Mangaluru: SAF personnel to learn Tulu language, culture to interact with locals, understand their concerns

Mangaluru: To help personnel of the Special Action Force (SAF) from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi interact more effectively with locals and understand their concerns, a 20-day Tulu learning course has been jointly organised by the SAF and the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy at the Mangaluru Police Commissioner’s Office.

The SAF has been established in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts to specifically address communal conflicts and riots. As part of the programme, 140 personnel from two SAF companies stationed in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will learn Tulu for two hours daily.

Mangaluru Urban Development Authority Chairman Sadashiva Ullal inaugurated the programme.

Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H said that conversing in the local language would help SAF personnel mingle and interact with residents more effectively. “It will enable them to understand people’s emotions and perspectives,” he said.

He further noted, “Though all districts have police personnel from outside, those working in places like Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Davangere share similar culture and language. However, in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, both culture and language are different. Once officers learn the local language, they begin to identify with the community, which helps develop mutual trust and bonding.”

He added that knowledge of the local language would also encourage open communication.

The Commissioner observed that, in the past, children naturally learned Beary and Tulu languages through interaction with peers in schools. “ Over time, faith started playing an important role in choosing schools for learning and hence children are separated from a young age and the opportunities for them to understand each other’s cultures and languages in the district reduced,” he said.

The Commissioner noted that several personnel seek transfers from the city or district as they cannot identify with the people of this region.

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President Taranath Gatti Kapikad said that resource persons from the academy will teach both the Tulu language and the cultural heritage of the region. The book ‘Tulu Kend Patherd Odud Bared Kalpule – Learn Tulu Naturally’, written by noted author KT Gatti, will serve as the reference material. “The book offers a scientific method to learn Tulu and is designed for those who have studied up to SSLC, with texts in both Kannada and English. Each participant has been provided a copy,” he added.

“While teaching Tulu is the main aim of the 20-day course, the academy will also introduce participants to the cultural aspects of Tulu Nadu — including Daivaradhane, Yakshagana, Hulivesha, Bhoota Kola, Nagaradhane, Siri, farming practices and other traditional practices that promote communal harmony in the region,” Kapikad said.

DCP (Law and Order) Mithun HN and SAF in-charge DySP Belliappa were present.