Beltangady: Sessions on Day Three of Convention Throw Light on Shift in Tulu Culture, Tradition
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Ujire (RS/SB)
Beltangady, Dec 12: The third day of World Tulu convention, Saturday December 12 was the day of sessions that made the Tuluvas realize the cause for the decline of traditional Tulu culture.
At the first session on Education, Theatre and Media, Dr K Abhaya Kumar, professor of Kannada department in Mangalore University, Eswhara Daithota, editor, Times of India Kannada and I K Boluwar, theatre director were the resource persons.
Speaking on education, Dr Abhaya Kumar said that the employment-oriented education system that emphasizes on creation of global citizens is one of the important causes for the decline in local culture and traditional values. Tuluvas lack of education in mother tongue has further resulted in negligence of Tulu while in comparison to Kannada, Hindi or English, he observed.
Eshwara Daithota discussing the topic media said that the onus is on journalists of Tulunadu, who have garnered fame worldwide; to highlight the steps required to boost the cause of Tulu. These journalists recognized for their sincerity in the field, thus are exhibiting the Tulu culture inculcated in them. It is up to us to spread the rich culture and traditional values of the great land, he said.
On theatre’s role in boosting the language, I K Bolwar said that the theatre of the region has changed according to times. Tulu theatre lovers always loved variety in Tulu theatre. Earlier, the traditional Tulu dramas staged mainly during the festivals attracted the people in the region, but slowly the people drifted towards comedy dramas. Great patronage to theatres in the region has in turn produced great artistes from the land, who have gained national-level recognition either through cinemas or television serials.
In session on Dilution in culture, Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, registrar of Mangalore University speaking about `Practice, worship and rituals’ said that the style of worshipping too has seen a sea change due to modernization. Most of the traditional rituals have been done away with only few rituals retained for namesake. Busy and hectic life has resulted in people favouring shortcuts in rituals to worship Gods and Demi-gods which have led to decline in culture.
Speaking on the topic shift in farming style Narendra Rai Derla said that the modernization and the greed for money has made people abandon paddy farming and shift to arecanut farming. The paddy farming reflects the ethos of the region with its traditional and social values depicted through different activities of cultivation. Moreover, people who have moved to the cities have embraced modern life leaving agricultural lifestyle altogether, which has further adversely contributed to the decline of Tulu culture, he said.
Prof Tukaram Poojary, president of Rani Abbakka Study Centre, said that most of the villagers are into occupations other than agriculture and open to taking up other occupations. Moreover declining demand for the rural products manufactured by the village artisans due to influx of company products in the local markets have also forced the artisans to move towards other professions. Still there are few artisans who are continuing their professions with respect to the Tulu tradition, he said.
The sessions prompted the audience to contemplate seriously about the changing scenario in Tulunadu.
Visitors Galore
With the gathering over lac, the roads leading towards Ujire town experienced traffic block for hours end in the morning. There was inordinate delay for the flocking visitors due to the snail’s pace at which the vehicles moved.
However, the heartening fact was that the numbers of non-Tuluva visitors from all over the state almost equaled the numbers of Tuluva visitors.
Day 3 : Photo Album - 2 : Click Here
Day 3: Photo Album - 1 Click Here
Day 2 : Beltangady : Influx of Visitors Continues on Second Day of World Tulu Convention
Day 1 : Beltangady: World Tulu Convention Inaugural Showcases Tulunadu’s Traditional Grandeur (Report, Pictures & Video)