Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Apr 9: Congress MP B K Hariprasad on Friday April 7 demanded that Karnataka’s two widely spoken languages, Tulu and Kodava, should be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Hariprasad made this demand in Rajya Sabha while moving a private member’s Bill for amendment to the Constitution.

Presently 22 languages - listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution - are recognised as official languages. Tulu and Kodava are not in this list.

Hariprasad said Tulu and Kodava-speaking people, who are in a minority in Karnataka, feel that there is huge discrimination against them as both state and central governments do not recognise these as official languages.

"Tulu and Kodava-speaking people have made contributions in various fields at the national and international levels, and these languages need to be recognised officially," Hariprasad added.

Basavaraj Patil Sedam from BJP also supported the proposal.

Oscar sings Tulu song, gets applause

Speaking in favour of the Bill, Oscar Fernandes from Udupi sang a few lines of the famous Tulu folk song 'O Maga Koraga...' after Jairam Ramesh asked Oscar to speak in Tulu instead in English.

Demanding the inclusion of both the languages in the 8th Schedule, Oscar Fernandes recalled how he used to communicate to a buffalo in Tulu. "Our buffaloes did not understand Kannada. But they understood Tulu," he said.

The literal meaning of the song goes like this 'You need to tame buffalo if you do not want to be chased'.

As Oscar Fernandes sang the song, the members from all parties were seen thumping their desks in appreciation. Due to time constraints, Oscar could sing only a few lines.

Highlighting the relevance of Tulu and Kodava in Karnataka's culture and tradition, Oscar also explained about Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form from the coastal and Malnad districts.

Watch: Oscar singing Tulu song in Rajya Sabha