Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 25: Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy happens to be the only apex institution having been instituted by the state government to undertake activities to spread Tulu language, undertake studies, publishing of works etc. But the academy appears to have lost sight of its objectives during the last two and half years.

After the academy got a new president in 2020, literary activities seem to have come to a grinding halt. During the period of Janaki Brahmavar's presidentship from 2013 to 2016, the academy brought out ten books whereas in A C Bhandary’s term from 2017 to 2020, 22 works were published. Under the new president, during the last two and half years commencing from the year 2020, only one book, for the publication of which the academy did not spend but was sponsored, was published. The academy publishes its quarterly periodical, 'Madipu'. During the previous 30 month period, only two editions of this magazine were published. This publication is in demand but the academy does not seem to be caring.

In the recent past, the academy seems to be laying more emphasis on cultural programmes, functions, and awards. Awards are reportedly given to entrepreneurs and influential persons having close rapport with the academy president because a lobby is working behind this. Donations are collected for the academy programmes, and there are rumours that proper accounts are not maintained. The 'Gowrava Chavadi' award function and endowment grant function, 'Tuluva Aisira' programme were found to be suffering from dearth of ministers, dignitaries, awards winners, Tulu fans etc which appears to suggest that all is not well in Tulu Academy.

In 42 schools of the district, Tulu text is taught from 8th to 10th standard. The teachers are paid honorarium of Rs 3,000 per month. But during the last two and years, this honorarium was never paid. Repeated requests of the teachers had no effect.

The state government normally gives a grant of Rs 50 to 60 lac every year to the academy. But post covid19, the grant has come down to Rs 40 lac. Out of this amount Rs 30 lac was released. By using this grant, honorarium of Rs 13 lac per year could have been given. Many feel that instead of releasing honorarium to the teachers, extravagant expenditure is incurred by organizing cultural programmes.