Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday described Kannada as the “mother tongue” and Tulu as its “daughter tongue”, while underlining the cultural and linguistic significance of Karnataka’s coastal region.
“If Kannada is the mother tongue, Tulu is the daughter tongue. The mother tongue is extremely important to everyone,” Shivakumar said while addressing the ninth annual ‘Tulunadu Cultural Extravaganza’, organised by Bunts Sangha’s ‘Tulunad Javanar Bengaluru’ in the city.
The chief minister appreciated the organisers for bringing the traditional culture of Tulunadu to Bengaluru. He said the initiative would help showcase the region’s language, traditions, customs and festivals not only to the Tulu-speaking community but also to people from other parts of the state.
Shivakumar said the coastal region has a rich legacy in knowledge, education, environment and religious traditions. He also recalled the spiritual traditions associated with Tulunadu, including its temples, local deities and deep connection with the sea.
Referring to his earlier assurance regarding recognition for Tulu, Shivakumar reiterated his description of the language as the “daughter tongue” of Kannada.
Focus on coastal tourism
The chief minister said the government was taking steps to expand tourism in the coastal belt by developing beaches and port areas. A separate tourism policy for the Malnad and coastal regions is also being considered, he said.
Shivakumar said the government was exploring ways to extend the tenure of loan facilities and create more opportunities for people in the coastal districts.
“Politics is not permanent. No one is here forever. What remains is the work we do,” Shivakumar said, stressing the importance of delivering on commitments made to people.
He also said the coastal region has a highly educated and knowledgeable population and argued that greater employment opportunities locally could reduce migration to cities such as Mumbai and Dubai.
Public views sought on Mangaluru district
On the proposed formation of a separate Mangaluru district, Shivakumar said the government would seek the views of the public before taking a decision.
The event was attended by MPs Tejasvi Surya and Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Sunil Kumar, Bharath Shetty, Gurme Suresh Shetty and Ashok Rai, MLC Manjunath Bhandari, Hariprasad Shetty, Upendra Shetty, actor Shivadhwaj, Bunts Sangha president Deepak Shetty, honorary president Uttam Shetty, former international hockey player Ashish Ballal, K. Umesh Shetty and others.