Udupi (Katpadi): The inaugural edition of Tulunad Conclave – 2025, organized by the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation, is all set to take place on April 13 at the Saptapadi Auditorium, Vishwanatha Kshetra, Katpadi.

The one-day conclave, running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, is a landmark effort to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the Tulu language, literature, and cultural heritage among future generations.

Scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and language activists from across the Tulu-speaking belt—from Kasaragod to Udupi—will gather for in-depth discussions on various aspects of Tulu identity, including its folklore, literary tradition, and the long-standing campaign for official recognition of Tulu.

The foundation, which has been at the forefront of promoting the Tulu script, will also unveil several new books written in Tulu script during the event. This follows the successful publication of six Tulu-script books by the foundation in the previous year.

A major highlight of the conclave will be the official launch of Mallige, a Unicode-compatible ASCII Tulu font developed by Prahlad P. Tantri, along with a dedicated Tulu Unicode keyboard layout.

In an effort to unify efforts for Tulu’s constitutional recognition, a high-profile panel discussion will bring together political leaders, cultural figures, and language advocates. The panel will deliberate on strategic approaches to strengthen the Tulu identity at political, institutional, and grassroots levels.

The cultural richness of Tulunad will also be on vibrant display. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the audience will be treated to traditional Tulu cultural performances, including a much-anticipated act by the acclaimed Kemmanu Sisters.

A special segment titled Tulunadu Javanere Samavesha (Youth Conclave of Tulunad), presided over by Mahi Mulki, President of the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation, will focus on engaging the younger generation in the Tulu movement.

A Tulu book fair will run throughout the day, and the foundation will also honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Tulu language and culture with its prestigious Sadhana Puraskara.

Adding to the significance of the day, the official website of the Tulu Cultural Research Foundation will be launched, providing a digital platform to support its ongoing initiatives.

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Panaji (PTI): Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, were brought to Goa from Delhi on Wednesday after being deported from Thailand in connection with the December 6 fire incident that killed 25 persons.

They will be interrogated by the Goa Police in connection with the devastating fire at the nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, an official said.

A team of the Goa Police, along with the Luthra brothers, landed at the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, in North Goa at 10.45 am.

ALSO READ: Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers deported from Thailand, taken into police custody

They are likely to be taken to the Anjuna police station for questioning. The accused will also be produced before a court in Mapusa town for their regular remand, the official said.

After the fire tragedy, the Anjuna police had registered a case against the Luthra brothers on various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The Luthra brothers were arrested on Tuesday as soon as they landed in Delhi after being deported from Thailand. A court there allowed the Goa Police their two-day transit remand.

The duo had fled to Phuket (Thailand) early on December 7, hours after the fire at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and cancel their passports.

They were detained by Thai authorities at Phuket on December 11 following a request from the Indian government, which later coordinated with officials in Thailand to deport them under legal treaties between the two nations.

Five managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the fire.