Karnataka grants official second language status to Tulu

The Karnataka cabinet has formally recognized Tulu as an official second language of the state, marking a significant acknowledgment of the linguistic and cultural identity of communities in the coastal belt. Tulu, which belongs to the Dravidian language family, is predominantly spoken in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and among Tulu-speaking populations across South and Southeast Asia.

The decision comes as the state government prepares to issue a draft notification seeking public objections and suggestions regarding the proposed renaming of Dakshina Kannada district to Mangaluru district. The dual administrative move reflects efforts to align official nomenclature with local geographical and cultural identities.

Official second language status is expected to facilitate greater use of Tulu in educational institutions, government communications, and cultural institutions within the region. The recognition addresses long-standing demands from Tulu linguistic and cultural organizations for greater institutional support for the language.

Tulu joins other recognized second languages in Indian states, a designation that typically provides administrative and educational support while maintaining the state's primary official language. The move is anticipated to strengthen language preservation efforts in coastal Karnataka, where Tulu maintains deep historical and cultural roots.