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While it is possible to pursue a PhD in subjects related to Tulu under the Kannada department at Mangalore University and other institutions, the absence of a dedicated Tulu department means that students cannot write their PhD dissertations in the Tulu language using Kannada script. To date, 81 students have graduated with a Master’s in Tulu from the university’s Tulu postgraduate department, which was established to promote studies in Tulu language, culture, folklore, and history. Many of these graduates are keen to pursue a PhD in Tulu, but the lack of a dedicated Tulu department limits their opportunities.
According to Subhashchandra Kanwatirtha, president of the Tulu MA Alumni Association, “The government has yet to officially recognize the Tulu script. We have long been urging the university and the government to allow students to pursue a PhD in Tulu under the Kannada department. However, the first step must be to establish a dedicated Tulu department.”
Prashanthi Shetty Irvailu, a faculty member of the Tulu MA program, points out that “It has been reported that two individuals have completed their PhD in Tulu at Kuppam University. If they can offer this opportunity, why not Mangalore University?”
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Tulu was first introduced in the primary school curriculum from grades 6 to 10 in 2007. Due to strong advocacy from the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Mangalore University launched a postgraduate Tulu department in 2018 at its constituent Hampankatta Evening College. The vision was to expand Tulu education at the college level, provided qualified Tulu lecturers could be recruited.
Challenges facing the Tulu MA program
The Tulu postgraduate department is facing challenges this academic year (2024-25) due to a significant hike in tuition fees, which has resulted in a decline in student enrollment. Initially, the annual fee for the MA Tulu program was around ₹15,000, but after student requests, it was reduced to ₹4,000 in the 2020-21 academic year. However, this year, the fee has been increased to ₹22,410, discouraging many prospective students from enrolling.
Official Approval Required for PhD Program
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma stated, “Although research on Tulu-related topics can be conducted under the Kannada department, for a PhD program in the Tulu language itself, a dedicated Tulu department must be established, and this requires official government approval. Without this approval, offering a PhD in Tulu is not possible.”