Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Mar 6: Former MLA Mohiuddin Bava, along with Tulu language activists, held a Tulu language conservation meeting, urging for the adoption of Tulu language in the 8th Schedule. The event took place on Wednesday, March 6, at Tulu Bhavan.

Addressing the gathering, Santhosh Kumar Kannur, MP from Kannur, Kerala, expressed his support and happiness for the cause. He stated, "I support this cause wholeheartedly. The Tulu language boasts a tradition of 2000 years, and it rightfully deserves a place in the 8th Schedule. Tulu is a quintessential Dravidian language. Since independence, nearly 300 native Indian languages have become extinct, and our current trilingual system often neglects unofficial languages and mother tongues. This practice is nonsensical. Additionally, we observe a widespread promotion of the Hindi language, but Tulu, with its unique charm, is equally beloved. We will persist in our efforts, and Tulu will soon be recognized as the 23rd official language. I extend my unwavering support to this cause. It was the demand of my CPI party that introduced me to the importance of Tulu language, and I assure you that we will work towards making Tulu an official language."

MLA Vedavyas Kamath expressed, "This is a special programme, and Mohiuddin Bava has taken this initiative, for which we are truly happy. Today, we have Vijay Kumar Kodialbail and Dayananad Kattalsar, who have been tirelessly working for our language. People from all parties should unite for the cause of Tulu language. They say those who do not know their history cannot create one. In the 1800s, there was a famous event called the 'Amara Suliya Moment’. Before 100 years of our independence, they removed the British flag and raised their own flag. I was intrigued by this story and consulted many scholars to learn more about the flag because the tricolor flag did not exist then. That's when we discovered it was our Tulu Flag. Unfortunately, such inspiring stories are not taught in our schools. Our ancestors triumphed over the British forces, but our next generation may not remember these tales."

He continued, "Whenever we raised our voices for Tulu, they demanded records. Dayanand Kattalsar has been instrumental in providing us with the necessary evidence. Without a proper foundation, there cannot be a building. We managed to inscribe the Tulu script on the idol of Kadri Temple, providing substantial evidence. It took two years just to gather records. Subsequently, the Mohan Alva committee was formed. When our Parliament speaker addresses in Tulu, it gives us hope. However, when Tulu is spoken in Parliament, they cannot document it as their computers cannot process it. We are fighting against this. People have come from far and wide because of their love for the Tulu language."

Kamath also added, "The question arises, why Tulu should be made an official language? West Bengal has numerous official languages with fewer than 50,000 native speakers, whereas we have 1 crore Tulu speakers, yet it is not official. We must join forces to advocate for our language. We need to train our teachers to teach Tulu and raise awareness among the people about our language. I have also spoken to the Speaker regarding providing subsidies for Tulu movies, as piracy and online streaming have affected their profits."

Dayanand Kattalsar expressed sadness and stated, "Today, we have gathered here for our language, and we have submitted numerous records. Since the Mohan Alva committee, many records have been compiled. Several Tulu script books have been published, and we are determined to fight for our language. Our bus stops and airports should bear the name of Tulu Nadu. There is no sign welcoming visitors to Tulunadu when the chief minister or prime minister visits the city. The Tulu script is the precursor to the Malayalam script, and we possess numerous manuscripts in the Tulu language. We need Tulu language recognition, and we must stand united for it. I have petitioned for Tulu language to be made official at the PUC level, and I am even prepared to engage in Satyagraha for this cause."

Actor Vijaya Kumar Kodialbail remarked, "When I entered the acting industry, I became aware of the struggle for the Tulu language. Since then, many people have worked tirelessly, and eventually, the issue came to the forefront with the Mohan Alva committee. When the issue of Kambala arose, all parties united to preserve our culture. Everyone should recognize themselves as part of the Tulu culture and language community, and therefore, this language should be included in the 8th Schedule."

Mohiuddin Bava welcomed the gathering in accordance with Tulu tradition by giving areca nuts and betel leaves. Yogesh Shetty, Sudhakar Shetty, Hari Krishna, Krishnamurthy, Rajesh Alva, Prashanth Bhat, Anantha Padmanabha, Sailesh, Madhu Raj and others were present.