Media Release
Boston, Sep 19: All America Tulu Association (AATA) have extended its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the government of Karnataka.
The All America Tulu Association (AATA) joined Tuluvas across the world in celebrating the Karnataka Cabinet's decision on September 18, to grant Tulu the status of the state's second additional official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. This long-awaited recognition marks an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of Tulu language, culture, and heritage.
On behalf of AATA and the Tulu community across North America, they extended heartfelt congratulations and sincere gratitude to the honorable chief minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, and the government of Karnataka for responding to this long-standing aspiration.
They also acknowledged the efforts of Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, honorable health and family welfare minister U T Khader, and all the elected representatives who have raised and supported the demand for official recognition of Tulu.
AATA's memorandum to Karnataka legislators in Boston: A proud contribution
This historic occasion brings back a particularly meaningful memory for the All America Tulu Association.
On August 5, 2025, AATA had the privilege of hosting a distinguished delegation of Karnataka legislators at a special dinner gathering in Boston, Massachusetts.
The gathering welcomed 23 MLAs and MLCs from Karnataka, along with two legislators from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. It provided an opportunity for the Tulu community in North America to present its aspirations directly to elected representatives.
During this occasion, an AATA delegation led by president Shreevalli Rai Martell and founder president Bhaskar Sherigar formally submitted memorandums through Karnataka Legislative Assembly speaker U T Khader and Legislative Council chairman Basavaraj Horatti.
The memorandums placed two important demands before the Karnataka government:
• Recognition of Tulu as the state's second official language.
• Renaming Dakshina Kannada district as Tulunadu.
The initiative received support from the Global Alliance of Tulu Associations (Global Tuluvas), Team ILESA, and other Tulu supporters.
On Friday, September 18 as Karnataka announces the recognition of Tulu, Association remember that gathering with immense happiness and pride.
Association memorandum was one small contribution to a much larger movement sustained by generations of Tulu enthusiasts. Association is grateful that AATA had the opportunity to bring the voices and aspirations of North American Tuluvas before the state's representatives.
Honoring decades of dedication and grassroots efforts
This achievement belongs to the countless individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly for the recognition of Tulu over several decades.
AATA respectfully acknowledges the contributions of grassroots activists, particularly G V S Ullal, for his dedicated work in promoting the Tulu language and script.
They also recognized the efforts of the Tulu Academy, Jai Tulunad, Team ILESA, the Global Alliance of Tulu Associations, writers, scholars, artists, educators, community leaders, and Tulu organizations throughout India and across the world.
Their sustained efforts have helped preserve the language, strengthen cultural identity, and bring the demand for recognition to public attention.
This achievement is not the success of any single individual or organization. It is a collective milestone made possible by generations of dedication, perseverance, and love for the Tulu language.
They have also requestd the Karnataka government to consider declaring September 18 as World Tulu Day, dedicating the occasion each year to celebrating the Tulu language, literature, script, and culture.
The All America Tulu Association has extended its heartfelt congratulations to every Tuluva who has contributed to this journey.