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What is the News?
Several organizations have initiated a campaign in Karnataka and Kerala. They are demanding the official language status for Tulu.
About Tulu Language:
- Tulu is a Dravidian language. It is mainly spoken in two coastal districts, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala.
- Kasaragod district is called the ‘Sapta bhasha Samgama Bhumi (the confluence of seven languages)’ and Tulu is one among the seven.
- Thus, the Tulu speakers mainly from Karnataka and Kerala are requesting an official language status for Tulu by its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.
Tulu Art and Culture:
- Tulu has a rich oral literature tradition with folk-song forms like paddana and traditional folk theatre yakshagana.
- Tulu also has an active tradition of cinema, with around 5 to 7 Tulu language movies produced a year.
- Moreover, Tulu films are screened every day in Mangalore and Udupi in at least one theater.
Why Should Tulu be included in the Eight Schedule?
- Firstly, According to the 2011 Census, there are around 18 lakh native speakers of Tulu in India. This is more than the speakers of Manipuri and Sanskrit, which have the Eighth Schedule status.
- Secondly, Robert Caldwell (1814-1891), in his book, “A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian Or South-Indian Family of Languages” has called Tulu as one of the most highly developed languages of the Dravidian family.
- Thirdly, Article 29 of the Indian Constitution provides that a section of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture have the right to conserve the same.
- Lastly, the Yuelu Proclamation made by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at Changsha, China in 2018 provides for the protection and promotion of linguistic diversity.
Advantages of including Tulu in Eight Schedule: If it is included in the Eighth Schedule, it would get the following benefits:
- Recognition from the Sahitya Akademi.
- Translation of Tulu literary works into other languages.
- Members of Parliament (MP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) could speak Tulu in Parliament and State Assemblies, respectively.
- Option to take competitive exams in Tulu including all-India competitive examinations like the Civil Services exam.
Source: Indian Express
