The Karnataka Tulu Sahithya Academy and Department of Public Instruction are making earnest efforts to increase the number of schools offering Tulu as an optional subject to 50, in Dakshina Kannada during 2018-19.

Tulu was introduced as a third optional language for Class 6 in 2010-11 and Class 7 in 2011-12; for Class 8 in 2012-13 and Class 9 in 2013-14. The first batch of students wrote Tulu language as a third optional language paper in the SSLC examination in 2014-15.

Initially, there were not many takers for Tulu as an optional subject in the district. With the efforts of the academy, the number of schools opting for Tulu as an optional subject has increased over time.

Speaking to DH, Tulu Sahithya Academy Chairman A C Bhandary said, “At present, 35 schools offer Tulu as an optional subject. During 2017-18, a total of 417 students in 22 schools had written Tulu exam as a third language for SSLC and passed. Of 417 students, 82 have scored 100% marks while 22 students have scored 99% marks. Many students are opting Tulu as they can score 100% in the subject, which in turn increases their total score in the SSLC examination."

A total of 313 students had written SSLC exams during 2016-17. The first batch of SSLC had only 18 students of Pompei High School, Mangaluru, writing Tulu as an optional subject.

Bhandary said Belthangady BEO has convened a meeting of the head teachers shortly, as some schools have shown interest in offering Tulu as an optional subject.

Udupi DDPI too has convened a meeting of the head teachers, which will be attended by the academy representatives as well. The academy will start rigorous campaigns to convince schools to opt for Tulu as a third language after schools reopen, he explained.

The academy pays an honorarium to teachers who teach Tulu in the schools. “Only after the number of schools and number of children opting for Tulu as an optional subject increases, can we place a demand before the government to appoint Tulu teachers in schools,” he said.

PG in Tulu

Bhandary said that the academy aims to introduce Tulu language as a subject for the students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Mangalore University.

Nagappa Gowda, chairman, Board of Studies of Mangalore University, Prof Shivaram Shetty, the chairman of Syllabus Committee for PG courses and Poovappa Kaniyoor is the chairman of Syllabus committee of UG courses.

The committee has decided to expedite the syllabus framing so that Tulu can be introduced as a subject for postgraduation and graduation during this academic year itself.

The syllabus for MA in Tulu is almost ready and is likely to be placed before the Syndicate of the university shortly. If all goes well, then MA in Tulu will start from this academic year in the University Evening College in Mangaluru.

The academy wants to introduce a certificate course for those who have passed SSLC and a diploma course for those who have passed PUC as well.