The Beary Sammelan was inaugurated here on Saturday with the release of five books published by the academy.
They included the publication of Beary scholar and academy member Sushila P. Upadhaya's book “Beary Language” in English and Kannada; Beary scholar and academy member B.M. Ichlangodu's book “The Bearys of Tulunadu” in English and a translation by journalist Thufail Muhammad in Kannada; a collection of essays on Beary language and culture, “Perime”.
Introducing the books, founder president of the Kendra Beary Sahitya Parishat Abdul Rahim T.K. said that “Perime” contained 18 essays, of which nine were authored by non-Beary scholars such as Lokesh K.M., Amrith Someshwara, U.P. Upadhyay, Chandrakala Nandavara, U. Rama Bhat, and K.G. Vasant.
In her book, Ms. Upadhyay discussed the intricacies and nuances of the language in detail. Mr. Rahim studies the phonemics, morphology, and the pronunciation of the language as it is spoken by Bearys in Panaumbur and extending northwards up to Byndoor in Udupi. Lastly, the volume also contains four Beary folktales, Mr. Rahim said.
Mr. Ichlangodu makes a detailed study of the Beary community living between Kasargod in Kerala and Byndoor in Udupi. Along with the common interpretation that the word “byari” is derived from a word that means “trader”, Mr. Ichlangodu posits that the word Beary could also have its roots in the Arabic word “bahari”, Mr. Rahim said. The author also explores the linkages between the Bearys and Mapillas and records the influence of Jains on the Beary community.
President of the academy M.B. Abdul Rahman said that a number of allegations had been made against the academy for organising the “Beary sammelan”, including invitation to Kannada writers for a session. Mr. Rahman said that Beary people had great respect for Kannada writers and several Beary writers wrote in Kannada.
During the discussion on “Turbulences of the Bearys” that followed the inauguration, general secretary of Popular Front of India K.M. Sharief said that Bearys had no strategy on how to face the problem of communalism.
Chairman and Managing Director of Bearys Group Syed Mohamed Beary said that there was a need to look for solutions to the problems faced by the community and not just look at negatives.
The principal of Al Badriya Composite Pre-university College, Krishnapura, Zohra Abbas, said that women should be more careful in spending money earned by their relatives in West Asian countries. She said that a solution must be found to the issue of women wearing burqa or purdah. Often it is turned into an issue and it hinders education of women, she said.
An exhibition of traditional gold and silver jewellery attracted a lot of attention, especially from women. Also on display were old coins of British era and wooden containers for storage and preparation of food. Some traditional Beary food items were also displayed. The books brought out by the academy were on sale at the venue. A large number of people participated.
