According to organisers, over seven lakh people witnessed the grand celebration of Tuluvas’ pride that commenced on December 10. The highest turnout was on Saturday, when around 4.5 lakh people visited the convention venue.

“At least 3.5 lakh people had their food at ‘Annapoorna’ on Saturday noon, towards which around 100 expert cooks had worked,” said a member of the organising committee.

Sunday, the last day of the convention, recorded around two lakh visitors from various parts of the region and outside. Majority of the visitors comprised the members of women self-help groups.

Though the sudden rush had caused traffic blocks in the previous days, the situation was managed well by the volunteers and the police on Sunday. The congestion at ‘Annapoorna’ - the food court - was also a great challenge for the organisers.

Unable to disappoint people who could not view all activities at the venue, the organisers have announced that the exhibition and other attractions would be kept open for another few days.

Tulu into Constitution

Hinting at the realisation of the long-pending demand of Tuluvas at the convention valedictory, Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said the Tulu language would soon be included in the VIII Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

“The process to include the language in the VIII Schedule is in its final stage. There are certain obstacles in bringing Tulu to the list of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which can be solved,” Moily said.

Uttaranchal Governor Margaret Alva too assured her support for the cause. She also appreciated that the Tuluvas have made history by organising the mega event.  The convention passed a total of 18 resolutions, including the demand to drop Netravathi reversion project and opening of a separate department for Tulu research in Mangalore University. “A decision on Mangalore Special Economic Zone should be taken only after studying the carrying capacity of the coastal districts,” a resolution stated.