Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 23: A study committee appointed by the Karnataka government to examine the legal procedures and implementation framework for declaring Tulu as an additional official language has visited Andhra Pradesh and held discussions with various state government departments over two days.

The seven-member committee, comprising Kannada and culture department state director K M Gayathri and Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad, visited offices in Amaravati and NTR district of Andhra Pradesh to gather first-hand information.

On the first day, the delegation met Andhra Pradesh chief secretary Vijayanand and held detailed consultations. Vijayanand noted that the declaration of Urdu as an additional official language in Andhra Pradesh has contributed positively to the development and promotion of the language. He described the Karnataka government’s initiative to grant similar status to Tulu as commendable.

The committee also met the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Urdu Academy and the director of the Andhra Pradesh Urdu Language Development Board to understand the post-notification implementation process after Urdu was declared an additional official language in the state.

During interactions with officials from various departments, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad provided details on the historical, literary and cultural background of the Tulu language, highlighting its rich heritage and long-standing tradition.

The visit is aimed at helping the Karnataka government frame an effective policy and legal roadmap for granting official recognition to Tulu as an additional language in the state.