Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Dec 10: The newly-formed Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) was inaugurated in the city on Friday December 10 evening.
The in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada Ramanath Rai inaugurated the BCCI by switching on a video highlighting the Beary culture.
Addressing the gathering, he said, "When it comes to doing business Beary community has the capability to do it on any scale. This chamber was the need of the community. This chamber has been constituted for the betterment of the community and I wish that it attains its goals.
"I have been personally attached to the community since childhood. If I have come so far in politics, it is mainly because of the Beary community," he added.
MLA of Mangaluru South constituency J R Lobo said, "Most of the merchants in the city belong to the Beary community. If business in Bunder has reached such heights today it is only because of this community.
"Mangaluru requires entrepreneurs from the Beary community more than any place. The entrepreneurs of Beary community who work in the Gulf and other countries must invest in the city so that youth of the city are employed here. This will be the best gift from all entrepreneurs towards their homeland," he said.
Minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader said, "The newly-formed chamber will not only benefit the community but also our country. If the people of other communities have respect and goodwill towards our community it is only because of the honesty and dedication of our ancestors.
"Beary people are the most hardworking people of this region. The chamber must organise many programmes to train and inspire the budding entrepreneurs," he said.
Delivering the keynote address, entrepreneur and eminent inspirational speaker Umar Teekay said, "Business in coastal Karnataka by the Bearys started even before the birth of Islam. We were one of the first communities to bring Islam in India.
"The first bank of Dakshina Kannda was founded by Khan Bahadur Haji Abdullah. In 1906 he had urged people to use the swadeshi goods and this was even before Mahatma Gandhi came back to India.
"When an individual develops and takes the path of collective development, only then can the community develop. Meaningful progress requires a good organization. I wish that this organization becomes responsible for the development of not only the community but our country as well."
Builder and entrepreneur Abdul Rauf Puthige was felicitated for his social service rendered through Talent Research Foundation.
President of the BCCI S M Rasheed welcomed the gathering and explained the importance of the chamber.
Mohammed Swaroop and Rafeeq Master compered the programme.
Chairman of Green Valley National School and PU College Syed Abdul Kader Bashu, chairman of Yenepoya Group Y Abdullah Kunhi and others were present.