousers to gain access.
The incident swiftly gained traction on social media platforms, with many users condemning the mall's actions as disrespectful and discriminatory towards traditional Indian clothing. Farmer unions and activists also mobilized, staging protests outside GT Mall this morning to express solidarity with the elderly farmer and demand accountability from the management.
Kuruburu Shanthakumar, the president of farmer's association in the state, strongly denounced the incident, labeling it a disgraceful display of discrimination against farmers. He called upon the Bengaluru police to take immediate action against the mall's management and insisted on a public apology to the aggrieved farmer. Shanthakumar emphasized the integral role of farmers in society, highlighting their contribution as the backbone of the nation.
This is not the first instance of such discrimination in Bengaluru. Just recently, another farmer was denied access to the city's metro system due to similar attire-related issues, prompting public outcry and administrative repercussions.
In response to mounting pressure, the mall's security officials have apologized to the farmer and his son for the distress caused. However, calls for broader accountability and sensitivity training within commercial establishments continue to resonate across the city.
The incident at GT Mall serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing cultural sensitivities and the need for inclusive practices in public spaces. As debates on cultural respect and attire policies unfold, many hope this incident will lead to meaningful dialogue and reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
