Mangaluru Cops to Learn Tulu in 20-Day Workshop, Boost Community Ties

As of October 25th, 2025, the Special Action Force (SAF) in Mangaluru is set to undergo a 20-day workshop to learn the Tulu language. The SAF was established earlier this year by the home minister to specifically address communal conflicts and riots in the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts.

The workshop, organized by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, will teach the Tulu language and cultural heritage to nearly 100 SAF personnel, the majority of whom are from other districts and lack proficiency in Tulu. The initiative was taken following the interest shown by the commissioner of police, Sudheer Kumar Reddy, to introduce the local culture and language to the SAF team.

The classes will be held at the conference hall of the city police commissionerate, with experts from the academy providing instruction. The book 'Tulu Kend Patherd Odud Bared Kalpule - Learn Tulu Naturally' will be used as the primary reference material. The commissioner himself is also learning Tulu with the help of a dictionary, demonstrating his commitment to better communication with the local community.

In addition to teaching the Tulu language, the workshop will also introduce the SAF personnel to the cultural aspects of Tulu Nadu, including folk arts, Daivaradhane, Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Nagaradhane, and traditional practices that promote communal harmony in the region.

The Tulu language workshop is a proactive step by the Mangaluru police to bridge the cultural divide and strengthen community ties, ensuring the SAF is better equipped to address local issues and maintain peace in the region.