Udupi: Inaugural edition of Tulunad Conclave 2025 to be held on April 13
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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Karnataka's BioEconomy reaches USD 39.2 billion, says report
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka's BioEconomy has reached USD 39.2 billion in 2025, marking strong growth from previous years and reaffirming the state's leadership position nationally, according to an official report released on Monday.
The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), under the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, unveiled the Karnataka BioEconomy Report 2025 in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises.
The report that was released by IT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the state contributes around 21 per cent of India's BioEconomy and accounts for over 10 per cent of Karnataka's GSDP.
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According to the report, the BioEconomy has expanded from USD 31.0 billion in 2023, reflecting 26.5 per cent cumulative growth, and is now adding nearly USD 10 billion every quarter to the state's GDP.
BioPharma remains the anchor with over 40 per cent share (about USD 16.44 billion), driven by biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and diagnostics, it said.
"BioIndustrial biotechnology has emerged as the fastest-growing segment (about USD 11.46 billion, around 29 per cent share), led by fermentation-based industries, biofuels, enzymes and sustainable materials," the report stated.
BioServices accounts for about 25.8 per cent share, while BioAgri contributes to sustainable agriculture and input innovation, it added.
The report said BioEconomy growth is becoming increasingly multi-regional. While Bengaluru Urban accounts for about 54 per cent of the state's BioEconomy, Mysuru contributes around 8.7 per cent, while Belagavi and Dakshina Kannada together account for over 9 per cent. Northern districts remain the Agri-biotechnology belt.
As many as 218 new biotech startups were added in 2025, taking the cumulative total to 1,451 startups, with over 75 per cent focused on life sciences and health-tech. Bengaluru accounts for about 54 per cent of startups, it stated.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, the report stated that Karnataka attracted USD 1.14 billion across around 40 deals spanning BioPharma, MedTech, precision fermentation, digital health and AgriBio.
Minister Kharge said, "With our BioEconomy crossing USD 39 billion and contributing over 10 per cent to our GSDP, biotechnology is no longer confined to laboratories - it is now a central driver of economic growth, industrial innovation and societal impact."
He said that the state government's focus is on building a full-spectrum biomanufacturing economy by supporting deep-tech startups, strengthening innovation infrastructure, and ensuring that growth reaches beyond Bengaluru to every region of the state.
