In a significant move for the promotion of regional language studies, Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader has issued a directive to introduce a Master of Arts (MA) programme in Tulu at a government college in Mangaluru. The course is slated to commence from the upcoming academic year.
Approval Process and Financial Implications
The directive mandates the state's higher education department to start the MA Tulu course at the Dr P Dayananda Pai-P Satish Pai Government First Grade College (GFGC) located on Car Street. However, the proposal still requires the final nod from the department of collegiate education.
A key advantage of shifting the programme to a government first-grade college is the substantial financial relief it offers to Mangalore University (MU). University sources estimate annual savings of around Rs 10 lakh, as all expenses for the course will be borne by the higher education department once it transitions to the GFGC.
Current Status and Historical Context
Mangalore University has been offering the MA Tulu course since 2018. It was initially conducted at the University Evening College and was relocated to the Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje this year. Despite its presence, the programme has faced challenges in attracting students.
Currently, only about 10 students are enrolled in the second year, and admissions for the first year have been closed due to a lack of applicants. This highlights the need for a more accessible and sustainable model for the course.
Expanding Reach Through Distance Education
In parallel efforts to widen access, Mangalore University officials are also in discussions with the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). The talks aim to explore the possibility of launching the MA Tulu programme through distance education mode.
This initiative is designed to expand opportunities for a larger number of students to pursue higher studies in Tulu, thereby aiding in the preservation and growth of the language beyond geographical constraints.
A Long-Pending Demand Fulfilled
Syndicate member Raghuraj emphasised that establishing an MA Tulu programme has been a persistent demand. Members of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy have been actively striving to see it commence at the GFGC.
"After extensive discussions, Speaker Khader has put forward a proposal to start the course at a government first-grade college on Car Street," Raghuraj stated. "The syndicate body of MU has approved the proposal and forwarded it for government sanction. We anticipate the course will begin in the next academic year."
While the academic community awaits formal communication, a source from the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE), Mangaluru division, confirmed that they have not yet received any official communication from the university or the government regarding the final approval.
If approved, the syllabus for the new MA Tulu course at GFGC will remain unchanged from the one currently taught at Mangalore University, ensuring continuity in academic standards for the language.
