Mangaluru: Under the Department of Official Language, 22 languages are recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Over the years, efforts have been made to include majority of the unlisted languages under the eighth-schedule.

Tulu-speaking people and supportive organisations launched a social media campaign called #TuluTo8thSchedule, #TuluOfficialinKA_KL” urging the State and Kerala government to recognise Tulu as one of the official languages and to be included as the eighth schedule language. Within hours, the campaign gained widespread attention and support on social media platforms.

Political activist and former District General Secretary of BJP Brijesh Chowta told News Karnataka that, “There are two demands: the first is for Tulu to become the official state language, and the second is for Tulu to be included in the eighth schedule. For Tulu to be recognised as the official language is under the provisions of State Government and the Central Government must include it in the eighth schedule.”

He went on to say that it is the responsibility of the Central and State Governments to safeguard, promote, and preserve regional languages, traditions, and other cultural assets. So, this is a rightful demand.

Nalin Kateel, BJP State President and MLA tweeted saying that “I support is the campaign demanding to recognise my native language, Tulu, as a state language. It is being discussed with the government about the inclusion of Tulu language in the eighth schedule.”

“We will work to make Tulu the state’s official language by resolving a number of technical obstacles,” he added.