A recent Reddit discussion has reignited the debate about Bengaluru’s identity beyond its status as India’s IT capital. It all started when a user shared an offhand remark from a friend from Patna, who claimed that “without IT, Bengaluru would be just another city like those in Bihar.”
The comment, meant to highlight the city’s dependence on the tech industry, sparked a strong reaction from locals. Many Bengaluru residents took to the platform to counter the narrative, emphasizing that the city was built on much more than software and startups.
A City of Industries and Public Sector Giants
One user pointed out the vast industrial backbone of Bengaluru, particularly the Peenya Industrial Area—one of Asia’s largest industrial clusters. “Before IT boomed, Peenya was already home to thousands of manufacturing units. It didn’t need software parks to thrive,” they remarked.
Bengaluru has also long been a hub for major public sector enterprises. Companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and even the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have been operating in the city for decades. These institutions have played a crucial role in shaping India’s defense, aerospace, and industrial capabilities.
More Than Just Koramangala and Whitefield
Many Bengaluru residents believe that people who view the city purely through the IT lens are missing its true essence. “Those who think Bengaluru is only Koramangala, Whitefield, and Electronic City need to step out and see the real city—its industrial zones, research institutions, and cultural heritage,” one commenter wrote.
Will Bengaluru Fall Without IT? Locals Disagree
Some users also pushed back against the idea that Bengaluru would suffer irreparably if the IT sector faced a decline. “The IT sector is important, but it isn’t the only thing keeping the city afloat. Our ancestors built a city that thrives on multiple industries, from defense and aerospace to manufacturing and research,” one local noted.
With a history deeply rooted in innovation across various sectors, Bengaluru continues to stand as a city of growth, resilience, and progress—far beyond the limits of the tech industry.
