BOSTON: The All America Tulu Association (AATA) has called on the Government of Karnataka to grant Tulu the status of the state’s second official language and to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Tulunadu. The appeal was made through formal memorandums submitted to Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader and Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti during a grand cultural dinner in Boston on 5 August 2025.
Memorandum submission during landmark diaspora gathering
The event was hosted at the residence of AATA Founder President Bhaskar Sherigar and Shailashree Sherigar to celebrate the success of Siri Parba 2025, a major cultural showcase of Tulunadu’s heritage. Traditional Tulunadu cuisine, prepared by volunteers from New England TuluKoota (NETK), added a homely touch, reminiscent of the local tradition Aatid Onji Dina.
A distinguished delegation of 23 Karnataka MLAs and MLCs, along with legislators from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, attended the evening while in Boston for the National Conference of State Legislators (4–6 August 2025).
Strong political and community representation
Prominent Tulunadu leaders in attendance included Puttur MLA Ashok Rai, Kaup MLA Suresh Shetty Gurme, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole, MLCs Ivan D’Souza, Bharathi Shetty, and Manjunath Bhandary. Also present were Deputy Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council M.K. Pranesh, several senior legislators from across Karnataka, and Sri Yogindra Bhat of SKV Temple, New Jersey.
The AATA delegation—led by President Shreevalli Rai Martell, Founder President Bhaskar Sherigar, General Secretary Puja Shetty, Joint Secretary Ranjani Asaigoli, Director Fredrick Fernandis, and AATA Ambassador & NETK President Mohair Shetty—formally presented the memorandums. The appeal was backed by the Global Alliance of Tulu Associations (GATA), Team ILESA, and academic endorsements from Dr. Chinnappa Gowda (Ex-VC, Karnataka Folklore University) and Dr. Sayeegeetha Hegde (Nitte University).
Leaders pledge support for Tulu recognition
In an emotional address, Chairman Basavaraj Horatti pledged to recommend to the Chief Minister that Tulu be declared Karnataka’s second official language, earning loud applause. Speaker U.T. Khader assured that the proposal had wide legislative backing and that both the language recognition and renaming proposals would be discussed at the highest levels. C.B. Suresh Babu of Janata Dal (S) also voiced full support.
Kaup MLA Suresh Gurme honoured Bhaskar Sherigar and Shreevalli Rai Martell with Tulunadu shawls, recognising their dedication to preserving Tulu culture.
A heartfelt appeal from the diaspora
Closing the evening, AATA President Shreevalli Rai Martell appealed directly to the dignitaries: “On behalf of the AATA and the global Tulu diaspora, we urge recognition of Tulu as Karnataka’s second official language and the renaming of Dakshina Kannada as Tulunadu.” She thanked all leaders for their engagement and encouragement.
Cultural celebrations alongside advocacy
The event opened with a drum and thase performance by Rajesh Pai Kalsanka and Sathish (Boston), followed by welcoming remarks from Bhaskar Sherigar. The programme was compered by Preethi U Shetty.
The guest list included leaders of Tulu associations across the US, such as Umesh Asaigoli of Triangle Tuluvere Chavadi (Raleigh, NC), Harini Bangera of the United Nations, and former BANA President Kalpana Shetty, alongside numerous NETK members.
The evening doubled as a celebration of Tulu unity and a historic advocacy moment—amplifying the collective voice of the global Tulu community for its linguistic and cultural identity.
