Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaws have become a source of fascination and debate on social media, showcasing the city’s unique blend of innovation, humor, and social commentary. Recently, one auto-rickshaw went viral for a message painted on its back: “Slim or fat, black or white, virgin or not. All girls deserve respect.” While intended to promote women’s empowerment, the message sparked a debate online, with some netizens finding it provocative.
The message, captured in a photo and shared online, quickly gained traction, garnering over 87,600 views within just two days. While some users found the message to be a humorous attempt at radical feminism, others questioned its effectiveness, with one user simply asking, “How hard is it to just say that all girls deserve respect?”
The auto-rickshaw incident is not the first time these vehicles have captured online attention. Just recently, another auto driver gained fame for upgrading his seat with an office chair for maximum comfort, leading to a wave of comments on social media praising the driver’s ingenuity. This incident was dubbed a “Peak Bengaluru” moment, highlighting the city’s spirit of resourcefulness and humor.
Adding to the recent buzz surrounding Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaws, e-commerce giant Flipkart launched a campaign offering rides for just Re 1 during peak traffic hours. This initiative, which utilized local auto-rickshaws equipped with Flipkart’s UPI payment systems, quickly gained popularity and became a hot topic on social media. The campaign showcased Flipkart’s commitment to innovative solutions and their understanding of Bengaluru’s traffic woes.
These incidents demonstrate the multifaceted nature of Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw culture. From promoting social messages to providing innovative solutions and engaging in humorous escapades, these humble vehicles are becoming an integral part of the city’s digital narrative, reflecting the city’s spirit of creativity, resourcefulness, and constant evolution.
