Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 1: Resenting the negligent stance owned by political leadership and bureaucracy alike in getting Tulu language the status of recognized language that it deserves, Tulunada Rakshana Vedike held protest in front of the office of the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday, November 1.
Speaking after leading the agitation, president of the Vedike, Yogeesh Shetty Jeppu, recalled that Tulunadu was split into two on November 1, 1956, as one of the portions went to Kerala. "Tulunadu, created by Lord Parashurama, is an area that is geographically and naturally rich. The region located between Arabian sea on one side and western ghats on the other, has national highway, port, railway station, international airport and other basic infrastructure. People from all religions and castes live harmoniously here. But tragically, most of the contribution towards the development of Tulunadu has come from NGOs and dignitaries of the society, whereas the contribution of governments has not been up to the expected level," he stated.
Shetty said that the fertile agricultural land and serene environment of Tulunadu are getting destroyed with the installation of mega industries. Although sand is naturally available here, people here hardly get sand at reasonable price as sand gets transported to neighbouring states. "Even though Tulunadu culture and way of living is appreciated by the entire world, some vested interests have been inflicting harm to this reputation. Tulu is one among the five Dravidian languages. Although this language is being spoken by all the people of Tulunadu and over a crore of people in the world speak this language, it has not yet been bestowed with constitutional recognition," he stated.
The Vedike has been demanding for inclusion of Tulu in the eighth schedule of the constitution, Kasargod should be added to Karnataka to bring together the Tulu speaking regions, plan to ban faith, traditions, art and culture of Tulunadu like Daivardhane, Nagaradhane, Bhootaradhane etc by branding them as superstitions should be dropped, unemployed Tulunadu youngsters should be given jobs, Tulunadu Development Authority should be formed, Tulu Language Development Authority should be set up, Tulu Cinema Chamber of Commerce should be instituted, high court circuit bench should be set up in the city, separate railway division should be sanctioned to the city and airport should be expanded, and environment-friendly industries and information technology institutions should be set up Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, he explained.