Karnataka elevates Tulu to official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi

In its inaugural cabinet session in Mangaluru, Karnataka's government granted Tulu the rank of an additional official language for the undivided Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar presented the measure as a response to a long-standing public request, emphasizing that language recognition supports regional growth. He noted that Tulu, a Dravidian tongue spoken by roughly one crore people, has deep historical roots in the area.

The meeting also examined a proposal to rename Dakshina Kannada district to Mangaluru, with public opinion to be gathered before a final decision within a month. Shivakumar stressed the government's focus on practical needs over past political hesitations. The language decision coincides with broader efforts to address pending coastal district demands.