Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Dec 30: Tulu has been thriving to strengthen its presence in the past half century. It has been growing in literary and cultural sphere and ready to gain classical status in country’s constitution. Karnataka Tulunad Sangh Sangli – Miraj has been striving in this regard during the past two and a half decades and the newly built Tulu Bhavan is like a crown for its credit. Tulu Bhavan indeed has brought laurels to all native Tulu speakers, said Hampi University former vice chancellor Dr B A Vivek Rai.
Dr Rai was speaking after inaugurating newly-built Tulu Bhavan by Karnataka Tulunad Sangh ® Sangli Miraj, here on Saturday December 28. It’s the first ever Tulu Bhavan in the world other than homeland Karnataka.
“Tulu was widely spoken by village folks in the past, while the media came forward to promote Tulu by educating readers and viewers through folk songs, Yakshagana, theater etc. The people made fun of me when I was doing Ph D in Tulu, but now the same people are praising my achievement. The teachers who used to impose fines on students for speaking in Tulu are now happy with it. The times have changed and one gets due respect whist spoken in Tulu that has bright future,” said Dr. Rai.
‘Tuluvas Dubai’ president Sarvottam Shetty unveiled ‘Sri Krishna’ idol that was erected in the newly-built Tulu Bhavan, while the local MP Prateek Patil released ‘Tulu Bolli’ memorial bulletin.
Bantwal Rani Abbakka Research Centre president Dr Tukaram Poojary, Dr Sunita M Shetty and others were the guests of honor present on the occasion.
Kadri Navaneet Shetty delivered the felicitation address. Dharmapal Devadiga in his presidential address said that Karnataka Tulunad Sangh ® Sangli Miraj has achieved a milestone in the world by constructing Tulu Bhavan to foster Tulu and its distinct culture away from motherland Karnataka. He congratulated them for their major achievement.
Speaking on the occasion, MP Prateek Patil said that the regionalization and language will not hinder working for betterment of society. It’s significant that the native Tulu speaking community settled in Sangli Miraj is striving to foster better relations in the society by promoting communal harmony. He hoped Karnataka Tulunad Sangh ® Sangli Miraj flourishes as its on the threshold of silver jubilee celebrations.
Sarvottam Shetty said that Tulu is a humorous language which binds people easily. The sustenance of Tulu is the duty of everyone for posterity.
Dr Raviraj Mira Road and group accompanied the Tulu folk artistes in offering grand welcome to the dignitaries at the venue.
Dr Sunita M Shetty Mumbai, Ratna Kumar Mangalore, Ba Samaga Delhi, Lion Indrali Jayakar Shetty Udupi and Tonse Vijay Kumar Shetty Mumbai were presented with ‘Tulu Ratna’ for their extraordinary literary contribution to Tulu, during the programme.
Maharashtra’s top Tulu Kannadiga award was conferred on Karnataka Tulunad Sangh ® Sangli Miraj founder Srinivas Mankude for his greater contributions to Tulu.
Permeda Tuluve award was conferred on Dr Bhaskaranand Kulal Manipal, Sitaram Kulal Mangalore, Leelaksha B Karkera (Namma Kudla), Lelladar Shetty Kaup, Nandalike Narayan Shetty Mumbai, Dharmayogi Mohan Mudrady, Jayanti S Bangera Moodbidri, Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli, V J Pal Mangalore, Rons Bantwal and Mulky Karunakar Shetty.
Tulu Seva Ratna was conferred on Tulukoota Kudla (on behalf of its president Damodar Nisarga), Tulukoota Bangalore (president, S R Hegde), Tulu Sangh Baroda (president, Dayanand Bontra), Tulu Seva Sangh Nasik (president Bhaskar Shetty), Tulukoota Kasargod (president Satish Nellikunja), Tulukoota Mudigere (president, Narendra Hegde), Tuluvere Ayana Badiyadka (president, Rajesh Alva), Tulukoota Udupi (president Indrali Jayakar Shetty), Tulukoota Dombivali, Mumbai (president, Praviraj P), Tuluverenklu Bangalore (president S R Hegde), Tulukoota Mudigere (president, Annu Shetty), Tulukoota Puttur (president, Vijay Kumar Bhandary), Tulukoota Bangalore (president, V K Kulshekar).
Renowned surgeon Dr Praveen S Shetty, athletes Ganesh K Shetty Mumbai and Rakshit Shetty (on his behalf Umesh Shetty Sangli) was awarded with Tulu Pratiba Puraskar.
Lion Divakar Shetty welcomed the gathering. Simone R Shetty presented welcome dance. The chief secretary Mulky Keshav Rao and group rendered the prayers. Gundibail Sadasiv Shetty delivered the introductory address. Vice president Uttam K Shetty, chief secretary Suresh V Rai, treasurer Rajeev R Shetty, silver jubilee celebration Committee executive president Srinivas Mankude, treasurer Sitaram Bhat, women wing president Archana D Shetty, silver jubilee celebration women’s Committee president Chandramati B Shetty, organizers Ganesh V Rai and Arati Acharya presented floral bouquets to dignitaries.
Rajesh Serigar Padubidri compered the programme. Gundibail Sadasiv Shetty proposed vote of thanks. The variety cultural shows were presented by different groups of Tulunad Sangh as part of entertainment programmes. Moksha, Tulu play was staged by Kalajagattu, Mumbai theater troupe and directed by Tonse Vijay Kumar Shetty.