Inauguration of Jai Tulunad (R.) Udupi Unit

Inauguration of Jai Tulunad (R.) Udupi Unit

Date: 03 November 2024

Location: Sri Narayana Guru Auditorium, Bannanje, Udupi

The inaugural ceremony of the Jai Tulunad (R.) Udupi unit was held with great enthusiasm at the Sri Narayana Guru Auditorium in Bannanje, Udupi. Jai Tulunad (R.), an organization that has been working selflessly for over a decade to preserve the Tulu script, language, and culture, marked a significant milestone with the formation of its Udupi district unit.

Highlights of the Ceremony:

Dr. Gananath Ekkar, President of Siri Tulu Chavadi, Udupi, inaugurated the program and addressed the gathering. In his speech, he noted that while many regional languages receive administrative recognition, Tulu still lacks such support. He emphasized the critical role of organizations like Jai Tulunad (R.) in taking up the responsibility of protecting and promoting the language. He pointed out that although politicians often speak about Tulu on stage, few take meaningful steps, and it is the efforts of committed community organizations that are keeping the language alive.

During the event, Sushila Jayakar Kodavoor was appointed as the President of the Jai Tulunad (R.) Udupi unit. The selection and announcement of other office bearers also took place.

Poornima Bantwal, General Secretary of the Central Committee, presided over the program. She spoke about the injustice faced by the Tulu language from within the community itself and highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts. She congratulated the newly appointed team and stressed the importance of community support in preserving the Tulu language and script.

Sumanth Hebri, a founding committee member of Jai Tulunad (R.), also addressed the gathering. Certificates of merit were presented to individuals who successfully completed the Tulu script examination.

 Dignitaries Present on the Dais:

* Dr. Gananath Ekkar – President, Siri Tulu Chavadi, Udupi

* Ramesh L. Devadiga – Senior Advocate, Udupi

* Yashoda Keshav – Editor, Tulunada Dhvani online portal

* Sadashiva Mudradi – Founding Committee Member, Jai Tulunad (R.)

* Santosh N. S. Katapady – Organizing Secretary, Central Committee

* Poornima Bantwal – General Secretary, Central Committee

* Sumanth Hebri – Founding Committee Member, Jai Tulunad (R.)

The welcome address was delivered by Sagar Bannanje, Secretary of the Jai Tulunad (R.) Udupi unit. The vote of thanks was given by Sharath Kodavoor, founding committee member. The event was hosted by Prajnyashree M. Kodavoor, Joint Secretary of the Central Committee.

The inauguration of the Udupi unit marks a new beginning for Jai Tulunad (R.) in its journey to strengthen the grassroots movement for Tulu identity, culture, and language preservation.