Dubai : World Beary Convention Kicks off in Style
by Shodhan Prasad
Pics by Harish V Kamath Vitla
Daijiworld Media Network - UAE
Dubai, Apr 3: BCF UAE kicks-off their much awaited ‘World Beary Convention & Chammana 2010 an annual mega cultural event at Zabil Ball Room, Radisson Blu Hotel, Creek Side, Dubai a two day event on 2nd & 3rd the
The programme started around 3.30 pm with prayer and continued with variety cultural programmes including live singing, recitations, skit and dances. There were spot games as well. The Arabic dance stole the hearts of the audience which was repeated again after few more guests arrived.
Beary is a Muslim ethnic community originated from the coastal part of the state of Karnataka in India. It is believed that around 1350 years ago the Arab Traders the now called Bearys came to India and adopted the culture of Tulu nadu and settled in the coastal part of Karnataka. People of Tulunadu got attracted to the teaching of Islam and accepted the religion and converted themselves by their own will. Also it is learnt that the Arab traders at that time got married to the local women, settled in Tulunadu and started civilization in that part of the world. The first missionaries traced are the one built by Malik Bin Deenar an Arab trader said to be the kith and kin of Sahaba (companion of Prophet Mohammed) pbuh. He was said to have visited Malabar and visited Manjeshwar and constructed the first mosque called Malik Dinar Mosque.
Also the Masjid Zeenath Baksh known as Jumma Masjid or ‘Beliye Palli’ in Bunder is said to be established in Mangalore by Habib bin Malik in 644 AD and the first Qazi appointed was Hazarath Moosa bin Malik son of Malik Bin Abdallah. This mosque was inaugurated on Friday the 22nd of the month of Jumadil Awwal (fifth month of Islamic calendar) in 22nd of Hijri (644 AD). There is still a proof that Islam was prevelant in South India before the invasion in North India by Allaudin Khilji in the year 1296 AD.
Another important thing to remember is that Ullala’s Raani Abbakka during her reign had appointed specially Bearys for contraction of a dam at Malali. And the Portuguese lost their dominance during the rule of Hyder Ali & Tippu Sultan in Mysore and Beary Muslims received royal patronage during this time. It is commendable that Bearys in huge numbers participated in India’s freedom struggle and have even lost their lives in this struggle for independence against invasion by both Portugal and British.
Bearys have their own language which is adopted from the place of their dwelling. In north Karnataka they speak a mixture of Konkani & Maapilla called ‘Nawayaths’ while in south Karnataka they speak a mixture of Tulu & Malayalam called ‘Mapilla Malyalam or Mangalore Malayalam’. However there are some words influenced by Arabic like Saan, Pinhana, Gubbusu, Dabbusu, Pattir, Rakkasi, Seintaan etc. Bearys have brought out numerous lyrics and songs in Beary Baasha. They have their own ghazals called Mapilla Paats. Unfortunately modern beary do not know their own folk songs sung by their ancestors. Several beary folk games also vanished with time. The first beary film was produced by B.S. Gangadhara in October 2008 which was written & directed by Rahim Uchil along with Prakash Padubidri. The music was composed by Ravindra Prabhu.
Beary Cultural Forum (BCF) UAE was constituted under the auspices of the Indian Islamic Centre, Dubai in order to provide education to the poor masses of the coastal parts of the State of Karnataka. BCF’s main objective is to promote education and create social, cultural and educational awareness amongst the Bearys and the down trodden population of the coastal Karnataka State and the UAE. The BCF regularly conducts cultural, sports, sports, talent search, educational activities, career guidance, seminars, Iftar party etc., 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. BCF is now committed to conduct “World Beary Convention & Chammana 2010” in Dubai which started this day with full support of the community members. The first convention was also held in Dubai in the year 2006 under the same banner.
Though there were not much of cultural activities, people enjoyed every bit of it. But the live drama called ‘Angallappu’ well enacted by the talented members with the background setting of a canteen called ‘KK Canteen’ was one to be remembered. Also the song with shadow effect gave the audience a good feeling of the lyrics behind it.
Welcome of the guests were done by traditional dafli players (members of Muslim Association Kundapur) inviting them on to the stage. The first day’s programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest of Honour H.E. Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India, Dubai. There was a long list of guests invited including mainly Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition, Govt. of Karnataka, Krishna J. Palemar, Minister of Environment, Govt. of Karnataka, C.M. Ibrahim, Former Civil Aviation Minister, Qushro Qureshi, Chairman, Karnataka State Minority Commission, U.T. Khader, MLA Karnataka, Mumtaz Ali, B. Ahmed Hajee, Abdul Rahman, G.A. Bava, Moideen Bawa, Ibrahim and many more including local guests and Presidents of various Associations of Karnataka in UAE. Also there were members of various Media and other social activists.
