Mangaluru: District-In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai, speaking at Beary Samskrithika Sambhrama promised to extend support for the construction of Beary Bhavana in Mangaluru, to promote Beary literature and cultural activities.

The programme was organised to felicitate newly inducted President of Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy here on Tuesday.

The previous academy president and members had striven hard for the construction of Beary Bhavana. The required support would be extended for making their dream of Beary Bhavana a reality, he said.

“After the academy was formed, the respect for Beary language has increased. Dakshina Kannada is known for Tulu, Beary, Konkani, Arebhashe and Yakshagana Academy centers. There were objections for giving priority to Dakshina Kannada while appointing president of the Beary Academy. This year, different parts of the state have been given representation while appointing president and members of the academy,’ he said.

Rai said that many members of the Muslim community belonging to Bantwal Assembly constituency have been supporting him in the elections. “Nobody should have doubt on my stand on secularism. Those who have been opposing me never call me a communal. Instead, they allege that I have been supporting Muslims, which indicates my stand on secularism.”

Academy President Karambaru Mohammed presided over the programme. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader, Chief Whip of the Government in Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza, former minister B A Moideen, MLAs J R Lobo, Abhayachandra Jain, Mohiuddin Bava and others were present.