Mangalore : The Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy in Mangalore held literary and cultural competitions at the Town Hall in the morning, and the valedictory function took place in the afternoon today (July 27).

Ullal MLA, U.T. Khadhar was the chief guest of the day. He spoke about the Beary language which is a mixture of Dravidian languages and had a historical life behind it. But there was a lot of scope for its development now, every Beary has the responsibility to use and develop this language. Beary people have to wake up to improve their culture in many ways, he stressed.

Sitaram Kulal, former Tulu Academy chief in his speech pointed out that there were few literary works in the Beary language, which means more and  more writers have to come forward and give a shape and direction to it in its expanse.

A bit of research into the arts and culture of Beary language won’t hurt the people. The traditional and new styles of music, dance (other than Duff) have to be shown on stage, Kulal stated.

The fourth issue of a Tri – monthly Magazine “Belkuri” was opened up by Ms. Chandrakala Nandavara (principal, Ganapathy Junior College, Mangalore) and released on the occasion.

She told the gathering that a language was man made, and needs community help to develop it, only then the foundation will be strong. The hard working Beary people have to take to modern living. They have to give importance to secular education as much as to religious learning. They should lead a balanced life as it comes, she felt.

B. Ibrahim, Ex-MP (RS), was present on the dais. M.B.Abdul Rehman, Beary Academy chairman, presided over the function. P. Muhamad thanked the gathering, Razak Kukkaje compered.