Udupi: Tulu culture and heritage can truly survive only when children are taught the language in a fun, engaging manner, said Poornima, Assistant Director of the District Kannada and Culture Department.
She was addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the 30th annual Paniyadi Tulu Novel Award ceremony of the Udupi Tulukoot held on Sunday. Emphasizing the need to pass Tulu on to the younger generation, she remarked that instead of merely preaching, children should be given creative opportunities to learn and use the language. “It is encouraging that Tulu studies have been included in SSLC. But children should not restrict themselves to studying Tulu only for exams — they must carry the language into daily life,” she said.
This year’s Paniyadi Award was conferred on Mumbai-based writer Sharada M. Anchan Kodavooru for her acclaimed novel ‘Akerida Ekk’. The award-winning work was introduced by writer Sulochana Janardhan Pacchinadka.
The event also recognized students who scored full marks in Tulu in this year’s SSLC examinations, honoring them for their achievement.
Tulu Koota President Jayakar Shetty Indrali presided over the ceremony. Among the dignitaries present were Bhadravati Tulu Koota President Sudhakar Shetty, hotelier Prabhakar Poojary, and social worker Udupi Vishwanath Shene. General Secretary Gangadhar Kidiyur and Treasurer Chaitanya M.G. were also on the dais.
The formal proceedings included a welcome by Vice President Diwakar Sanil, introductory remarks by Panayadi Award Coordinator Shilpa Joshi, and compering by Tara Umesh Acharya.
The program not only celebrated literary excellence but also underlined the importance of nurturing Tulu language and culture through the next generation.