“The process to include the language in the VIII Schedule is at its final stage. The only problem is connecting the language with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) which is an important obligation,” he said delivering the valedictory address at the Vishwa Tulu Sammelana on Sunday.
“A detailed report on including Tulu in the Constitution had been submitted to the Centre during S M Krishna’s government in the State. A central panel had approved the recommendations too,” Moily said.
He said efforts need to be done as how to give Constitutional status to Tulu without bringing it to the purview of the UPSC. “It is, of course, difficult to introduce Tulu in the UPSC examinations,” he noted.
Referring to the demand that the Mangalore Special Economic Zone should be implemented only after making a meticulous study of the carrying capacity of the coastal districts, the minister said: “The region has recorded 620 per cent growth in the past few years. The total business of the coastal districts has leaped from Rs 18,309 crore to Rs 1,25,590 crore. The estimations have shown that the region would record another Rs 5,00,000 crore business in the next five years. We should contemplate whether we need the benefits of this development or not.”
Moily suggested that Tulunadu should give a social leadership to the world, while Tulu identity should be retained and promoted among the youngsters.
In her address, Uttaranchal Governor Margaret Alva said the work of preserving Tulu culture and language should begin from home.
“The women of Tulu districts, where the literacy rate is the highest in the country, are capable of providing a good leadership to the country,” she said. Alva is the first Mangalorean to become a Governor.
Udupi Pejawar Mutt seer Vishweshateertha Swamiji said Tuluvas should protest when injustice is done on them. “The ‘agri-culture’ of Tulu region should not be marred. Tuluvas should strive for harmony,” he said.
Various Tuluvas were felicitated on the occasion for their achievements in India and abroad. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, the head of the Sammelana organizing committee presided. Cultural extravaganza held throughout the night.
Governor not aware of Tulu script
One of the key points discussed during the past 3-4 days of the convention was how to make the ancient Tulu script popular and attract the younger generation towards it. However, the statement of Uttaranchal Governor Margaret Alva, a Mangalorean, surprised the guests and the audience when she said experts should urgently take steps to formulate a script for Tulu language.
“Tulu still lacks a script and people have to Kannada scripts for Tulu literature. I appeal the Mangalore University to find a proper script for Tulu,” she said.
