Mysuru: The fusion of Tulu, Kodava and Are Bhashe has added richness and depth to Kannada, underscoring the idea that within the Dravidian language family, there exists no hierarchy. Rather, only native expressions are rooted in their own soil.

This sentiment was at the heart of a panel discussion titled ‘Tulu-Kodava-Are Bhashe Kavithegala Sammilana,’ held as part of the Mysuru Literature Festival yesterday. The session featured Are Bhashe writer Tulasi Mohan, Tulu poet Akshata Raj and Kodava poet Vivek Aiyappa.

Each poet presented readings of their works in Kannada and their respective native languages, offering audiences a glimpse into the lyrical beauty of Kannada and its interconnected linguistic traditions.

Abdul Rashid, senior announcer at Mysuru Akashvani, observed that Kannada has taken root and flourished across various regions, and its flowers, he said, are languages like Tulu, Kodava and regional dialects.

He highlighted how, for Kodavas, exposure to multiple languages from birth fosters a deeper connection to Kannada and other native tongues.

He also noted that the Kannada script currently serves as the writing system for many of these languages, reinforcing Kannada’s foundational role in the broader linguistic ecosystem.

There was discussion about the growing momentum for officially recognising independent scripts for both Kodava and Tulu languages. If this recognition is granted in the near future, it would be a natural progression, speakers opined.

Akshata Raj emphasised the need to move beyond outdated ideas of linguistic superiority or inferiority. “Tulu, Kodava and Are Bhashe are not lesser. They are sibling languages to Kannada,” she stated, adding that all Dravidian languages deserve equal respect and recognition.