Media Release
Dubai, May 17: Bearys Cultural Forum (BCF) and Trust - Mangaluru conducted 'World Beary Convention 2017' and Gulf Region's first 'Beary Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2017' at the Great Grand Ball Room of Le Meridien Hotel, UAE. The mission of World Beary Convention 2017 was to create and promote an integrated value chain contribution of distinct arts, values and culture of Bearys and their contribution to the State of Karnataka with a strategic view of understanding the values and beliefs of the diverse linguistic and ethnic Muslim community.
'Beary' is a Muslim Ethnic community that has originated from the coastal parts of the state of Karnataka in India. Bearys Cultural Forum (BCF) Trust was set up to provide education to the poor masses of the coastal parts of the state of Karnataka. BCF’s main objective is to promote, educate and create social, cultural and educational awareness amongst the Bearys and the downtrodden population of the coastal Karnataka State and the UAE. BCF regularly conducts cultural, sports, talent search, educational activities, career guidance seminars, Iftar party and many other activities every year. BCF also provides educational scholarships to the poor downtrodden students for pursuing their higher studies in the field of medicine, engineering, pharmacy, business, management, nursing, journalism, dentistry etc.
Karnataka is the southern state in India having varied and distinct blends of art, culture and heritage. This state has diverse linguistic and religious ethnicity with a long history of cultural heritage of the state. The state is engulfed with traditional folk art covering the gamut of music, dance, dreams, storytelling etc. Similarly 'Beary' is also a Muslim ethnic community originated from the coastal parts of the state of Karnataka and its culture and heritage are also a known contribution to the state's heritage, sovereignty and culture. Bearys Cultural Forum was constituted in order to provide educational scholarships to poor Kannadiga students. It is also involved in conducting Islamic lectures, quizzes and Iftar function; promoting the Bearys heritage and culture and also applauding other Kannadiga cultures; felicitating the learned and distinguished delegates from the world arena; enhancing the knowledge of Islamic values and principles; building a career path and providing placements; fostering and providing a platform to talented people in the field of literature, arts, sports and culture.
Zafarullah Khan, chief zdvisor, BCF and chairman, Zain Group of Hotels was the governor of the World Beary Convention. Dr B K Yusuf, president of BCF presided over the function. Abdul Latif Mulky was the chairman of the organising committee of the Bearys World Beary Convention. M B Akbar was the chairman of the cultural sub committee and Usman Moolur was the chairman of stage and infrastructural committee. M E Moolur, vice president was chairman of the media relations committee. Saleem Altaf was responsible for ushering the guests. Latif Puttur was responsible for the technological work. Several of the BCF executive members such as Riyaz, Nawaz, Iqbal Mepha, Mr. Samad, Mr. Sajpa, Mr. Gafoor, Mr. Rafique and several others including Dr. Kaup & Ladies Wing President Mrs. Mumtaz and its ladies members assisted in completing the programme in a grand way.
The Bearys Cultural Exhibition was inaugurated by Dr B K Yusuf and the other guests. The Bearys cultural heritage exhibition exhibited around 200 items of olden and ancient era of the Bearys using various items including paintings and were also supported by the Beary food exhibition. The cultural programme started with a Quran recitation by Nazeem Ahmed Moolur followed by an introductory song by M B Akbar. The cultural programme was compered jointly by Iqbal Mepha, M B Akbar and Usman Moolur. The kids performed a fancy dress competition and fashion show which were loudly applauded by the public. There was a dance performance by BCF kids as well as a dance performance by the kids and male adult members of Ocean Kids. A variety of entertainment programmes were performed during the cultural programme as Duff, group dance, Arabic Dance, Kol Kali, Qawali, solo songs etc. Tea and snacks were served during the programme.
The stage and felicitation function commenced in the evening with a Quran recitation by Hawa Naseema U T Khader, daughter of the minister U T Khader. Dr Kaup Mohamed, general secretary delivered the welcome address and presented the objectives and mission statement of the World Beary Convention. Shafi Saadi, member of the Wakf Board, Government of Karnataka conducted Dua and wished the BCF a grand success in its endeavour.
M E Moolur, vice president of BCF introduced BCF and expressed his gratitude to all for gracing the function by their presence. He said that it is the BCF that gave an identity to Beary ethnicity at international level. Briefing about the achievements of BCF, he informed that so far 13,000 poor Kannadiga students, irrespective of caste or creed, have received scholarships from BCF. He also informed that the basic tagline of BCF is – the message of universal brotherhood from Holy Quran which says 'Allah has created men and divided them into different castes, tribes and groups so that they live peacefully on earth.
