JOIN USMLA Raghupathy Bhat insisted that seniors belonging to Tulunadu culture and tradition should make it a point to converse in Tulu language with children to prevent the language from diminishing.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Tuluva Siri - Ponnu Ponjovu Kuto’ organised jointly by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and Siri Tuluva Chavadi, Udupi, he said these days the unadulterated form of Tulu language is rarely spoken as the language is polluted by absorbing words from different languages like English, Kannada and Hindi. Hence, there should be an attempt to speak pure Tulu without connecting words from different languages. Besides, attempts should be made to uphold and propagate the culture and tradition of Tulunadu. Children should be told about the rich food culture that prevailed in Tulunadu, he said and added that studies should be carried out regarding Tulu manuscripts and volumes rather than sanctifying them. Consecration of manuscripts and ancient books results in making people ignorant about the affluent Tulunadu legacy, he said.
Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President Umanath Kotyan said Tulu is one of the ancient languages that possess supreme cultural tradition. The aroma of Tulu language has spread across borders and scholars from various parts of globe come down to India to take up studies over the history of the language. He regretted that these days Tulunadu culture has lost its significance and is been seen as inferior language. Parents especially mothers should pass on the traditional aspects of Tulu culture to children to keep the language alive, he added.
Anupama Monthly Chief Editor Shahanaz M said measures should be taken to preserve the ethnicity of Tulu language and culture by developing love for mother tongue.