10 Key Demands for the Comprehensive Development of Tulu: Jai Tulunad (R.) Kudla Unit Calls for Statewide Official Recognition and Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule

Grant Official Language Status to Tulu in Kerala, Establish a Tulu Development Authority and Allocate ₹5 Crore in Special Funding: Jai Tulunad (R.)

 

MANGALURU: Welcoming the Karnataka Government’s decision to grant Tulu the status of an additional administrative language, the Kudla Unit of Jai Tulunad (R.) has put forward 10 key demands aimed at ensuring the comprehensive development, preservation and effective administrative implementation of the Tulu language.

 

The organisation expressed its gratitude to the Karnataka Government for recognising the administrative importance of Tulu. However, it emphasised that this recognition should not remain merely a declaration but must lead to concrete measures that strengthen the language’s official use, technological development, cultural preservation and constitutional recognition.

 

Among its major demands are statewide official recognition for Tulu in Karnataka, inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, official language status in Kerala, renaming Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district, establishment of a Tulu Development Authority, allocation of at least ₹5 crore for administrative implementation, construction of Tulu Bhavans in Udupi district and Puttur, and the gradual introduction of the ancient Tulu script in public and administrative spaces.

 

Statewide Official Recognition for Tulu

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) has urged the Karnataka Government to extend Tulu’s additional official language status across the entire state rather than restricting its application to specific districts.

 

The organisation pointed out that Tulu-speaking people live in different parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, the state capital. Therefore, the official use of Tulu should not be confined to a limited geographical area.

 

It stressed that statewide recognition would provide greater opportunities for Tulu speakers to use their language in administrative settings and would strengthen the language’s position within the state.

 

Inclusion of Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution

 

The organisation has called upon the Union Government to take the necessary steps to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, thereby securing constitutional recognition for the language at the national level.

 

It has also urged the Karnataka Government to actively pursue the matter with the Union Government and initiate the necessary administrative measures to advance this long-standing demand.

 

According to the organisation, the recognition of Tulu as an additional administrative language should be viewed as an important step towards achieving broader constitutional and national recognition.

 

Official Language Status for Tulu in Kerala

 

Highlighting the presence of Tulu-speaking communities in Kerala, Jai Tulunad (R.) has urged the Kerala Government to recognise Tulu as an official language in the state.

 

The organisation stated that the linguistic and cultural identity of the Tulu-speaking community extends beyond the Karnataka–Kerala border and deserves appropriate recognition.

 

To raise awareness about this demand, the organisation has already launched the social media campaign #TuluOfficialinKerlam. It plans to take the campaign forward by engaging with local leaders, elected representatives and language enthusiasts in Kerala.

 

The organisation reiterated that it would continue its efforts through peaceful, democratic and non-partisan means.

 

Rename Dakshina Kannada District as Mangaluru District

 

One of the significant demands raised by Jai Tulunad (R.) is the renaming of Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district, taking into consideration the region’s historical background, cultural identity and future development.

 

The organisation stated that Mangaluru has a deep historical and cultural connection with Tulunad and that the name is not a new one. It referred to the historical significance of the Mangaluru and Barkur kingdoms in the region.

 

The organisation also noted that there are different interpretations regarding the origin of the name Mangaluru. These include explanations associated with local geographical expressions, historical references, cultural traditions and the Sanskrit word Mangala, meaning auspiciousness.

 

However, Jai Tulunad (R.) clarified that it was not seeking to establish any single interpretation as the definitive origin of the name. Instead, it called for a broader historical and cultural perspective when discussing the district’s name.

 

The organisation also questioned the insistence that the name Dakshina Kannada must remain unchanged solely on historical grounds. It pointed out that the name has an administrative history associated with the former designation South Canara.

 

At the same time, the organisation acknowledged that the naming of the region requires careful consideration of its wider historical identity. Since Udupi is now a separate district, renaming only Dakshina Kannada as Tulunad could exclude Udupi from the regional identity associated with Tulunad.

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) further argued that the name Mangaluru district should not be opposed on the grounds that Mangaluru is the name of a city. It observed that several districts in Karnataka are named after their respective district headquarters.

 

The organisation also rejected the argument that renaming the district would undermine the identities of Puttur, Sullia, Kadaba, Belthangady and Bantwal. It maintained that the names of individual towns and taluks can continue to retain their identities within a district bearing the name Mangaluru.

 

The organisation stated that the discussion should focus on the region’s historical identity, future development and cultural significance rather than relying solely on objections to a proposed name.

 

“We must think about the future of our region. We do not have an emotional attachment to the name Dakshina Kannada. If there is a name with which we share a deep emotional connection, it is Tulunad,” the organisation stated in its position.

 

It added that discussions about regional identity should also take into account the broader identity of Tulunad.

 

Clear Roadmap for Administrative Implementation of Tulu

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) has stressed that the additional administrative language status granted to Tulu must be supported by a clear and practical implementation plan.

 

The organisation has urged the government to introduce guidelines for the use of Tulu in government offices, local administrative bodies, public services, application forms, signboards and other relevant administrative functions.

 

It has called for a phased implementation process to ensure that the language is effectively integrated into public administration.

 

According to the organisation, clear guidelines, institutional support and systematic implementation are essential to translate official recognition into meaningful benefits for Tulu speakers.

 

Strengthen Digital and Technological Infrastructure for Tulu

 

The organisation has called for dedicated infrastructure to support the digital and technological development of the Tulu language.

 

It has urged the government to focus on digitisation, research, documentation, education, translation systems, software development and digital archives.

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) believes that technological advancement is essential for ensuring the long-term survival and development of Tulu, particularly in an era when digital platforms and technology play an increasingly important role in communication and public services.

 

The organisation has also emphasised the need to develop digital resources and technology-based systems that can facilitate the wider use of Tulu in administration, education and everyday life.

 

Establish a Dedicated Tulu Development Authority

 

Another major demand is the establishment of a separate Tulu Development Authority by the Karnataka Government.

 

The proposed authority would be responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing programmes related to Tulu language development, literature, education, culture, research, documentation, digitisation, technology and administrative usage.

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) has argued that a dedicated institution would help ensure systematic planning, effective coordination and long-term implementation of initiatives for the comprehensive development of Tulu.

 

The organisation has urged the government to treat Tulu development as a sustained institutional responsibility rather than limiting its efforts to occasional programmes and announcements.

 

Allocate a Minimum of ₹5 Crore for Administrative Implementation

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) has demanded that the Karnataka Government allocate a minimum of ₹5 crore as special initial funding to support the effective implementation of Tulu as an additional administrative language.

 

The proposed allocation would be used to develop translation facilities, train government officials and staff, prepare official documents and application forms, install signboards, strengthen digital systems, develop software and establish other essential administrative infrastructure.

 

The organisation stated that adequate financial support is necessary to ensure that the government's recognition of Tulu results in practical implementation.

 

It has called for the allocation and utilisation of funds to be guided by a clear plan that addresses the immediate and long-term requirements of the language.

 

Construct Tulu Bhavans in Udupi District and Puttur

 

The organisation has urged the Karnataka Government to construct dedicated Tulu Bhavans in Udupi district and Puttur to serve as permanent centres for the development and promotion of the language and its cultural heritage.

 

The proposed facilities would support Tulu language training, literary activities, cultural programmes, research, documentation, libraries and museums.

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) stated that these centres would provide important institutional spaces for researchers, writers, students, artists and language enthusiasts to engage with Tulu language, literature and culture.

 

The organisation believes that permanent infrastructure would contribute to the preservation of the region's heritage and encourage future generations to learn about and participate in Tulu-related activities.

 

Gradually Introduce and Promote the Ancient Tulu Script

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) has called for a comprehensive government programme to preserve, develop and promote the use of the ancient Tulu script.

 

The organisation has proposed the gradual introduction of Tulu script education and usage in government offices, local administrative institutions, schools, colleges, cultural organisations and public spaces.

 

It has emphasised that the initiative should be implemented in phases, supported by appropriate educational resources and awareness programmes.

 

According to the organisation, promoting the ancient Tulu script is an important part of preserving the language’s linguistic heritage and ensuring that the script remains relevant to future generations.

 

The organisation has also maintained that efforts to revive the Tulu script should not be interpreted as opposition to Kannada or Malayalam scripts. It respects both scripts and seeks to promote the preservation and revival of Tulu’s own script alongside them.

 

“Administrative Recognition Is Not Our Final Goal”

 

In its concluding statement, Jai Tulunad (R.) Kudla Unit declared that the additional administrative language status granted to Tulu is not the final destination of the movement for Tulu language rights.

 

Instead, it described the recognition as an important step towards achieving broader constitutional, administrative and national recognition for Tulu.

 

The organisation reiterated its commitment to pursuing all 10 demands, including statewide official recognition in Karnataka, inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, official language status in Kerala, renaming Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru district, establishment of a Tulu Development Authority, construction of Tulu Bhavans in Udupi district and Puttur, adequate financial support and the phased introduction of the ancient Tulu script.

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) stated that it would continue its efforts through democratic, peaceful and non-partisan means, working towards the comprehensive development, preservation and recognition of the Tulu language.

 

The organisation expressed hope that the government's recognition of Tulu would mark the beginning of a new phase in the language's development, supported by concrete policies, adequate funding, institutional mechanisms and effective implementation.

 

Members Present at the Press Meet

 

The following representatives of Jai Tulunad (R.) were present at the press meet:

 

1. Rajashree Chandrashekar — President, Jai Tulunad (R.), Kudla Unit

2. Chetan Anchan Manjalkatte — Vice-President, Jai Tulunad (R.), Kudla Unit

3. Sudarshan Surathkal — Former President, Jai Tulunad (R.)

4. Uday Poonja Taripadiguthu — Former President and Founding Member, Jai Tulunad (R.)

5. Kiran Tuluva — Founding Member, Jai Tulunad (R.)

6. Niranjan Karkera Porkodi — Organising Secretary, Jai Tulunad (R.)

 

Jai Tulunad (R.) — Kudla Unit

 

Towards the comprehensive development, preservation and recognition of the Tulu language.