8th std students may opt for Tulu as 3rd language from this year

After successfully introducing Tulu as the third language for students of Standard 6 and 7 in Dakshina Kannada two years ago, the Karnataka Tulu Sahithya Academy is planning to introduce Tulu for 8th standard students in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in the academic year 2012-13.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Academy President Umanath A Kotyan said that the textbook for eight standard is almost ready . ‘Patya Pustaka Parishilana Samiti’ President Palthadi Ramakrishna Achar and his team is giving final touches to the text book.

“We have decided to introduce Tulu in government, aided and also in private schools. The Academy has requested Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr K N Vijayprakash and Block Education Officers about the matter.

The BEOs will be calling a meeting of headmasters for the proper implementation of the project,” he said.

Kotyan said that, the State government will be providing text books for all government and aided schools of the district. For private schools, the Academy will provide the textbooks using its funds.

9th std next year

Tulu Sahitya Academy Registrar Chandrahas said that, Tulu will be introduced to 9th standard in the year 2013-14 and for 10th standard in the year 2014-15. “Text book formation committees has been formed and Uppinangadi Primary School Teacher, National award winner Ithappa (for 9th standard) and Puttur Ramakrishna High School Head Master Sridhar Rai (for 10th standard) will be guiding the process,” he informed.

Tulu programmes

“Rather than introducing Tulu in textbooks, Tulu programmes should be arranged in every primary and secondary schools of the coastal districts. We have to take initiative to form Tulu organisations at schools. We will support any such developments,” Kotyan said.

Along with this, the Academy is conducting various Tulu programmes like ‘Chavadi Kooto’ to organise discussions with Tulu litterateurs, writers, researchers, artists and dignitaries of coastal districts.

Tulu Bhavan

Kotyan said that the government has sanctioned Rs 5 crores to build Tulu Bhavan in Mangalore. The work on Tulu Bhavan will be started in 50 cents of land at Urva Store this month.

He also said that Academy will pressurise Central government to add Tulu to eighth schedule of Indian Constitution. 

Tulu Day

Kotyan also that Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade has given a suggestion to celebrate ‘Tulu Day’ every year. The Academy is considering whether to declare December 10 of every year as Tulu Day as Vishawa Tulu Sammelana was inaugurated on December 10, 2009 at Ujire. On Tulu Day, various programmes will be organised in every home, schools and colleges.

“However, a final decision is yet to be taken in this regard,” he added.