Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 8: Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar has assured the Tulu-speaking community that the demand to declare Tulu as Karnataka’s second official language will be discussed in the state cabinet.

He was addressing the audience at the ‘Astemida Aisiri Tuluva Tharl Sasira’ event organised by Tulu Nadu Javaner, Bengaluru, held at the Bunts’ Sangha in the city.

“Recently, I attended a Kundagannada language-related event. Seeing the huge crowd there, I feared that one day you might force us out of Bengaluru. Your energy and strength made me think that way,” Shivakumar said jokingly, striking a chord with the crowd.

He continued, assuring his support for the Tulu cause: “I am here to tell you that I stand with you. Consider this DKS as one of your own. I am on your side. Support me, and I only seek your blessings.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries including MLA Ashok Rai, noted industrialist Prakash Shetty, and others from the Tulu-speaking community settled in Bengaluru.

Praising the immense contribution of the coastal population, Shivakumar said: “It is through Karnataka that the country received culture, education, spiritual strength, and banking systems—all thanks to the people of the coast. You are ahead in healthcare and every other field. The people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are educated, intelligent, and wise. Nowhere else in the country do we find such a unique culture and history. You are the asset of Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also revealed that discussions have been held with coastal legislators and Speaker U T Khader on the formulation of a dedicated tourism policy for the coastal belt.

“The aim is to ensure that people from Mangaluru, Udupi, and surrounding areas need not migrate elsewhere in search of employment,” he said.

The deputy CM’s remarks were met with loud approval from the audience, many of whom see Tulu’s recognition and regional development as long-overdue acknowledgements of their linguistic and cultural identity.