Tulu Gets Second Additional Language Status in Karnataka, Cabinet Approves Recognition
The Karnataka state cabinet on Friday decided to officially recognise Tulu as the second additional language in the state, with primary administrative recognition in the undivided Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The Karnataka state cabinet on Friday decided to officially recognise Tulu as the second additional language in the state, with primary administrative recognition in the undivided Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the major policy shift, stating that the step aims to boost educational, cultural, and administrative development across the coastal region.
Speaking at the press conference, Shivakumar emphasized that the decision focuses on addressing the practical living needs of the local population. He noted that rather than questioning why previous administrations failed to grant this recognition, the current government chose to act decisively to fulfill a long-pending demand of the region. Karnataka Cabinet Holds First-ever Meeting in Mangaluru, Offers Prayers at Kadri Manjunatha Temple.
Under the approval, Tulu will serve as an additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. In addition to the language status, Shivakumar revealed that the cabinet briefly deliberated on a proposal to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru, adding that public feedback and formal discussions will take place over the next month before a final resolution is reached. Karnataka: DK Shivakumar Directs Officials to Address Issues of Minority Communities.
Tulu is an ancient Dravidian language spoken by nearly one crore people globally, with its core native demographic concentrated in coastal Karnataka and parts of Kasaragod in northern Kerala. Local activists and cultural organizations have campaigned for decades requesting official recognition for Tulu at both the state level and under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 05:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
