Mangaluru (Karnataka) : Tulu speakers angered by imposition of Kannada

Mangaluru (Karnataka) – The Karnataka state government has issued a circular mandating the use of Kannada in the Dakshina Kannada district. This has sparked outrage among the large population of Tulu-speaking people in the region. The area comprising Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in southwest Karnataka is referred to as ‘Tulunadu’ because a significant portion of the population speaks Tulu. Tulu is the mother tongue of nearly 2 million people. As a result, there is widespread anger in these two districts over the government’s decision.

Credits : IIPMAPS

What is the issue ?

In the general meetings of local gram panchayats, an order was issued to give importance to the Kannada language. Muralidhar, the convenor of ‘Karkala Yashasvi Nagarik Seva Sangha,’ had requested panchayat development officers to prioritize Kannada and also urged that departmental officers and public representatives should refrain from using Tulu during discussions. Acting on this request, the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat examined the petition and issued orders for necessary action. As a result, this language dispute has now sparked a controversy on social media.

“…Then should Urdu be used in government documents?” – BJP

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Sadananda Gowda expressed his anger, saying, “Tulu is a language of this land. If there is a government order saying Tulu should not be spoken in Karnataka, then should Urdu be used in official government documents instead?”

No clear guidelines exist regarding regional languages! – Administration

A senior official clarified that while the use of Kannada is mandatory for official purposes, there are no clear guidelines regarding the use of regional languages in meetings.

Administrative officers should try to learn Tulu – Tulu organization

Taranath Gatti Kapikad, President of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, presented his stance on the issue. He said that many people in the region speak only Tulu. Just as Marathi and Urdu have gained importance in the Belagavi and Bidar regions respectively, Tulu should receive similar recognition in this region. He added that, like officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), other officials should also make an effort to learn the local language. He demanded that the District Panchayat withdraw its order.