Tulu literature calls for better and higher research, Dr. Yekkar

Tulu literature calls for better and higher research, Dr. Yekkar

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 08, 2017: Dr. Gananath Yekkar,  Scholar and State convener of National Service Scheme,  said that it was necessary to give more importance to research in Tulu literature than on Tulu folklore.

He was speaking on the topic of “Research in Tulu – Recent trends” during the presentation of Polali Sheenappa Hegde Award to writer Indira Hegde by Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Samshodhana Kendra, a constituent of Manipal University.

Dr. Yekkar said that presently there was more research on Tulu folklore. The focus should be turned back on Tulu literature. Maintaining that Tulu language was extensively promoted by scholars from abroad, especially during 1876-1900, Ekkar said that the scholars from the soil continued the legacy following inspiration from foreign scholars. “The language received some prominence only during 80s and 90s. An inferiority complex attached to Tulu language made researchers stay away from taking up research on Tulu literature. This complex has plagued the language for the past 800-900 years,” he said.

Tulu language had an ancient literary tradition. Students too, now, did not appear too keen on research in Tulu. This attitude should change, he added.

Mangalore University should give importance to promoting research in local languages of the region such as Tulu, Beary, Konkani, Kundagannada, and others. Manipal University was trying to set up a chair in Tulu language, which was a welcome move, he said.

Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Samshodhana Kendra and Regional Resources Centre of Folk Performing Arts once led the research in Tulu language, literature, and folklore. It was necessary that both these institutions once again got their previous glory back, he added.

There were two types of researchers on Tulu language, literature and folklore.

While one group or type of researchers did for academic purpose for getting doctoral degree, there was another group of researchers who were motivated by self-interest. The latter group did their research based on extensive field study. One of the scholars of the latter group was Bannanje Babu Amin, he said.

 Tulu language folk writer and researcher Dr Indira Hegde was honoured with the Polali Sheenappa Hegde Award-2017. She said that a sense of dedication was the only requirement for studying folk art.


“The translation of Tulu language is difficult as it is an independent language. The folk tradition of Tulunadu, especially Bootharadhane, is becoming extinct. The matricidal society followed by the people descending from Tulunadu culture, exists to a certain extent but needs it be further strengthened,” she said.