The Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy has announced its annual award for 2011. Ahmed Bava Bajal, Hamza Malar and Ismail Moodushedde have been chosen for the award in view of their contribution to the fields of Beary language, literature and culture.
Beary ethnic Muslim community concentrated mostly in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, with a population of 30 lakh, has its own unique traditions and distinct cultural identity.
According to academy chairman Rahim Uchil, the language has elements of Malayalam idioms, Tulu phonology, besides Kannada and Arabic. The language shot into national fame when a film by Suveeran won the best feature film award at the 59 national awards.
Announcing the sahitya academy awards at a press conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Uchil said that the honorary award comprises a purse of Rs. 10,000 and citation.
Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar would confer the awards on recipients on November 4 at a function at the Raveendra Kalashetra here. Minister for Kannada and Culture Govind Karjol would inaugurate the function.
Mr. Ahmed Bava Bajal has served the Beary community in various capacities, Mr. Uchil said.
Mr. Hamza Malar, a journalist, has written extensively in all genres of literature and has 32 published works to his credit.
Mr. Ismail Moodushedde is a noted playwright in Tulu and Beary languages. Besides directing plays, he has made films in Beary language, Mr. Uchil said.
