‘Tulupedia’ makers plan makeover as public contributions decline

Mangaluru: Started by electronics engineer Mahi Mulki along with local youths four years ago, Tulupedia is a web portal-based encyclopaedia featuring multi-dimensional information about Tulunadu.

However, the portal has seen few public contributions so far. The team is now redesigning the platform and adding new features to boost engagement and simplify contributions.

Mahi said the platform initially received encouraging feedback in its first year, with researchers and several others voluntarily coming forward to contribute content.

He said the number of contributors remained low despite having users, with language emerging as a major barrier since the portal is in English and many people are not fluent in it.

He added that the team had asked users to send content in Tulu or Kannada for translation and upload, but the initiative did not gain much response.

He also said that online searches related to the Tulu language and culture remain limited, affecting wider engagement with the portal.

Mahi said the team has completely rebuilt the portal, introducing several new features and significantly changing it from the version initially launched.

The features include options to read webpages in Tulu alongside English and an integrated Tulu dictionary.

He said the dictionary will provide English-to-Tulu and Tulu-to-Tulu options, with plans to later develop it as a separate platform while remaining integrated with Tulupedia.

He said that the updated portal will simplify contributions through direct login and signup options, replacing the earlier email-based submission process.

The team is also adding more information on reptiles, plants, animals and other subjects linked to Tulunadu.

Encouraging greater public participation, Mahesh said even small pieces of information can help build a valuable database for future generations.

Deepak Padukone, software architect of the portal, said the redesigned portal now features global search, smoother categorisation, animated and dynamic articles and SEO optimisation.