Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Jul 19: “Tulu and Kannada are our own languages. Both of them should be nurtured. The government should recognize Tulu language and stress on teaching it in schools,” said MLA Raghupati Bhat.

“It was requested to permit MLAs of the coastal region to speak in Tulu in the Vidhana Sabha session. But the speaker has said that knowledge of Tulu language is lacking among those who record the proceedings and assured that suitable action will be taken in the future. The government should allow including Tulu in the eighth chapter. Everybody has an opportunity to express their opinions. I am not against any language.

“Tulu script was used in the era when writings were on palm leaves. There are documents showing that Tulu script was used during the era of Madhwacharya. Tulu language that is going extinct needs to be revived,” he said.

He was speaking in ‘Tulu Lipi Mandara’ (temple of Tulu script) a programme held at Udupi press club on Monday, July 19.

“Tulu language has gone away from people as provinces changed. The work being done by young people for Tulu script and language is praiseworthy. The efforts of Tulunadu organization about Tulu language and script are a good development. Tulu should grow in the minds and hearts of the people and all should use it,” he said.

Tulu Academy member Dr Akash Raj Jain, Tara Acharya, Jai Tulunadu organization president Sudarshan Surathkal, member and Tulu character designer Prahlad P Tantri and other office bearers were present.