Jai Tulunad Odipu Unit Holds Press Meet Demanding Official Language Status for Tulu

UDUPI, September 15, 2026: Jai Tulunad (R.) Odipu Unit, along with like-minded Tulu organisations, held a press meet at Udupi Press Club, urging the Karnataka Government to recognise Tulu as a second official language of the state.

Dr. Akash Raj Jain, Tulu language thinker and former member of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, highlighted Tulu’s linguistic and cultural significance and called for appropriate official and constitutional recognition. He emphasised Tulu’s historical relationship with Kannada and recalled the aspirations for recognition during the 1956 reorganisation of states.

Dr. Gananath Yekkar, President of the Dr. Shivarama Karanth Trust, stressed the need for collective efforts to secure official language status for Tulu, noting that recognition would strengthen the demand for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He also mentioned plans to submit a representation to the government during the forthcoming Cabinet meeting in Dakshina Kannada.

Those present included Santhosh N. S. Katpady, President of Jai Tulunad (R.) Odipu Unit; Ambika Rao Kannarpady, Treasurer; Dr. Akash Raj Jain; Dr. Gananath Yekkar; and Eshwar Shetty Chitpady, Secretary of Udupi Siri Tulu Chavadi.

The participants called for united efforts to preserve and promote Tulu language, script, culture and identity through official recognition and community initiatives.