Mangalore: Tulu can be saved only if every home becomes a Tulu study centre. Tulu is a language of layman which connects people beyond the boundaries of castes and religions, opined Odiyoor Shree Gurudeva datta Samsthanamseer Sri Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 'Sri Samsthanam Odiyoor Tulu Study Centre', which was established under the joint auspices of University Evening College, Hampanakatte, PG Studies in Tulu Departm ent hereat Ravindra Kalabhavana, he called upon people to have faith in retaining and developing Tulu language and culture. He opined that nomination of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade as the Rajya Sabha member has empowered Tulu people.
In his inaugural speech, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel appreciated Odiyoor Math and Dharmasthala Kshethra for the contribution towards Tulu. “Protecting Tulu language and culture is our right and there should not be any legal barriers. It is our duty to include Tulu in the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution, and we will do it,” he affirmed. Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Subrahmanya Yadapadithaya in his presidential speech opined that only by speaking Tulu we can understand its culture and develop love and reverence towards it.
Earlier, in his introductory speech, Department of PG Studies in Tulu Convenor Dr. Madhava MK informed that Tulu webinar started during the time of Covid pandemic, has completed 100 weeks in two and a half years. The 100th episode will be held on September 18 and Dr. Veerendra Heggade will be the chief guest.
At the same time, two books, “Mandara” and “BangardaKoral” were released. Vijayalakshmi Prasad Rai and Mani Rai who secured first rank in Tulu PG Degree were felicitated on the occasion.
Kannada Sahitya Parishad former president Dharmadarshi Harikrishna Punarur, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy former president AC Bhandari, Member of Karnataka Yakshagana Academy Member Kadri Navneetha Shetty, Mangaluru University Syndicate Members Mohana Padiwal, Ravichandra PM, K Ramesh, University College Mangaluru Principal Dr. Anasuya Rai, former MLA Padmanabha Kottari, Mangalore University Tulu Study Chair Advisory Committee Member Rajashri S Hegdewere present among others. University Evening College Principal welcomed the guests. Vijayalakshmi Kateel mastered the ceremony, while Odiyooru Tulu koota Head Yashwanth Vitla extended vote of thanks.