Mangaluru: In a unique initiative aimed at bridging language and cultural gaps, personnel of the Special Action Force (SAF) in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts will undergo a 20-day workshop to learn Tulu, the local language. The SAF, launched by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara in June, was specifically set up to address communal conflicts and maintain peace in the region.
The workshop will be organised by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, with classes scheduled for nearly 100 SAF personnel at the conference hall of the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate, between 5 pm and 6 pm daily. Most SAF personnel are from other districts and have little to no proficiency in Tulu, making the programme a valuable tool for effective community engagement.
Learning Tulu and cultural heritage
Tharanath Gatti Kapikad, chairman of the academy, explained that the curriculum will not only focus on the Tulu language but also the cultural heritage of the region. The reference material for the workshop will be the book ‘Tulu Kend Patherd Odud Bared Kalpule – Learn Tulu Naturally’, authored by noted writer KT Gatti. The book, designed for learners up to the SSLC level, uses Kannada and English texts and employs a scientific method for learning Tulu. Each participant will receive a copy of the book to aid their learning.
In addition to the language, the workshop will introduce SAF personnel to various aspects of Tulu Nadu culture, including folk arts, Daivaradhane, Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Nagaradhane, and other traditional practices that promote communal harmony. Subject experts will provide insights into these cultural elements to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
Leadership leading by example
The Mangaluru City Police Commissioner, Sudheer Kumar Reddy, who showed interest in the initiative, is also learning Tulu with the help of a dictionary. His active involvement sets an example for SAF personnel and underscores the importance of local language proficiency in community policing.
Bridging gaps for effective policing
The initiative reflects an understanding that language and cultural familiarity are crucial for SAF personnel, who are often deployed in sensitive communal situations. By equipping officers with knowledge of Tulu and local customs, the program aims to enhance communication, trust, and operational effectiveness.
Tharanath Gatti Kapikad emphasised that the workshop is a step towards integrating SAF personnel into the local community and improving their understanding of the unique cultural landscape of Tulu Nadu. The program is set to begin next week, marking an innovative approach in law enforcement training in Karnataka.