Abdul Latif Mulky, VP and chairman, organising committee thanked all the committee members for their support. He thanked BCF for giving him an opportunity to serve the community as the chairman of this programme. He gave a brief description of the past activities of BCF and quoted the famous words from Prophet Mohammed SAS 'Allah’s blessings are always present where there is unity'.
Dr B K Yusuf, delivered the presidential address. He thanked all the guests and the gathering for sparing their time to attend the programme. He gave a brief narration on how BCF was established 16 years ago. Quoting the Surah from Quran, he said that Allah has given a beautiful promise to mankind in the Quran- 'Allah will surely reward those who do good work. The result of goodness is always good'. Our experience in BCF has realized this fact to us. He further said that the beauty of BCF is
its unity among the members in rendering selfless service to society. He appealed to all to support BCF in its endeavor for the betterment of the poor mass. He emphasized on the Quranic message which says 'Allah will help only those who helps themselves. Dr B K Yusuf was conferred with an Award of Felicitation.
Zafarulla Khan, the governor of the event delivered an enlightening speech to the audience. He said that we must be proud Kannadigas and Indians. He also mentioned that our religious identities are our personal matter and when it comes to our states or countries' interests we must broaden our concept of ideologies and always put national interest first. He praised BCF for its wonderful service to society. Zafarullah Khan was conferred with an Award of Felicitation.
N A Haris, the member of Legislative Assembly from Bengaluru admired the selfless service of BCF. He said that BCF is striving for the development of society in various fields such as education, culture and other social work. He felt delighted to attend this great programme and thanked BCF for inviting him as a special guest of honor.
Moideen Bawa, MLA expressed his pleasure for having a close relationship with the BCF and all its activities. He applauded BCF for showcasing the rich culture and humanistic traditions of Bearys in the international arena. By citing an example of an Akbar Birbal story, he narrated how every Kannadiga is impressed by the great social service of BCF.
U T Khader, minister for food supplies and consumer affairs, Government of Karnataka admired BCF for its consistent social service since many years. Khader singled out and praised BCF's scholarship programme. He elaborated the quality of mutual love, unity and steadfastness of Kannadigas in general and Beary’s in particular and highlighted the sincere patriotism and simple lifestyle of this community. He promised as the representative of people, he will leave no stone unturned to see that his people will get their dues and support from the government's development schemes.
Dr B R Shetty, chairman of the NMC spoke about his family connection with the Beary community. Dr Shetty elaborated his devotion on a 'Auliya' in Kaipunjal and his emotional attachment to this Dargah. He mentioned about his involvement with BCF right from its inception. He expressed his belief on interfaith communication and praised BCF for its commitment on social responsibility.
Faridah Ajmal, a social worker and wife of Fakruddin Ajmal stressed on the importance of humanity and compassion in day to day life. In her beautiful and well orated presentation, she warned that everybody has to visit their final home, the grave, one day. She said that as per Prophet’s teachings, even a smile to the other is a charity. She advised everyone to be human by being kind to others.
Syed Shafiulla Saheb, the VP - Karnataka Pradesh Janata Dala (secular) and national speaker of Janata Dal Secular spoke about the unique culture of India where unity in diversity is a part of daily life. He also mentioned that he had heard about the cultural richness of Beary Community but today he experienced it.
Tanveer Ahmadullah, the national speaker of JDS emphasised on the need for unity and coordination in social service. He applauded BCF for its relentless effort in upliftment of backward class.
Zaid Zafarulah Khan, son of Zafarullah Khan Mandya thanked all the members of BCF especially Dr Yusuf, M E Moolur, Latif Mulky, Dr Kaup and all of its members for nominating him to the Young Entrepreneurship Award. Zaid also applauded the qualities of his father and said that his contribution to the society is immense. He also said that this is his first award after becoming an entrepreneur.
