Mangaluru: The ongoing campaign to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru has gained momentum, with MLA Vedavyas Kamath extending full support. He is also the convener of the Mangalore District Tulupara Horata Samiti, an organization that unites people across religions, political lines, and social groups.
Kamath pointed out that the name “South Canara” was imposed during the Portuguese and British colonial era, and later adapted to Dakshina Kannada during India’s state reorganization. He asserted that historically and culturally, the region bears no real connection to the term Dakshina Kannada.
“This demand to rename the district is not new—it dates back nearly a century. A name change would not only correct a historical error but also boost the ongoing fight to recognize the Tulu language,” he explained. “Though we’ve silently endured economic neglect, we cannot accept cultural disrespect any longer,” he added, urging Tuluvas to rise in unity.
As an elected representative and the committee’s head, Kamath affirmed his commitment to pursuing legal and procedural steps for renaming the district, similar to efforts made in other parts of India like Uttar Pradesh.
He called upon the state Congress government to respect the voice of the Tulu-speaking population, urging every Tulu household in Tulunadu to stand together in this cause.