Media Release
Massachusetts, Sep 19: A decades-long dream of the people of Tulunadu has finally come true. At the Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru on September 18, a significant decision was made to grant Tulu the status of Karnataka’s second additional official language, applicable to the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. This decision represents an important recognition of the identity, culture, and rich heritage of the Tulu language.
On this historic occasion, the Global Alliance of Tulu Associations (Global Tuluvas) has extended its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the honorable chief minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar.
They also acknowledge the contributions of Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who raised the issue of official recognition for Tulu in the Legislative Assembly and consistently drew attention to it; Legislative assembly speaker U T Khader; and all the elected representatives who responded to this long-standing demand.
Following the cabinet meeting, D K Shivakumar specifically recalled that Ashok Kumar Rai’s very first question in the Legislative Assembly after becoming an MLA concerned the Tulu language.
Honoring the contributions of grassroots activists
Behind this achievement lie decades of continuous struggle, selfless service, and the tireless efforts of countless Tulu enthusiasts.
On this occasion, Global Tuluvas respectfully acknowledged the dedicated service of G V S Ullal, who has worked at the grassroots level for the development of the Tulu language and Tulu script. His contribution to raising awareness of the language and script, including authoring a book on the Tulu script, is highly commendable.
They also gratefully remembered the contributions of writers, researchers, the Tulu Academy, Team Ilesa, Jai Tulunad, the All America Tulu Association, and various other Tulu organizations, artistes, teachers, social activists, and Tulu enthusiasts around the world who have worked for many years toward the recognition of the Tulu language.
This is not the achievement of any one individual or organization. It is the result of the collective efforts of generations of Tuluvas.
Global Tuluvas: A Voice for Tuluvas Worldwide
The Global Alliance of Tulu Associations was established with the aim of bringing together Tulu organizations and leaders from different countries around the world on a common platform.
The preservation, promotion, and official recognition of the Tulu language are among its primary objectives.
The organization submitted a memorandum calling for Tulu to be declared an additional official language of Karnataka and to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
They are delighted and proud that, through the platform, which brings together Tulu leaders from 23 countries, they have made a modest contribution toward giving the demand for recognition of the Tulu language a voice at the global level.
On this historic occasion, they extended their heartfelt congratulations to all members of the organization, country representatives, and everyone who has supported their efforts.
The next step: Inclusion of Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution
Global Tuluvas said that it hopes that this decision by the government of Karnataka will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the development of the Tulu language.
At the same time, the long-standing demand to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India must also be fulfilled.
On behalf of Global Tuluvas, Global Tuluvas have requested the Central government to take the necessary steps in this regard.
They have also requested the government of Karnataka to declare September 18 as World Tulu Day and dedicate this day each year to celebrating the Tulu language, literature, script, and culture.