Fakeerappa, a septuagenarian farmer who went to a mall in Bengaluru with his son to watch a movie at a multiplex, was allegedly denied entry owing to his attire — a dhoti and a white shirt. The alleged incident occurred at G.T. Mall on Magadi Main Road around 6 p.m. on July 16.
His son Nagaraj recorded the conversation with the security supervisor at the entrance of the mall. The supervisor can be heard saying that the rules of the mall do not allow entry to people wearing a dhoti and that he would allow the farmer if he wore pants.
Speaking to mediapersons later, Mr. Nagaraj said as a son, he wished for his father to watch a film in a multiplex. Mr. Fakeerappa said, “How can people from the village let go of our panche (dhoti) and come dressed in pants to watch a film?”
Mall management apologises
Activists from Kannada organisations staged a protest in front of the mall on Wednesday (July 17) morning, with many wearing a dhoti and entering the mall as an act of dissent. The farmer was also brought to the mall, where representatives of the mall’s management apologised to him publicly and felicitated him. Earlier in the day, the security supervisor who did not allow Fakeerappa, also apologised for his actions.
Speaking to a mediapersons on July 17, Mr. Fakeerappa said he was illiterate but knew the value of education. “I have got all five of my children educated. They are well-placed now. But I cannot give up my culture and dressing style and start wearing pants just to go to a mall. Sadly, people feel inferior about our own dressing style and culture in our own State,” he said.
In February this year, a farmer wearing a panche (dhoti) was stopped by security guards from boarding a Namma Metro train despite having a valid ticket. BMRCL dismissed the security supervisor who stopped the farmer.
Published - July 17, 2024 12:05 pm IST