Mangaluru : The Two-day World Tulu convention Tulunadochchaya-2017 organised at Pilikula Nisargadhama at Vamanjoor was inaugurated on December 24, Saturday.

Dr David Frank Fernandes, President of the Organising Committee hoisted the flag while Tulunadochchaya Committee President M E Muloor inaugurated the convention.

Speaking on the occasion, Muloor said this programme has organised to promote Tulu culture and language. Tulu has the capacity to bind people together irrespective of their caste, creed and faith.

Presiding over the programme, David Frank Fernandes said Tulu should be included in the 8th schedule of our constitution. Though several memorandums are submitted there is s a need to pressurize the authorities. We are not possible to protect languages just with speeches. , he said.

Umanath Kotian, former Tulu Academy President inaugurated the exhibition hall while Pilikula Nisargadhama Director V Prasanna inaugurated the Food stalls.

Corporator Hemalatha Raghu Salian inaugurated the art gallery which displays paintings depicting the Tulunad history.

Several other dignitaries graced the inaugural function. Prior to the function a colourful procession depicting culture of Tulunad was taken out from Vamanjoor to the function venue. Mayor Kavitha Sanil inaugurated the procession.

Mohan Swamiji, Pontiff of Mudradi Matt , Dr . Chinnappa Gowda, Sathish Poojari, President, Billava Sangha , Dubai, Fr Cyprian Pinto, Parish Priest, Vamanjoor Church,  Corporator, Hariprasad , President, Moodushedde Grama Panchayat, Dr Rajesh Alva, Yogesh Shetty were present.