Demand for Tulu state gets louder: Flag hoisted, black day observed

 Demanding separate Tulu statehood, members of various organisations unfurled the Tulu Nadu flag on Karnataka Rajyotsava at several places in Uppinangady. The red colour flag with the sun and the moon on it was unfurled.

The flags were unfurled at Nandini Nagara, Arthila, Hirebandadi, Bolame, Bajathoor, Dembale, Hosamajalu.

Tulunada Okkuta Uppinangady convener Sundar Eliya unfurled the flag at Bolame in Hirebandadi. President Shekar Gaundathige said that the state government is not respecting the emotions of people of Tulu Nadu. All efforts are being made to divert water from River Nethravati to parched districts through Yettinahole project. There is a need for separate Tulu state to conserve the land, water and culture of the region.

Udupi

Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike observed black day in front of Clock Tower against the government reluctance to fulfil the demands for the formation of separate Tulunadu state.
They also demanded inclusion of the language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution.

Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike President Aikala Bava Chitranjan Das said that the government is deaf towards the demands, of Tulunadu, which has a rich legacy of 2,500 years, as well as giving classical status to the language. The government is not paying attention to appeals to name Bajpe airport after Rani Abbakka Devi and to open a Tulunadu centre at Mangalore University.

He added that nearly one crore people speak Tulu. Tulu script, however, is not recognised and the identification status is not accorded. Tulunadu is the epitome of harmony and religious tolerance, but has become a dump yard, where unnecessary and harmful projects find place. The government has failed to take measures to conserve the folk and cultural arts like Paddana, Siri and Bhootha Kola. The tradition of agriculture is vanishing owing to the lack of support.

He said the implementation of River Nethravati diversion would make Tulunadu a desert, owing to the natural resource and cultural ruin. Niddodi project is permitted amidst stiff opposition.

The educated youths are becoming increasingly unemployed. No measures are taken to offer employments to them. The youths have started migrating in search of livelihood, which has resulted in the transformation of Tulunadu into old age home, he censured.