Media Release

North America, Apr 25: The All America Tulu Association (AATA) hosted a vibrant virtual celebration of ‘Bisu Parba 2026’ on April 22, bringing together the Tulu diaspora from across the United States and India. The event served as both a celebration of the Tulu New Year and a significant milestone in cultural preservation, featuring the official release of a new Tulu script (Lipi) textbook and the launch of new online language classes.

The function was presided over by AATA president Shreevalli Rai Martell. The distinguished panel of chief guests included renowned historian Dr Tukaram Poojary, Chandrahasa K Shetty (Muscat), and Roshan Puttur (AATA ambassador, Illinois). In a symbolic gesture to mark the occasion, the guests inaugurated the Tulu script class by writing the traditional Tulu alphabet.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the textbook ‘Tulu Aksharamale Boka Sankhyelu’, authored by Arun Kumar. The book was officially released by Dr Tukaram Poojary, founder of the Rani Abbakka Study Center in Bantwal.

In his keynote address, Dr Poojary emphasized that Bisu is more than just a festival; it is ‘Sauramana Ugadi’ (Solar New Year), deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle of Tulu Nadu. While praising Tulu’s rich oral traditions—including the world-renowned Siri Paddana, he noted that the adoption of the Lipi (script) is essential for Tulu to thrive as a formal literary language.

Chandrahasa K Shetty shared reflections on the evolution of Tulu traditions, tracing the journey from the agrarian ‘Moola-Geni’ systems to the modern digital era. He spoke passionately about the ‘Bisu Kani’ and ‘Kai Bith’ (the first sowing of seeds), urging the younger generation to maintain these symbolic connections to their ancestral land, even while living abroad.

Roshan Puttur added his perspectives on the importance of Bisu and commended AATA’s ongoing initiatives to unite the community.

In her presidential speech, Shreevalli Rai Martell, emphasized that a language's identity is tied to its script and urged the global Tulu community to act as guardians of their heritage. Her vision focuses on bridging the gap between the Tulu Nadu roots and the younger diaspora in North America through education and digital accessibility.

Following this, AATA Tulu Parampare coordinator Bhaskar Sherigar provided a detailed orientation regarding the curriculum and the structure of the upcoming sessions.

The programme commenced with a prayer by Niyathi U Shetty, who also served as the energetic emcee for the day. Anitha Naik, lead of the Genada Chavadi (AATA Library), delivered the welcome speech, while Ashwini Hithesh Kanchan (San Diego Ambassador) introduced the guests. The event was moderated by AATA treasurer Santhosh Kumar and concluded with a formal vote of thanks by chairperson of the AATA board of directors, Dr Mohan Chandra.