'Be role models to kids to save culture'

Expressing concern about vanishing Tulu culture, renowned writer B M Rohini opined that boring lectures on Tulu language and culture won’t do anything. “When we teach something to children, we should be the role models to them,” she said. 

She was delivering an inaugural address at a special programme on the festivals of Tulunaadu, women and information on Keddasa, jointly organised by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and Mangalooru Taluk Mahila Mandalagala Okkuta, as a part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Okkuta, here on Saturday.

“Now ‘Aati’ celebrations have become a show. Rituals like ‘Madarangi’ which is borrowed from other communities are being displayed as Tulu culture. Our elders lived with nature and respected it, but now though we have education, we are forgetting our rich cultural heritage,” she regretted. 

She opined that men are depicted as bad sex, as though all men are rapists. “It is not true. Men should raise their voice against it, she said. Meanwhile, Rohini opined that society is not secure for women.

Though we make harassment as an issue of concern, the incidents are happening. People know that they should inform concerned, about the incidents,” she said. Presiding over the function, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President Umanatha A Kotyan said that the meaning of Tulu culture is preserved through Paddhanas and short stories. Every culture starts with the mother and now she can only save the richness of Tulu culture.

Women’s day celebrations

As a part of the women’s day celebrations, a convention will be organised at Senate Hall, in Mangalore University, on March 6 and 7. Marathi Writer Urmila Pawar will inaugurate the programme, while University Vice Chancellor Prof T C Shivshankarmurthy will preside over. On the same day, a silent procession will be organised from Wenlock, from 4.30 pm. On March 8, a procession will be taken out from Bunts Hostel to Karavali Maidan from 9.30 am.

Mangalooru Taluk Mahila Mandalagala Okkuta Honourary President K A Rohini, President Vijaylakshmi B Shetty and others were also present.