Mangalore: Focus on Tulu as grand procession adorns city roads
Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jan 5: “Tulu language is the soul while Tulu culture is the heart of Tulunadu. If we protect our language then we can save our culture. Tulu is a beautiful language which has beauty, power, and luminosity,” said Sri Vishweshatirtha Swami of Pejawar Math.
He blessed the occasion after inaugurating the ‘Tulunada Jatre-Bale Theru Oipuga’ by symbolically pouring water on a coconut plant on behalf of ‘Vijaya Rajata Sambrama-2014’ of Odiyoor Gurudevadatta Sansthanam on Sunday January 5. Three chariots, each from Barkur, Kasargod and Sullia temples, were taken in a procession from Dr Ambedkar circle to Nehru Maidan.
Pejawar Swami further said, “For Tuluvas, the Tulu language is the mother that has given them birth, hence it is special. Tulunadu has rich spirit in its soil and Tuluvas are too good in their heart. Tulunadu has recognition internationally and hence our international airport should be named as ‘Tulunad International Airport’. We should also serve to protect the culture and language of Tulunadu and the state as well this nation.”
On this occasion Sri Sadguru Ramananda Swami of Kolya Math felicitated Vishweshatirtha Swami, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Sri Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyooru, and Dr Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka for their immense contribution to society.
Sri Gurudevananda Swami, in his blessings, said, “Tulu language should get national recognition and be included in the 8th schedule. The international airport should be named as ‘Tulunad International Airport’ and ‘Matsyagandha’ train as Tulunad Express. From our side, there is also demand for a separate Tulu state.
"There are three types of people - first, one who fears to begin work; secondly, one who starts work and stops in between; and thirdly, people who start and don’t stop till the work is complete, and these are the people of Tulunadu. Agriculture is declining and though we have shortage of water, various projects like Yethinahole are heading towards our district. We should be aware of these kinds of projects which are a threat to our district. Protection of this land is in our hands. In future, there are plans to bring all Tulu litterateurs under one forum.”
Dr Chinnappa Gowda, professor of Mangalore University, said, “Tulunadu culture and language date back to centuries. Several writers including from the West have lauded Tulu language. Many writers like K S Paniyadi have sacrificed their life to save this land, culture, and language. Gopal Nayak, by singing ‘Siri Paddana’ has contributed to this land. We can find more than 35,000 folk stories in the various villages of Tulunadu.”
Ramanath Rai, state minister for forest, ecology, and environment, said, “Tulu language is a very sweet and soft language. People of different religions also interact in Tulu. Some day Tulu will surely be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution and I too support this.”
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “Already the issue regarding inclusion of Tulu in the 8th Schedule has been raised twice in the Parliament. In future, it will surely be done.”
Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade who presided on this occasion, said, “This is the land of Satya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), and Nyaya (justice). Hence, there are several sacred places in this region. People belonging to various languages and religions also interact in Tulu in this region. The government should support agriculture. ‘Bootharadane’ and ‘Nagaradhane’ are the beliefs of this land. It is time all joined hands to provide national recognition to Tulu language.”
On this occasion, Sadhvi Mathanandamai, Sri Ramananda Swami, Sri Mohandas Swami, Sri Yogananda Swami, Sri Mahabala Swami,Sri Shashikanthamani Swami, minister Abhaychandra Jain, M N Rajendra Kumar of SCDCC Bank, MLAs J R Lobo and Shakuntala Shetty were present.
A memorandum with various demands was submitted to the chief minister through the district in-charge minister.