Ocean Kids another item, Michael Jackson dance stole the heart of the crowd as one of the Chief Guest Minister of Environment, Govt. of Karnataka Krishna J. Palemar entered the auditorium.
All the guests were called upon on to the stage for felicitation. The first one to be felicitated was H.E. Sanjay Varma, Consul General of India in Dubai who spoke nicely in return to the felicitation. He shared his nice moments of life in Mumbai and spoke about his earlier life in India. His speech was very well applauded by the whole crowd.
Next was U.T. Khader, MLA of Karnataka Assembly who shared his light moments in the programme which was welcomed by big round of applause by the audience. He said he is lucky to be part of this evening and that too his first visit to Dubai. Followed was a felicitation to Dr. Azad Moopan with the best Bearys outstanding personality award. Dr. Moopen spoke in return to the award and thanked the BCF for felicitation.
Then was felicitation to Zafarulla Khan of Zain International who played the National Anthem via mobile phone. He spoke very well on the Bearys objectives and good things they have been doing plus also requested the Members of the Karnataka Cabinet to respect and endorse this. Next was B. Zakaria who was felicitated for his outstanding work as NRI. He was honoured with Shawl and Platinum award by Siddaramaiah, Leader of the opposition, Karnataka Assembly.
Hassan Darvish, Chairman of Darvish Credibilty was also felicitated by Krishna J. Palemar Followed by felicitation to Syed Khalil of Galadari Group & Dubai Indian Islamic Centre by Qureshi of Minority Commission, Govt. of Karnataka.
Later Thumbay Moideen was felicitated whose award has been received by Ahmed Haji in the absence of Thumbay.
Followed was a felicitation to Krishna J. Palemar by Dr. B.K. Yousuf, Zafarulla Khan & Syed Khalil with shawl, momento and flower. In return while thanking BCF, he spoke fluently in Kannada and praised BCF for their deeds towards their community. He said that today Bearys have lifted their image in the society and has contributed in large to the society. He spoke about Beary Academy which was formed by the Government and had many programmes. He also promised about Beary Bhavan allotment of 10 acres of land in Mangalore by Karnataka Government a gift to Bearys. He said that Government has released Rs.208 crores for the minority affairs this year.
J. K. Rao, Lions Club Governor was also felicitated; later Haji Mumtaz Ali of Beary Parishad was also felicitated by BCF. Sudhir Shetty of UAE Exchange was felicitated by Muloor and Abu Salih. Mark Fernandes of Sharjah Karnataka Sangha was also felicitated. Sarvotham Shetty of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha was felicitated by Altaf & Latif Mulki. K. Kumar of Indian Association Dubai was felicitated by Ibrahim, Shaada & Ummer Beary
Zafarulla Khan & Syed Khalil felicitated Siddaramaiah with standing ovation by all the audience in respect to his image. He addressed the public very nicely inspite of his bad throat. He shared about his visits to Bearys associations elsewhere in Karnataka but said the good deed done by BCF in Dubai really needs to be applauded. He also mentioned that these type of convention should also be held in other parts of the world. He said that the people of the coastal areas of Karnataka can be seen throughout the world because of their interest towards education which is unlike with people of other areas of Karnataka. He praised BCF on their objectives towards educating their community. He assured his support in this cause through the Government of Karnataka. He also clearly mentioned that the announcement done by Palemar was wrong and said that only Rs. 43 crores was only released by the present Government though they have spoken about Rs.208 crores allotment. He promised his full support in the upliftment of the backward classes in Karnataka at all times.
Chairman of Minority Commission, Government of Karnataka Al Haj Qushro Qureshi was honoured by B.K. Yousuf, Syed Khalil, C.M. Ibhraim, Zafrulla Khan with bouquet, momento and shawl. Qureshi spoke on the occasion and praised BCF for the good work they are doing for the community. Followed by felicitation for Social Purpose to G.A. Bawa President of Bearys Bangalore by Hanif, Aataulla, Nawaz, Iqbal & B.K. Yousuf. Later Bearys Human Service Award, was presented to Chaarmady Rajabba & Hassanabba which was received by Mohd. Uchil in their absence.
