Mangaluru: The demand to introduce Beary as a third optional language in Karnataka schools is gaining momentum, with the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy expressing confidence that approvals could come within months.Academy president Umar UH told TOI that a delegation met education minister Madhu Bangarappa at Vidhana Soudha Wednesday and submitted a memorandum seeking the inclusion of Beary from class 6 onwards. He said the minister responded positively, raising hopes that the proposal could be cleared within the next two months.Umar said several schools in Dakshina Kannada already offer Tulu and Konkani as optional languages from class 6. “The ground situation is favourable,” he said, adding that the demand has been raised multiple times in the past and is now at an advanced stage of consideration.According to Umar, officials of the education department have gathered feedback from schools across the district. Discussions have also been held under department of state educational research and training (DSERT) to assess the feasibility of introducing the language.The academy plans to begin work on developing the syllabus in consultation with subject experts. Kannada script will be used for formal instruction, schools where the language can be introduced will be identified, and teacher training is also on the agenda. Umar said a few educators have already shown interest in teaching Beary.“If approved, the move is expected to strengthen cultural identity and preserve the linguistic heritage of the Beary community,” he said.The academy is also exploring ways to popularise the language beyond classrooms, particularly among younger generations and the Beary diaspora. Plans include developing audio-visual learning modules, possibly using an English script to make the language more accessible to children settled abroad, Umar added.
