Mangaluru: Started by electronics engineer Mahi Mulki along with local youths four years ago, Tulupedia is a web portal-based encyclopedia featuring multi-dimensional information about Tulunadu. However, the portal has seen few public contributions so far. The team is now redesigning the platform and adding new features to boost engagement and simplify contributions.
Challenges in Contributions
Mahi said the platform initially received encouraging feedback in its first year, with researchers and several others voluntarily coming forward to contribute content. He noted that the number of contributors remained low despite having users, with language emerging as a major barrier since the portal is in English and many people are not fluent in it. He added that the team had asked users to send content in Tulu or Kannada for translation and upload, but the initiative did not gain much response. He also mentioned that online searches related to the Tulu language and culture remain limited, affecting wider engagement with the portal.
New Features in the Redesigned Portal
Mahi said the team has completely rebuilt the portal, introducing several new features and significantly changing it from the version initially launched. The features include options to read webpages in Tulu alongside English and an integrated Tulu dictionary. He explained that the dictionary will provide English-to-Tulu and Tulu-to-Tulu options, with plans to later develop it as a separate platform while remaining integrated with Tulupedia. He added that the updated portal will simplify contributions through direct login and signup options, replacing the earlier email-based submission process.
The team is also adding more information on reptiles, plants, animals and other subjects linked to Tulunadu. Encouraging greater public participation, Mahesh said even small pieces of information can help build a valuable database for future generations.
Technical Upgrades
Deepak Padukone, software architect of the portal, said the redesigned portal now features global search, smoother categorization, animated and dynamic articles and SEO optimization. These upgrades aim to make the portal more user-friendly and accessible, thereby attracting a larger audience and more contributors.
