Mangaluru, 24 September 2026: Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission member Mohandas Hegde has suggested that the state government consider implementing Tulu Mission 2035 for the preservation, education and digital development of the Tulu language.
In a letter to the state government, Hegde proposed a comprehensive framework covering Tulu language documentation, literature, oral traditions, manuscripts, Tulu-Tigalari script heritage, education, research, digital technology, artificial intelligence, translation, creative industries, heritage tourism and global Tulu cultural connections.
Focus on Documentation
Hegde suggested documenting Tulu history, literature, oral traditions, Paddana, traditional practices, manuscripts and traditional knowledge as part of language preservation. He proposed preparing a Tulu Language Documentation Document based on this material. According to the proposal, such documentation could provide a reference base for future academic, cultural and policy-related work.
Proposed Institutional Framework
Proposal also suggests examining a wider institutional system covering areas such as:
- Tulu cultural activities
- Digital language technology
- Tulu-Tigalari manuscripts and script
- Oral traditions
- Literature and translation
- Education
- Dictionaries and language corpus
- Creative economy
Hegde suggested that the Tulu Mission could initially be started under the relevant government department and strengthened in phases.
Tulu and Digital Technology
Proposal gives special importance to digital development. Suggested measures include creating a Tulu language corpus, dictionaries, fonts and keyboards, speech recognition systems, text-to-speech technology, translation tools and digital publishing facilities.
Proposal also suggests examining the phased use of Tulu, subject to applicable laws and administrative feasibility, in selected areas such as public information, culture, tourism, awareness programs, agricultural extension services, disaster awareness and local administration.
Legal and Financial Review Suggested
Hegde has also suggested that the government examine the legal authority and financial feasibility before establishing new institutions or implementing the proposed mission. Proposal seeks to bring language preservation, education, technology, research and cultural development under a coordinated framework through Tulu Mission 2035.
Source: Letter submitted to the Karnataka State Government by Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission member Mohandas Hegde.
Keywords: Tulu Mission 2035, Tulu language Karnataka, Mohandas Hegde, Tulu language preservation, Tulu Tigalari script, Tulu digital technology, Citizen News Puttur