Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 21: At a time when there is a growing movement to accord official language status to Tulu, a letter from the Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat (GP) to taluk panchayat executive officers has stirred controversy.

The debate stems from a letter written by Muralidhar, convener of the Karkala-based Nagarika Seva Sangha, urging the ZP CEO to direct panchayat development officers to give priority to Kannada over Tulu in discussions held during general meetings of gram panchayats. The letter claimed that officials and elected representatives should avoid using Tulu during such meetings.

In response, the zilla panchayat office forwarded the request to all TP executive officers, instructing them to verify the matter as per rules and take necessary action. Once this directive surfaced publicly, it sparked widespread outrage on social media. Several users have demanded swift action from the government, including chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Many have criticized the move, arguing that Tulu is a native language of Karnataka. In a social media post, D V Sadananda Gowda questioned, “If the government orders a ban on Tulu, would Urdu be allowed in official records?”

It has been pointed out that Tulu has frequently been spoken in the Legislative Assembly by MLAs from the coastal region. Ever since U T Khader, a Tuluva, assumed the post of Speaker, Tulu has even been heard from the Speaker’s chair. Given this precedent, many question the logic behind restricting Tulu in local body meetings.

“There is no legal restriction on using Tulu during gram panchayat meetings, especially by elected representatives. Nowhere in the ZP CEO’s letter has it been stated that Tulu must be banned. Across Karnataka, it is common for elected representatives in local bodies to speak in their regional languages. The confusion has arisen due to the way the CEO’s letter was worded, and there are growing calls for the letter to be withdrawn. Respecting all languages and cultural diversity is part of the nation’s heritage and is protected by the Constitution,” said Taranath Gatti Kapikad, president of Tulu Sahitya Academy.

“There is no order from the ZP banning the use of Tulu. An unnecessary controversy has been created. Based on the complaint received, respective taluk EO officers were asked to review and act accordingly. The complainant’s statement was merely forwarded for verification. Since this is a local issue, decisions should be taken at that level. There is no written order stating whether Tulu should or should not be used in meetings,” clarified Jayalakshmi, deputy secretary, Dakshina Kannada district.