Udupi, September 15: Prominent Tulu language activist Dr. Akash Jain, a former member of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, today reiterated calls for Tulu to be designated as Karnataka's additional second official state language. Speaking at a press conference held at the Udupi Press Club, organized in collaboration with various Tulu organizations, Dr. Jain highlighted the historical significance and legal precedent supporting the demand.
Dr. Jain emphasized that Tulu, recognized as one of the Pancha Dravida languages, possesses a rich and ancient heritage within Karnataka. He pointed out the legal framework allowing states to declare regional languages as additional second official languages, citing existing examples from other parts of the country. Recalling the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956, Dr. Jain stated that Tulu speakers had the opportunity to form a separate province. However, this demand was deferred based on assurances of appropriate representation and status in the future, given Tulu's millennia-old historical and cultural bond with Kannada.
Expressing regret that Tulu still lacks proper recognition despite India approaching its 80th year of independence, Dr. Jain asserted that it is the Karnataka government's responsibility to grant Tulu appropriate constitutional, administrative, and official status. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Gananath Ekkaru, President of the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Trust, highlighted Tulu's global reach, noting that millions of people worldwide, not just in coastal Karnataka, speak the language.
Dr. Ekkaru urged all Tulu speakers to unite in their demand for Tulu's recognition as an additional second official language, believing this would strengthen its case for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. On behalf of the entire Tulu-speaking community, he appealed to the state government to take decisive action on this matter during the cabinet meeting scheduled for September 18. Also present at the press conference were Santosh N.S. Katapadi, President of the Jai Tulunadu Udupi unit; Eshwar Shetty Chitpady, Secretary of Udupi Siri Tulu Chavadi; and Ambika Rao, Treasurer.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi