MANGALURU, August 22, 2022: A collection of Tulu poems titled Tulu Purpa, written and published in the Tulu script, was released at a programme organised by Jai Tulunad (R.) at the Canara College auditorium in Mangaluru on Sunday.

The publication, brought out as part of the commemoration of India’s 75th Independence anniversary, contains poems by more than 100 senior and young poets from Tulunad. The collection features patriotic poems, songs celebrating Tulunad, poems dedicated to soldiers, writings related to agriculture and verses conveying social messages.

The organisers said copies of the book would be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of India, Union Home Minister, the Ministry of Culture and other concerned authorities, as well as the Chief Ministers of all states. Through the initiative, Jai Tulunad has appealed for Tulu to be recognised as an official language in Karnataka and Kerala and for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Jai Tulunad, which has been conducting various programmes across Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod for the promotion of Tulu language and culture, said the publication was another step in its campaign for greater recognition of Tulu.

The book carries blessings from Pejawar Math seer Sri Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji and Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Dr D. Veerendra Heggade. Dr Akash Raj Jain, a member of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, has written the foreword, while the objectives of the organisation have been presented by its president Ashwath Tuluva and secretary Avinash. Former president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Harikrishna Punaroor has written the afterword.

The inauguration of the publication was performed by Dayananda G. Kattalsar, president of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy. He appreciated Jai Tulunad's efforts to preserve Tulu language, culture and traditions and said the demand for regional-language recognition and inclusion of Tulu in the Eighth Schedule was justified.

Senior journalist and writer Chidambara Baikampady released the book. He described the publication as a potentially historic document and appreciated the efforts to promote Tulu literature through the Tulu script.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Akash Raj Jain said the younger generation associated with Jai Tulunad had demonstrated a strong commitment towards Tulu language and identity. He stressed the need for greater literary production in Tulu and called for Tulu writings to be translated and published in other Indian languages so that the language and culture of Tulunad could reach audiences across the country.

Jain also emphasised the importance of introducing Tulu-script signboards at institutions and establishments located in Tulunad. He said that while there was once a perception that Tulu did not have its own script, initiatives to teach and promote the Tulu script were helping preserve it.

Mangaluru City Corporation corporator Varun Chouta also extended his wishes to the organisers. Canara College professor Raghu Idmidu said literature was essential for strengthening the Tulu language and appreciated the effort to compile poems by numerous Tulu writers and publish them in the Tulu script.

The organisers said the book would also be sent to Members of Parliament, legislators and deputy commissioners of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod, seeking their support for the campaign. The initiative is also intended to introduce the Tulu script to people across the country.

The programme began with a prayer by Prema M. Kanvathirtha. Information and Technology Supervisor Sumanth Hebri welcomed the gathering, while Jai Tulunad general secretary Avinash Mukka delivered the introductory address. Tulu Sahitya Committee supervisor Kushalakshi V. Kulal Kanvathirtha introduced the publication. Rakshith Raj Kallapu coordinated the presentation of mementoes to the poets who contributed to the collection.

Tributes were also paid to the late Udaya Dharmasthala, who was remembered for his dedicated efforts towards the promotion and recognition of Tulu language and literature.

The organisers also announced that a copy of the book would be sent to former Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture Aravind Limbavali, thanking him for his support for the Tulu script during his tenure.

Treasurer Rakshith Kotyan proposed the vote of thanks, while Tulu Sahitya Committee deputy supervisor Geetha Laxmisha compered the programme.

Dr Ravish Padumale of the Tulu Culture Committee, Jai Tulunad vice-president Vishu Shreekar, organising secretary Sadashiva Mudrada, deputy organising secretary Prithvi Tuluve, publicity committee member Vinay Rai Kudla, founder committee member Kiran Tuluve, members of Jai Tulunad and several senior and young Tulu poets were present.