Kasaragod, October 10, 2024: In a vibrant celebration honoring the birth anniversary of Tulu script pioneer Dr. Punduru Venkataraja Puninchathaya—recognized globally as World Tulu Script Day—a special event titled "Puvenpu Nempu" was successfully held at the Government Higher Basic School, Kalathur, Ichlampadi (Kumbla).
Organized under the joint auspices of Jai Tulunad (Regd.), Kasaragod Unit, and the Kerala Tulu Academy, the programme also marked the official inauguration of a local Tulu script learning center (Kajja Kotya).

Event Highlights & Key Addresses
The afternoon event commenced at 2:00 PM with an invocation by the school children. Smt. Kushalaxi V. Kulal Kanwatheertha, President of Jai Tulunadu (Kasaragod Branch), presided over the function.

Inaugural Address: Sri Jayananda, representative of the Kerala Tulu Academy, officially inaugurated the programme. Emphasizing the cultural importance of the language, he stressed that Tulu must be recognized as an official regional language with rightful inclusion under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He lauded the active activism and relentless efforts of the Jai Tulunadu organization in preserving Tulu heritage.

Tributes and Speeches: Sri H. Shivarama Bhat, President of the Alumni Association, delivered a moving commemorative address highlighting the monumental contributions and scholarly legacy of the late Dr. Punduru Venkataraja Puninchathaya.

Script Workshoo Launch: Smt. Vinoda Prasad Rai Karinje, Supporting President of the Jai Tulunadu Central Committee, formally inaugurated the Tulu script learning Workshop (Kajjakotya) and shed light on the immense significance of learning and writing the native script.

Dignitaries in Attendance:
The event witnessed an overwhelming gathering of prominent local figures, educators, and community leaders who extended their best wishes for the initiative, including:
Sri Ganesh Rao (School Manager)
Sri Radhakrishna Tunga (Headmaster, GHBS Kalathur)
Smt. Pushpalatha P. Shetty (Kumbla Grama Panchayat Member)
Sri Vijayaraj Puninchathaya (Renowned Writer and son of Puvenpu)
Sri Vasanth Choorithadka (PTA President)
Smt. Sudha Shetty (MPTA President)
Sri Sathyamurthy Aralithaya (Teacher, Sharada Vidyalaya, Mangaluru)

Cultural Performances and Conclusion:
During the event, school teachers melodiously rendered bhavageethas (poetic songs) originally composed by Puvenpu, followed by an engaging recitation session of his poems.

Sri Harikanta Kasaragod, Secretary of Jai Tulunadu Kasaragod Branch, delivered the welcome address. As a token of encouragement, sweets sponsored by Smt. Vinod Prasad Rai were distributed to all participating students, while Sri Praveesh Kulal distributed free Tulu script study charts to attendees. Finally, Sri Sudhakara, teacher at GHBS Kalathur, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the immense cooperation rendered by students, teachers, and core branch members including Umesh Siriya.