Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Jun 21: A special three-day monsoon event titled ‘Tuluverena Tulunada Sante’ began on Friday at Sparsha Kalamandira in B C Road, under the aegis of Tulukoota Bantwal. The event showcases a blend of Tulu literature, culture, and local produce.

The event was inaugurated by Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Ulipadiguttu, who ceremoniously cut a jackfruit to mark the occasion. Speaking at the event, he noted that traditional markets that once operated at the gram panchayat level are now disappearing. He stressed the need for local markets like Tulunada Sante, which can serve as a direct platform for farmers to sell their products without intermediaries.

Former minister B Ramanath Rai lit the ceremonial lamp and expressed that Tulu language, much like the jackfruit, is soft and pure, reflecting the minds of its speakers. He said that Tulu is a language that embraces people of all communities and backgrounds.

He highlighted the continued demand for official recognition of Tulu and noted the collective disappointment over the lack of progress despite sustained discussions and campaigns. He stated that it's not wrong to aspire for a separate Tulu Nadu state comprising Kasargod, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and neighbouring districts. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to secure official status for Tulu in the coming days.

Akhila Bharata Tulu Okkoota president A C Bhandary noted that approximately 1.5 crore people speak Tulu in India and emphasized continued efforts to gain official recognition for the language, which is one of the five major Dravidian languages.

The event was presided over by Tulukoota president Sudarshan Jain. Tulu script teacher and activist Geethalakshmeesh, advocate and notary Ashwanikumar Rai, SCADS president Ravindra Kambli, Mooduru-Paduru Kambala Committee president Pius L Rodrigues, BC Road Ganeshotsava Committee president Satish Bhandari Kulattabettu, and District Religious Council member Devappa Kulal were present.

Students who scored the highest marks in the Tulu language examination – Tripti, Ramyashree, Yashaswini, and Latesh B – along with Tulu language teacher Ramesh Gerukatte were felicitated during the event.

Prior to the formal proceedings, tributes were paid to those who lost their lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash.

Treasurer Subhashchandra Jain welcomed the gathering, retired teacher Sesappa Master read out the list of students, secretary H K Nayanadu compered the program, and Sukumar Bantwal proposed the vote of thanks.

In the afternoon, the Samskrutika Rang (Cultural Arena) programme began with ‘Tulu Padarangito’, followed by the evening sessions ‘Bale Telipale’ and ‘Bale Bulipale’.

Stalls featuring jackfruit, mango-based products, and various other items attracted much attention from attendees.