Leadership Award was presented to President of Karnataka Minority Cell Moideen Bhava by Siddaramaiha , Ibrahim, Zafarulla Khan, Qushro Qureshi. Bearys Lyricst award went to Hanif Periliya presented by B. Ibrahim. Bearys Literature award went to Ibrahim Thannirbhavi presented by Siddaramaiah. Bearys Young Enterprenaur award went to Salim Altaf. Beary Presidential Award 2010 went to B.K. Yousuf presented by Siddaramiah, Kushro, Syed Khalil, Noor Mohd & C.M. Ibrahim.
Bearys Singer Award went to M.B. Akbar presented by Qushro while the Media Award was presented to Vartha Bharathi and Daijiworld.com by Siddaramaiah.
Social Work Award went to Abdul Latif Mulki, Shaad Mohd & U.H. Ummer while Special Recognition award for women went to Shenaz & Mrs. Kasim. Suhail Anwar was honoured for Academic excellency in Mangalore and awarded Young Talent Award. Special Award to B.M. Farouq presented by Yousuf, Siddaramiah and Zafrulla Khan. T.M. Shahid and M.V. Noor Mohd of Karnataka Congress Minority Cell were also presented with special award.
Special Awards were presented to B. Ibrahim of Vijaya Bank Mangalore, Mohd Haris of Mukka Sea Food while Abdul Majid Suralpady and Asif of Amaco from Coastal Digest were honoured with flower bouquet. Special Award were presented to Rahim Uchil of Beary Acadamey, Zeenat Bakhs Yateem Khana Mangalore while Suleman Beary was honoured with Bouqet. Special Award was also presented to Praveen Shetty & Ravish Gowda of Fortune Hotel, Abu Bhacker, Director Golden Hills, Shivanand Hebbar of Swiss Perfumes, Tayyaba, Hanif, Dr. Mayabba, Sharif of Kushi Transport, K.R. Tantry of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Noel D Almeida, President of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Mohan Attavar, President of Billawas Dubai & N.E., B.G. Mohandas, Ex-President of Karnataka Sangha Dubai & MD of Gulf Kannadiga, Hani Perliya, while M.E. Moolur & Abu Salih Enterprenaur Award. Abu Bhacker of Dwani was presented award while Shodhan Prasad of Nama Thuluveru was also presented with Special Award.
Ex Civil Aviation Minister C.M. Ibrahim spoke brilliantly and made the audience wake up. His was a floating speech spiced with humour liked by one and all who wanted more from him. He covered most of the areas from Politics to Religion and from Society to Culture with his vast knowledge of the subject he spoke. He promised to continue his speech the next day of the convention. Ibrahim was felicitated by all the invitees on the stage.
Dr. Kaup Mohamed, General Secretary of the BCF hosted the award ceremony of the day with great capacity while he was assisted by other members in the cultural part.
On the whole one should appreciate the hard work behind the preparation, the support of the members of BCF including Dr. B.K. Yousuf, M.E. Moolur, Saleem Althaf, Aboosalih, Latif Mulki, Kaup Mohamed, Iqbal Mepha, Nawaz Kotekar, Tanveer, Ibrahim Beary, Ataullah, Haneef Kaup, Zakaria Bajpe, Mumtaz Ali, K.S. Shekkabba, A.R. Beary, Ibrahim Dubai, Abdul Kareem, Amurruddin, Afeeq, Rehman Sajpa, Habeeb Adoor, Ibrahim Gadiyar, Razak Dewa, Ashraf Satikar, Monakka, Haneef Perliya, Usman Moolur, M.B. Akbar, Ibrahim Karnad, Shahada Noor, Humayun, Tayyeb Hussain, Abdul Hameed Uchil, Habib Adoor, Sajpa and all the ladies of these members who actively supported back door.
A sumptuous buffet dinner was served and the programme concluded with vote of thanks by Shahada Mohammed, Vice President of BCF.
The second day programme is going to be held on Saturday at the same venue from 5.30 pm onwards. The programme as scheduled will have a varied speeches by distinguished panel of speakers including Hon. Janab Sheikhuna A.P. Abubacker Musliar Kantapuram, the Honarary General Secretary of All India Sunni Jama Iyyatul Ulema. There will be “Colloquium on Beary Literature & other contemporary academic and industry research. Topics will also include importance of Islamic Education, Role of Women in the development of the new economy, overview of Beary literature, role of Karnataka State in the development of Indian economy etc.