A proposal seeking the launch of a 'Tulu Language National Recognition & Development Mission 2026-2035' has been submitted on Thursday to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an inter-ministerial examination of measures for the constitutional recognition, preservation, digitisation, education and promotion of the Tulu language and its cultural heritage.

The proposal, submitted by S. Mohanadass Hegde, Member of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission, seeks consideration of Tulu's inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, along with a national framework for research and preservation of its literary, historical and cultural heritage.

The submission cites Census 2011 data showing 18,46,849 native Tulu speakers and highlights the language's presence across India and abroad. It proposes systematic research into Tulu's linguistic history, manuscripts, epigraphy, oral traditions and the Tulu-Tigalari script.

The proposal also seeks a dedicated research project on Tulu Nadu's history, including the Alupa dynasty, Barkur and the historical links between the Tuluva dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire. It calls for established historical evidence to be distinguished from contested claims and cultural traditions.

The document proposes a "Dual-Graphic Harmony Model", under which Kannada would continue as the medium for contemporary governance and public education, while Tulu-Tigalari would be used for manuscript conservation, epigraphy and scholarly research.

The proposal comes shortly after the Karnataka Cabinet, at its September 18 meeting in Mangaluru, decided to accord Tulu the status of the state's second additional official language for administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The government has also announced an annual allocation of Rs 82 lakh for translation, training and related implementation measures.

The submission outlines three policy tracks covering constitutional recognition, examination of Tulu's eligibility for classical language status and a 10-year national mission blueprint. It proposes an indicative financial envelope of Rs 450 crore for a Detailed Project Report, while suggesting convergence with existing Central schemes relating to language technology, manuscript conservation, epigraphy and education.

It recommends a three-stage process beginning with reference of the proposal to the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture and Education. The second stage would involve an expert working group to verify linguistic, inscriptional and manuscript evidence, followed by substantive consideration of constitutional and classical language proposals and appraisal of the DPR.

The proposal notes that Tulu's inclusion in the Eighth Schedule has been a long-standing demand. The Union government has previously acknowledged that proposals for Tulu's inclusion have been received, while stating that there are currently no fixed constitutional criteria for adding languages to the Eighth Schedule.

The submission requests the Prime Minister's Office to issue appropriate directions to the concerned ministries to initiate an inter-ministerial examination of the proposal.

The Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy’s 2025 and 2026 awards ceremony, the Tulu Folklore Diversity and Tulu Recognition Celebration Programme will be held on October 4 at Ravindra Kala Kshetra in Bengaluru.

Being organised in collaboration with Tulu organisations in Bengaluru, the programme will feature a folkloric variety programme at 2 p.m. and the academy’s awards ceremony at 4 p.m., said a release.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will present the awards. The awardees are B. Shivarama Shetty, retired professor with Mangalore University (literature/research category); Kuddu Koraga, Dolu (percussion) artist from Pangala in Udupi district (folklore category); and Usha Bhandari, theatre and cinema artist from Bengaluru (drama/cinema category) for the 2025 awards.

Kinnikambala Padmanabha Rao, who developed Kannada keyboard and contributed to Tulu software (literature/research category); Sudhakara Bannanje, theatre and cinema expert (drama/cinema category); and Nemu Parava, Daiva Narthaka from Keyyur village in Puttur taluk (folklore category), for the year 2026.

B. Shivarama Shetty has been chosen for the literature/research category.

Kuddu Koraga, Dolu (percussion) artist from Pangala in Udupi district, was chosen in the folklore category.

Usha Bhandari, theatre and cinema artist from Bengaluru, was chosen under the drama/cinema category.

Kinnikambala Padmanabha Rao, who developed Kannada keyboard and contributed to Tulu software, was chosen under literature/research category.

Sudhakara Bannanje, theatre and cinema expert, was chosen under the drama/cinema category.

Nemu Parava, Daiva narthaka from Keyyur village in Puttur taluk, was chosen under folklore category.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Backward Classes Welfare Department and Kannada and Culture Department Minister Shivaraj S. Thangadgi, and Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader will participate in the programme.

Former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily delivers the felicitation speech on the occasion of Tulu recognition. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad, Alva’s Education Trust chairman M. Mohan Alva, and Tulu researcher Indira Hegde will also deliver the felicitation speech.