The following prestigious awards were conferred during the World Beary Convention 2017 :
Karnataka Life Time Achievement Award
(Padmashree Dr B R Shetty)
Zakir Ahmed Mohd Sulaiman, Bahrain
(Award of Commemoration and Appreciation)
N A Haris
Member of Legislative Assembly
(Award of Commemoration and Appreciation)
Dr U T Iftekar
(Award of Appreciation)
Bearys Lifetime Achievement Award
(B Ahmed Haji Moideen Thumbay)
M B Noor Mohamed
(Commemorative Award of Felicitation)
Zain Zafarullah Khan
(Young Entrepreneurship Award)
Farida Ajmal
(Humanitarian Service and Charity Award)
Educational Empowerment Award
(Dakshina Karnataka Sunni Centre)
Karnataka Islamic Centre
(Award for Moral Development)
Karnataka Excellence in Arts and Culture Award
(Karnataka Sangha Sharjah)
Award of Excellence in Hospitality and Educational Services
(Varda Raj Shetty)
Award for Social Development in Karnataka
(C A Sayed Khalil)
Award for Humanitarian Service to Society 2017
(Noorain Fayz Latif C/O Darvesh)
Ashraf Palara Kunnumal Thamarasherry
(Award of Appreciation and Commemoration 2017)
Award of Appreciation was conferred during the World Beary Convention 2017:
Zafarullah Khan, chairman, Zain International Group Of Hotels, UAE, chief adviser, CF and national secretary, JDS
Dr B K Yusuf, president, BCF
U T Khader, minister for food and civil supplies and consumer affairs, Government of Karnataka
N A Haris, MLA
Moideen Bawa, MLA Mangaluru North Karnataka State
Syed Shafiulla Saheb, vice president, Karnataka Pradesh Janata Dala (secular)
Tanveer Ahmed Ullah, national spokesperson, JDS
Vipul, consul general of India-Dubai, UAE
Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder president, Thumbay Group and founder patron, BCF
Hassan Darvesh, chairman Darvesh Group and BCF ambassador
Praveen Shetty, president, KNRI Forum - UAE and chairman, Fortune Group of Companies
M A Gafoor, chairman, minority commission Of Karnataka
Dr Amer Awadh Salim Al Rawas, CEO of Tasneea Oil and Gas Technology Group, Oman
Mumtaz Ali, patron – BCF
Innayat Ali, trustee, BCF and chairman, Ocean Constructions
Dr U T Iftekar
S Shareef, managing director, Grand Plaza Hotel Mangaluru
M K Abdul Khader, MD, Emkay Enterprises
Umer U H, chairman, Career Guidance Centre
Fakhruddin Ajmal, chairman, Ajmal Group
Sajjad Khan, chairman Xotic Ventures
Rizwan Ullah Khan, executive president, Glass, Dubai
Fathatullah Saheb Thonse, chairman Barsha international and advisor, BCF
Arun Karyappa, chairman, Kaveri Group
Mohammed Sadiq Behlim, director, Almusallas Contracting Company Dubai
Shabeer Hussain, GM-Tiffany
Aboosalih, chairman, Nafees Group
Bearys Welfare Forum, AbuDhabi - Mohd Ali Uchi, president
Karnataka Islamic Centre
Karnataka Cultural Forum UAE
Bilwas Dubai - Satish Poojari
Mangalore Konkans
Dar Al Noor Education Centre
Al Qadisa Education Centre
Shamsul Ulema Arabic college
Markazul Huda Educational Centre
Ansariya Yatheem Khana, Sulliy
Shaan Tourism
Zhumino Group
London American City College & Madonna University
Nasir Hussain Syed, Creative House, Dubai.
A kids' fancy dress competition was held. Fathima Tahseen and Afhaan Aboobaker were the winners. In the kids' fashion show, Reeha Zainab and Abdul Raseem were the winners.
The event was sponsored by the following organisations:
1. Zafarullah Khan from Mandya and chairman of Zin Interational and governer of Bearys world convention 2017
2. Dr B K Yusuf, former director, MEPHA and chairman, Radiance Akmas LLC and First Fit Health Newsletter
3. Ajmal Group of companies
4. Thumbay Group
5. Darvesh Group
6. Sajjad Khan, chairman, Equinox Global and Exotic Trading
7. Rizvanullah Khan, executive president, Glass UAE
8. Shaan Tourism
9. Zhumino Group
10. Abdul Latif Mulky - Max Care International Trading Co LLC
11. London American city College and Madonna University
12. Fathaullah Saheb Tonse, chairman, Barsha International
13. Arun Karyappa, chairman, Kaveri Group
14. Mohammed Saddiq Behlim, director, Almusallas Contracting Co, Dubai
15. Sabeer Hussain, director – Tiffany Group
16. Nasir Hussain Syed, Creative House, Dubai
17. Zuber Khan Kudla – Ocean Kids Academy
18. Raj Shetty chairman and MD, Ramee Group of Hotels, Resorts and Apartment
19. Milano Optics Groups Dubai
20. Praveen Shetty, Chairman and MD Fortune Group of Hotels
21. Mohamed Mushtaque, managing director Modern Group, UAE
22. Mohammed Sadiq Behlim, Chairman Al Musallas Building Constructions LLC
23. Rizwanulla Khan, executive president Emirates Glass
Saleem Altaf, the advisor proposed the vote of thanks to Dr Yusuf, Zafarullah Khan, U T Khader, Haris, Moideen Bawa and all the delegates, members, audience and ladies and kids including the hotel staff members and others. A delicious buffet dinner was offered after the World Beary Convention 2017 and Bearys Cultural Exhibition. At the end of the dinner, the audience took photographs along with the distinguished delegates from India, UAE and abroad.