Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 19: Karnataka recognizes Kannada as its official language, with English as an additional official language. Now, the movement to grant Tulu—the ancient Dravidian language—official status as the second additional language is gaining traction.
During the last budget session of the Legislative Assembly, coastal legislators emphasized the need to address various regional issues, including granting Tulu the status of Karnataka’s second official language. Puttur MLA Ashok Rai had previously made a strong case by speaking entirely in Tulu, drawing significant attention to the demand. The involvement of Speaker U T Khader, a well-leader from the coastal region, has further raised expectations.
At a recent Kambala event in Ullal, chief minister Siddaramaiah assured that the government is seriously considering the proposal to make Tulu an additional official language of the state.
Tulu has a rich oral tradition dating back thousands of years and is spoken across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and even in Gulf countries. Tulu-speaking communities have thrived globally, establishing businesses while preserving and promoting their language and culture.
Although Kannada is the dominant language in coastal Karnataka, Tulu serves as a vital link for communication. It is estimated that nearly one crore people worldwide speak Tulu, though official census records only recognize it when individuals explicitly list it as their mother tongue. The Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy has been actively working towards gaining recognition for the language.
Efforts to designate Tulu as an additional official language have been ongoing, with the Tulu Sahitya Academy consistently pushing for recognition. A committee of experts, led by Dr M Mohan Alva, was previously formed to study the matter and had submitted its recommendations during the previous government’s tenure.
If Tulu is granted official status, government orders could be issued in both Kannada and Tulu, and the language could be introduced as an optional subject from class 1. Additionally, local meetings and official communications could be conducted in Tulu, and members of the Legislative Council could ask written questions in the language.
Beyond administrative benefits, official recognition would also boost Tulu theatre, cinema, and literature, elevating its cultural and global significance. Most importantly, for millions of Tulu speakers worldwide, it would be a matter of pride and a symbol of their linguistic and cultural identity.