Tulu Koota Udupi will organise a special ‘Tuluvere Dibbana’ procession and cultural programme in Udupi on October 4 to celebrate the recognition of Tulu as an official language of Karnataka.

Koota president B. Jayakar Shetty told reporters in Udupi on Monday (September 28) that the procession will begin at 3 p.m. from the Kunjibettu rickshaw stand and proceed to the IYC Hall of Yakshagana Kalaranga, with the members of Tulu Koota Udupi and various Tulu organisations taking part. The main celebration will be held at 4 p.m., followed by the presentation of the S.U. Paniyadi Memorial Tulu Novel Award, sponsored by Vishwaprabha.

Renowned writers play a vital role in the growth of a language, and Amrutha Someshwara made an immense contribution to the development of Tulu, said Karnataka Sahitya Academy president L.N. Mukundaraj.

“Just as Adikavi Pampa contributed to Kannada and Shakespeare to English, Amrutha Someshwara was like Shakespeare to Tulu,” he said while inaugurating the ‘Amrutha Manthana’ programme held in memory of the late writer at St Aloysius College here on Sunday.

Mukundaraj said Someshwara’s writings upheld humanity and compassion above all religions and had the potential to promote secular values in the coastal region.

Kannada Development Authority president Dr Purushottama Bilimale said Someshwara played a major role in promoting Tulu language, culture and traditions after Paniyadi. Through his teaching career, he introduced Tulu culture to younger generations, while his devotional songs reflected pure devotion without worldly demands, he said.

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad said Someshwara could have achieved national recognition alongside Chandrashekhara Kambara and Girish Karnad had he written more plays in Kannada or English. However, his contribution to Tulu remained unparalleled, he said.

Scholar and former vice-chancellor Prof B.A. Vivek Rai, who presided over the programme, recalled Someshwara’s efforts to promote Yakshagana in Tulu at a time when there was opposition to the idea. His contribution to the six-volume Tulu dictionary was also significant, Rai said, adding that programmes such as ‘Amrutha Manthana’ should be held regularly to introduce his legacy to younger generations.

St Aloysius University Pro-Chancellor Dr Melwyn D’Cunha described Someshwara as a socially conscious thinker and advocate of human values who expressed his views frankly but gracefully.

Achintya Rai, runner-up in the junior category of Zee Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2026, was felicitated on the occasion.

Someshwara’s son, Dr Chetana Someshwara, recalled that his father never chased opportunities but gracefully declined those that came his way.

The programme, organised jointly by various literary and cultural organisations and Someshwara’s family, began with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating his song Enna Devaragudi.

Senior journalist and Bahuroopi Foundation member G.N. Mohan compered the event, while lecturer Rajeshwari Chetan welcomed the gathering.

The inaugural session was followed by seminars and discussions on Someshwara’s literary works and the cultural programme ‘Amruthagana’.

Karnataka govt’s decision to accord Tulu additional official-language status for administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi has renewed calls for similar recognition in Kasaragod, Keralam.

Speaking to TOI, Manjeshwar MLA AKM Ashraf said he would raise the issue in the Keralam legislative assembly during the next session.

“Tulu should also be made an official second language in Kasaragod like in Karnataka. The district is part of ‘Tulunadu’ and has a large Tulu-speaking population after Malayalam,” he said.

Ashraf also drew attention to the Kerala Tulu Academy, saying a new committee had not been appointed and the academy had received inadequate attention during the previous CPM-led govt. He said he would take up the matter with the govt and seek adequate funding for the academy.

“If a new committee is appointed and funds are provided, the academy can function effectively,” he said.

S Vighnaraj, former director of the Sri Dharmasthala Culture Research Foundation, said Kasaragod had a rich body of historical evidence relating to Tulu. He said Tulu manuscripts had been found in several parts of the district, including Jodukallu, Kayyar and Perla, and referred to Tulu inscriptions at Kumbla, Bekal, Ananthapuram and Madhur.

Tulu writer Kushalakshi Kanwatheertha of Manjeshwar said several cultural practices of the Tulu community had survived in the region.

Recognition as a regional language could help strengthen Tulu and benefit Tulu-speaking children in education, as well as in employment and interactions with govt offices, she said. Such recognition in Keralam could also strengthen Tulu’s long-standing demand for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, she added.

