Assembly Speaker UT Khader Stresses Urgent Need to Preserve Tulu Language
In Mangaluru, Assembly Speaker UT Khader delivered a powerful address on Friday, highlighting the ancient resilience of the Tulu language, which has survived for thousands of years without a formal script or letters, preserved by deities and cultural traditions. He spoke at the third Vidyarthi Tulu Sammelana, organized by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and Tulu Parishat at Tulu Bhavana, urging collective efforts to safeguard this linguistic heritage.
Tulu Language as a Cultural Cornerstone
UT Khader emphasized that the Tulu language is not merely a means of communication but a profound reflection of the coastal region's culture and traditions. He warned that forgetting the language could push this rich cultural heritage to the brink of destruction. "Efforts should be made to preserve the Tulu language and introduce it to more people," he stated, calling for proactive measures to ensure its survival and propagation.
He also offered words of encouragement to students, noting that criticism is a natural part of life and should not deter them. Instead, they should strive for success, achieve great heights, and live harmoniously within society, contributing positively to communal well-being.
Student-Led Initiatives and Modern Challenges
The event was inaugurated by Preetham Nayak, a student from the Nitte education institution, who underscored the importance of loving and respecting the Tulu language and culture while maintaining respect for other languages. "Students have the responsibility to preserve the language and maintain peace and harmony. They should take the initiative in this regard," he asserted, highlighting the youth's pivotal role in cultural conservation.
Abhijna Hegde, a student of SMS College in Brahmavar, presided over the conference and expressed concerns about the Tulu language being overshadowed by modernity. She pointed out that in today's digital age, where children are often engrossed in television and mobile phones, there is an urgent need to raise awareness about Tulu language and culture. "The academy and parishat are working to promote the Tulu language through students," she noted, advocating for educational and outreach programs to counter this trend.
Call for Constitutional Recognition and Official Status
Thukaram Poojary, founder of the Rani Abbakka Tulu Adhyayana Kendra, urged students to sincerely work towards preserving Tulu by acquiring and maintaining knowledge from elders, emphasizing the value of intergenerational learning in cultural transmission.
At the closing ceremony, Prof Purushothama Bilimale, chairperson of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), voiced deep concern over the disappearance of many languages globally. He argued that Tulu, as a rich and historically significant language, deserves inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. "We are 10 years behind in terms of language preservation," he lamented, noting that while many states have multiple official languages, Tulu has yet to receive constitutional status.
Bilimale revealed that in 2011, 92 languages were in line for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, a number that has surged to 145 by 2026. However, he provided a hopeful update: "The Karnataka government is preparing to declare Tulu as the second official language in the coming days," signaling a potential milestone for the language's recognition and protection.
Event Highlights and Dignitaries
The conference was blessed by Sri Nijalingeshwara Swamiji of Sri Jagadguru Durudundeshwara Siddha Sansthan Mutt in Nidasoshi, adding a spiritual dimension to the cultural gathering. Key attendees included Academy chairman Tharanath Gatti Kapikad and Tulu Parishat president Shubhodaya Alva, who supported the discussions on language preservation.
This event underscores a growing movement to protect Tulu, with leaders and students alike advocating for its survival amidst modern challenges and pushing for formal recognition to ensure its legacy endures for future generations.
