The increasing demands to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution has become a topic of relevance in recent news. Despite having a significant number of speakers, Tulu is not recognized as an official language in India or any other country. This article delves into the history and importance of the Tulu language, initiatives for its preservation, and the potential benefits of its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
Tulu: An Overview
Tulu is a Dravidian language prominently spoken in the Tulu Nadu region, which spans across the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka and the northern part of the Kasaragod district in Kerala. Known as the ‘Sapta bhasha Samgama Bhumi’ or the confluence of seven languages, the Kasaragod district also recognizes Tulu as one of the seven languages. The historical significance of Tulu is further established by the presence of inscriptions from the 14th and 15th century AD.
Current Status and Efforts for Recognition
The Yuelu Proclamation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at Changsha, China, in 2018 has been instrumental in guiding global efforts for the protection and promotion of linguistic diversity. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL), advocating for the preservation, support, and promotion of indigenous languages. These global initiatives resonate with India’s constitutional provision under Article 29 for the protection of linguistic minorities. However, despite having more than 18 lakh native speakers, surpassing the speaker population of Manipuri and Sanskrit which already have Eighth Schedule status, Tulu has yet to gain official recognition.
Literary Significance and Recognition
Renowned linguistic scholar Robert Caldwell lauded Tulu as “one of the most highly developed languages of the Dravidian family” in his book, ‘A Comparative Grammar of the Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages’. The significance of Tulu extends beyond its speaker population and geographical spread, with its rich literary tradition warranting recognition.
Yuelu Proclamation: A Beacon for Linguistic Diversity
The Yuelu Proclamation was adopted at the first international conference on language resources protection in Changsha, Central China’s Hunan province in 2018 by UNESCO. This document advocates for protection and promotion of global linguistic diversity and implores various stakeholders – international community, states, governments, and non-governmental organizations, among others, to converge on the protection and promotion of linguistic diversity worldwide.
Tulu Language: By the Numbers
| Native speakers (Census-2011) | 18 lakh+ |
| Status in India | Not an official language |
| Oldest available inscriptions | 14th-15th century AD |
Potential Advantages of Recognition in Eighth Schedule
If included in the Eighth Schedule, Tulu would gain manifold benefits. These include recognition from the Sahitya Akademi, wider translation of Tulu literature, the option for MPs and MLAs to use Tulu in Parliament and State Assemblies, and eligibility for competitive exams including Civil Services. It would also warrant special funds from the Central government and facilitate the teaching of Tulu in primary and high schools.
The Way Forward: Embracing Linguistic Diversity
In sync with the principles of the Yuelu Proclamation, the recognition of all deserving languages fosters social inclusion and national solidarity. It addresses disparities within the country and celebrates linguistic diversity. Therefore, it is proposed that Tulu, along with other deserving languages, be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution to uphold the promise of equality of status and opportunity as enshrined in the Preamble.