A seemingly routine children’s birthday party became an awkward experience for a woman when another parent inquired about her caste — an interaction she later shared in a viral Instagram video.
According to the woman, a Kannadiga who attended the celebration with her son, the dialogue began as typical small talk. Another mother, whose child had recently joined the group, approached her to introduce herself. The conversation was amicable at first, with the Telugu-speaking parent questioning why her Telugu was not fluent.
The woman explained that she identified as a Kannadiga. However, the discussion unexpectedly shifted when the other parent bluntly asked, “What is your caste?”
In her video, she conveyed feeling both puzzled and “uncomfortable” by the inquiry, especially in an environment designed for families and children. She mentioned that she tried to redirect the conversation but found it challenging to do so.
Expressing her astonishment that such inquiries still arise in social settings, she stated she was unprepared for a caste-based question from a stranger at what was intended to be a joyful gathering. She also commented on the apparent “normalisation” of such discussions, even as late as 2026.
As the clip gained popularity online, it ignited a flurry of reactions from social media users, many of whom reflected on how they would have responded in a similar situation.
One commenter noted, “I’d just say ‘Sorry, didn’t realise caste is still important in 2026.’”
Another suggested, “Make them clarify what exactly they meant and watch them stammer.”
A third user inquired, “How does this aid you in knowing me?”
Yet another added, “What caste I am? What do you mean by that? Get them to elaborate on caste to you.”
The incident has since sparked a larger online conversation about the persistence of caste-related questions in casual settings, with many users contemplating how ingrained social behaviours manifest in daily interactions — even at gatherings intended to celebrate children.
