Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jul 31: The first-ever Beary-Kannada-English dictionary containing about 20,000 words was launched in a ceremony held at Town Hall here on Monday July 31.

Mysore University professor Dr Arvind Malagathi inaugurated the formal programme. Addressing the gathering, he said, "Destroying culture and language is like destroying the community. The publication of a dictionary to spread culture and language is not a small matter. Dictionary is like a lifeline of the community. Plethora of knowledge can be built with the help of a dictionary.

"This dictionary reflects the ethos of equality. The love for Kannada is evident here. Above all, the dictionary plays a major part in preserving the language," said Dr Malagathi.

Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai released the Beary-Kannada-English dictionary and conveyed his best wishes.

Retired chancellor and head of the advisory committee of the dictionary professor B A Vivek Rai said, "This Beary dictionary is not just a book but a reflection of the rich language and culture of the land. By making the dictionary accessible online, Beary language has elevated to international levels. Though it is a regional language, it will make its mark in international circles.

"I have read 20,000 words in this dictionary, and I am the first person not belonging to the Beary community to have read them. Love should be fostered through language. The work of preparing a dictionary plays a major part in the preservation of the language. This is a continuous process, so it will not be surprising if the dictionary gets revised in next five years," he said.

Academy president B A Mohidin Bava, MLA J R Lobo, mayor Kavita Sanil, state cashew development corporation president B H Khader, Mangaluru taluk panchayat president Mohammed Monu, MUDA former president Ibrahim Kodijal were present as guests of honour.

Journalist B M Hanif briefed about the dictionary. Minister U T Khader released 'Belkiri' special edition.

Professor B A Vivek Rai, Journalist B M Hanif, retired Professor Surendra Rao and Rohara Abbas who worked on Beary dictionary advisory committee and English translation were felicitated on the occasion.

Beary dictionary editor professor B M Ichlamgod, assistant editor B A Samshuddin Madikeri, Abdul Rehman Kuthethooru were honoured on the occasion.

Mohammed Ijaz Ullal, Khatheejamma Razeemath, Dinaker D Bangera and Harish who helped in bringing out the dictionary were also felicitated.

Yenepoya Public School student Mohammed Shamil Harshad and Sauda Ashraf were felicitated for their achievements in sports. New registrar Chandrahas Rai B was also honoured on the occasion.

Inter-district Duff sports and 'Kolkali' were held as part of cultural programme. Rashid Nandavar and his team entertained the audience with songs.

Academy registrar Chandrahasa R B welcomed. Convener Abdul Lathif Neralakatte proposed the vote of thanks. B A Mohammed Ali compered the programme.