Tulu Okkuta Urges Karnataka to Grant Tulu Second Official Language Status

The *Akhila Bharata Tulu Okkuta*, an organisation representing Tulu speakers, has renewed its demand for the Karnataka government to formally recognise Tulu as the state's second official language. The group emphasises that Tulu is among the oldest of the five major Dravidian languages, with a rich literary and cultural heritage that predates many contemporary regional tongues.

According to the organisation, more than 18 lakh people across coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala speak Tulu as their mother tongue, making it a significant linguistic community within the state. Despite this substantial speaker base, Tulu currently lacks official status, which activists argue limits its use in administration, education, and public life.

The Okkuta's appeal reflects a broader movement among Tulu speakers seeking greater institutional support and recognition for their language. Granting official status, they contend, would help preserve Tulu's distinct identity, encourage its use in schools and government offices, and ensure its continued transmission to future generations amid concerns about language endangerment in the region.