Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, May 12: Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Ulipadiguthu inaugurated the Bantwal Taluk Beary Sahitya Sammelana (Beary Literary Conference) on Tuesday morning.
The conference, jointly organised by the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy and the Beary Sahitya Parishat, Bantwal, was held at the S S Auditorium, Aladka, Panemangalore. The venue featured the Marhoom Muhammad Maripalla Hall, the Marhoom Farooq Goodinabali Arch, and the Marhoom Haji G Abdul Khader Stage.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Rajesh Naik observed that the Beary language has become a language of daily use for everyone in the coastal region due to its deep integration with the local lifestyle and the strong bonds among the people.
Senior poet and singer Rahim B Surood presided over the Sammelana. In his presidential address, he highlighted the respect historically commanded by the Beary community. "It is the responsibility of the youth to uphold this legacy. Parents must impart moral values along with quality education to their children," he said.
He further stressed the need for institutional support for writers to preserve the language. "Writers need financial security to sustain themselves while contributing to literature. The government must introduce pension schemes for them. Let us love our mother tongue while respecting other languages like Tulu, Kannada, Urdu, and Konkani," he added.
Rahim B Surood also expressed concern over the declining use of the mother tongue among the educated and affluent sections. "It is hypocritical to speak English at home and expect writers to save the mother tongue. No matter how successful you become or where you live, never forget your mother tongue. Always speak it at home," he urged.
Beary Sahitya Academy president Umar U H presided over the programme. During the event, MLA Rajesh Naik released a Beary short story collection authored by Umairath Kumer.
Earlier, the Sammelana president was brought to the venue in a grand procession from near the Sri Sharada High School. Academy president Umar U H hoisted the flag.
The inaugural function was followed by a discussion on the president's address. A Beary poetry recitation session (Kavighoshti) was held in the afternoon, followed by the valedictory ceremony in the evening.
Former zilla panchayat vice-president M S Muhammad; Mohiuddin Educational Institutions, Thumbe, president B Abdul Salam Thumbe; Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) senate member Dr Mustafa Bastikodi; Bantwal Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Mumtaz H I; Sammelana Reception Committee president Muhammad Haneef Golthamajalu; general secretary P M Ashraf Panemangalore; treasurer Hamza Bastikodi; honorary advisor P Mohammed Rafiq; academy member convener Abubakker Anilakatte; and prominent figures including P A Rahim, Muhammad Ali, B S Muhammad, Abdul Latif Neralakatte, Tajuddin Ammunje, Khalid Ujire, and U Mustafa were present.
Beary Sahitya Parishat Bantwal president B M Abbas Ali welcomed the gathering. P M Ashraf anchored the programme.