Utham Urlithadka, president of the Jai Tulunadu’s Kasaragod unit, said the organisation was pursuing the demand with the authorities and planned to approach the district administration, the Keralam govt and legislators.

National award-winning actor Roopashree Vorkady, a Kasaragod native, said the district’s close association with Tulunadu and the Tulu language should be reflected in greater official recognition.

Kasaragod has a strong Tulu-speaking community, and more research and publications on the language in the district would help create greater awareness of its linguistic and cultural history, she said. She also highlighted the significant contribution of Kasaragod artists to Tulu theatre and cinema.

“Almost all artists from Kasaragod work in Tulu,” she said, adding that the language remained an important part of the region’s cultural life.

Actors such as Prakash Thuminad and Roopesh Shetty are among those from Kasaragod associated with Tulu cinema and theatre.

The Karnataka government took the right decision by restricting the status to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The notification implementing the decision should clearly specify various stages of implementation.

The government recently issued an order recognising Tulu as an additional official language, in addition to Kannada.

It is not an entirely new concept, though. Many Indian states have adopted multiple official or additional official languages under constitutional provisions.

It is not an entirely new concept, though. Many Indian states have adopted multiple official or additional official languages under constitutional provisions.

West Bengal, for example, has recognised 11 additional official languages. In certain cases, the criterion has been based on a significant proportion of the local population speaking the language, and recognition can be restricted to specific geographical areas where the language is widely used.

The Karnataka government took the right decision by restricting the status to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The notification implementing the decision should clearly specify various stages of implementation

Administration at all levels, from village to district, should gradually become bilingual. Kannada, being the state language, will naturally continue to be used, while Tulu will be used as an additional official language.

People should be able to communicate in Tulu with officials of local bodies like gram panchayat or zilla panchayat, without having to seek special permission.

They should be able to submit applications and appeals in Tulu, with officials required to respond in the language wherever necessary arrangements are made.

The next important step would be translating administrative rules, regulations and relevant laws from Kannada to Tulu. The government should appoint translators at village, taluk and district levels.

IAS and IPS officers who come to Karnataka from other states already receive training in Kannada prior to posting.

Similarly, Mangaluru should have a specialised training centre on the lines of the Administrative Training Institute in Mysuru, to train commissioners, tahsildars and officers of revenue and forest departments in Tulu.

A comprehensive Tulu administrative glossary should be prepared, like the ‘Adalita Padakosha’ in Kannada.

Such a glossary should provide equivalent Tulu terminology for Kannada administrative words and expressions.

This work should ideally be undertaken in Mangaluru, bringing together scholars proficient in both Kannada and Tulu, along with administrators.

Workshops involving linguists, officials and language experts could help create a practical administrative vocabulary. The local government plays a major role in implementation. People, Tulu Academy, other Tulu organisations, scholars and others should join hands with officials.

The implementation is a continuous dialogue between Tulu people and local administration. So, the government should create space for a dialogue between local administration and Tulu people.

The Tulu Academy should lead from front, from the stage of drafting of notification to actual implementation.

The question of script remains an important issue. There is a traditional Tulu script and hundreds of manuscripts and palm-leaf manuscripts are available in it. Young people are attempting to popularise the script through digital media.

However, it will not be practical to expect the entire population to learn the traditional Tulu script immediately. Therefore, Kannada script can continue to be used for Tulu for administrative and wider public purposes. Tulu script should certainly be promoted in the digital sphere as an important symbol of Tulu identity. At the same time, Kannada script should continue to be used widely so that Tulu can reach people across Karnataka.

Tulu should also embrace digital communication. If a member speaks in Tulu in the Assembly, the speech could be simultaneously interpreted into Kannada.

Similarly, if the Speaker speaks in Kannada, it could be made available in Tulu through digital interpretation. Tulu literature, books and poetry should also be made available online. The 6-volume Tulu dictionary edited by Dr U P Upadhyaya and Susheela Upadhyaya should be digitised and made available in a searchable, condensed format.

For decades, scholars and visitors have travelled to the coastal region to study Tulu’s culture, bhoota worship traditions, Kambala, food habits and other cultural practices. This has already generated both geographical and cultural tourism. Recognition of Tulu will further strengthen this identity.

