'Adopt Tulu as optional subject in higher edn'

Two-day Tulu seminar concludes in Karkala

Addressing the valedictory of a national seminar on Tulu organised by Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore, in association with Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy at Bhuvanendra College on Sunday, he said Tulu should not be restricted to the boundaries of Tulunadu.

“Even non-Tuluvas should be able to experience the greatness of Tulu. This rich language should be recognised in various parts of the world. It happens when it becomes an optional subject in higher education,” he observed.

Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) Vice Chancellor Prof B A Vivek Rai presided. Tulu Sahitya Academy Chairman Dr Palthady Ramakrishna Achar delivered introductory remarks. CIIL research officer Dr Subbukrishna, SDME Society Secretary Dr B Yashovarma, Bhuvanendra College Principal Dr Padmanabha Gowda, writers Erya Lakshminarayana Alva and Prof M Ramachandra were present.

Inauguration
“It is not possible for a nation with diverse culture like India to adhere to a single language for mutual dealings. In this direction, each region should promote their own regional languages,” said Indian Institute of Languages Director Prof Rajesh Sachdev.
Delivering the keynote address at the seminar on Saturday, Sachdev said that India is the only nation in the world having diverse culture, art and traditions. Each state has its own significance with regard to language, culture and heritage. “We should really be proud of being the citizens of such a rich nation,” he added.

Tulu, which is one of the ancient languages, too has its own significance and heritage. Conferences and seminars should be organised regularly to enliven the language.
There are several schemes to promote languages in India. Still an appropriate scheme should be chalked out to preserve languages to protect the culture, he said and called upon parents to educate children in their own mother tongue.

Tulu in VIII Schedule
Delivering the inaugural address, Home Minister Dr V S Acharya said that he will fight for the recognition of Tulu language in the Schedule VIII of the Constitution. “I will discuss the issue with the Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa,” he assured. Any language will meet the fate of extinction, if it was not used properly, he said adding that schemes will be implemented to preserve Tulu language. Sri Kshetra Dharmastala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said that Tulunadu is the land of ‘Bhootas’ and ‘Daivas’ and Tulu is their basic language.