Mumbai: the entire Tulunadu, Tulu people and Tulu language have become household words in a national contest organised by Bombay Times, a Times of India publication, which conducted a contest for “Clean and Lear Fresh Face-2010”, and chose two Tulu girls, Naina P.Bhandary and Ashrita Shetty as India’s fresh faces and winners on Feb15. Naina happens to be the president of an outfit called “Chinnara Bimba” (Image of Tiny tots).
The final round of the novel contest was held in Feb.8, 2011. Awards were presented to the 2 winners Kempinski on Feb.15. Judges have put finalists through a rigorous test of the nerves, talents and intelligence, before picking the two ultimate winners from Tulu homes. Ashrita was the first runner-up (no.2), and Naina was after her on Jan.27, for college students rounds. Both emerged as final round winners! The contest lasted 6 months, involving thousands who cleared the first round only.