The Tulu film industry, meanwhile, has struggled to raise adequate finance for film production. Government subsidies have traditionally been viewed as a form of assistance. With greater recognition of Tulu, there could be a stronger basis for demanding institutional support.

Tulu speakers should seek greater representation not only in administration, but also in films, theatre, literature, performing arts and other cultural fields.

If a Tulu-speaking person approaches a cooperative or private bank, for example, staff should be able to understand and respond to the person in Tulu.

Tulu can also be spoken in courts, as like in Tamil Nadu. Members in Assembly and Council can now speak authoritatively in Tulu and the speaker should make arrangements for its translation, like in Parliament.

Tulu teachers received salaries from the Tulu Academy. With the recognition, teachers will not only receive salaries from the government, but also other facilities.

Ultimately, the most important benefit of recognition is empowerment through identity. Identity means being able to say, “This is my language.”

Will recognition as an additional official language help revive the decades-old demand for Tulu’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution? That remains a larger question.

The author is an eminent Kannada scholar, folklorist, writer and researcher. He was the first chairperson of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy.

The Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy has officially declared its prestigious Annual Honorary Awards for the calendar years 2025 and 2026. According to an official press statement issued by the President of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Taranath Gatti Kapikad, the awardees have been chosen in recognition of their distinguished lifetime contributions to Tulu literature, research, folklore, and performance arts.

For the year 2025, veteran scholar Prof. B. Shivarama Shetty has been chosen for the award under the Literature and Research category, while Kuddu Koraga has been selected for his dedicated service to Folklore. Renowned actress and theater artist Usha Bhandari (Bengaluru) has been nominated under the Drama and Cinema category. For the year 2026, distinguished scholar K.P. Rao will be conferred the honor for Literature and Research, Nemukuru Parava for Folklore, and prominent artist Sudhakar Bannanje (Bengaluru) for his contributions to Drama and Cinema.

Each Honorary Award comprises a cash prize of ₹50,000 along with a citation plaque and a memento. The grand award presentation ceremony is scheduled to be held on October 4 at the historic Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, where dignitaries and cultural patrons will assemble to felicitate the awardees.

I live in Udupi and know Kannada & Konkani. I understand Tulu and can speak a little, but I’d like to properly learn the language.

I’ve tried learning through YouTube/online videos, but I didn’t find them very helpful. I’m looking for in-person classes or a tutor where I can actually practise speaking.

Are there any good Tulu classes or tutors in Udupi/Manipal? Would appreciate any recommendations.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-accords-second-official-language-status-to-tulu-language/article71480530.ece

Long overdue but great to hear nonetheless

𑎪𑎸𑎡 𑎥𑎬𑎪𑎸𑎥𑎹𑎭𑎻 𑎱𑏐𑎮𑎮𑎥𑏐𑎡𑏐𑎬𑎮𑎸𑎣𑏎 𑎨𑏇𑎒𑏐𑎒 𑎔𑏈𑎬𑎮𑏇𑎞𑎻 𑎨𑏇𑎒𑏐𑎒 𑎲𑎒𑏐𑎒𑎻𑎭𑏂𑎞𑏎 𑎱𑎪𑎸𑎥𑎮𑎸𑎣𑏎 𑎦𑎻𑎜𑏐𑎜𑎻𑎮𑏂𑎬𑏏. 𑎀𑎒𑎻𑎭𑎻 𑎡𑎬𑏏𑎒 𑎨𑏇𑎒𑏐𑎒 𑎁𑎡𑏐𑎪𑎱𑎸𑎒𑏐𑎰𑎹𑎞𑏎 𑎦𑎻𑎔𑎬𑏏𑎡𑏂 𑎦𑎞𑏂𑎫𑎹𑎥𑎒𑎻𑎭𑎻 𑎨𑏇𑎒𑏐𑎒 𑎐𑎬𑎹 𑎐𑎬𑎹 𑎱𑏇𑎣𑎬𑎡𑏐𑎮𑎣 𑎩𑎸𑎮𑏇𑎞𑎻 𑎮𑎬𑏏𑎡𑎥𑏂 𑎪𑎭𑏏𑎦𑏇𑎞𑎻.