10/11/1886 – 06/03/1964

Born on November 10, 1886, in Konchar, Bajpe village of Mangalore taluk, Bajpe Zakri Beray aimed to become a prominent zamindar despite his humble beginnings. He acquired over 1500 acres of agricultural land in Thokur, Kulai, and Baikampadi.

From a young age, Zakri Beary harbored aspirations of land ownership. Despite facing hardships, he diligently worked towards his goal. He began his career in Chikkamagaluru, undertaking contract work and engaging in coffee plantation activities. Despite the challenges of traveling by foot from Bajpe village to Chikkamagaluru, Zakri persisted in his endeavors.

Coming from a modest background, Zakri prioritized business and agriculture due to limited educational opportunities. Settling in Konchar Guttaya Kodi, he cultivated various crops, including mangoes, pineapples, and vegetables. The area flourished, with coconut trees adorning the landscape.

In an era of joint families, the household in Guthayakodi resembled a grand palace, surrounded by approximately 100 acres of cultivated land. Passing through its gates felt like entering a world of abundance and prosperity.

Realizing the need for a mosque, Bajpe Zakri Beary constructed one in the building’s place, generously donating 5 acres of land for its establishment. He emphasized religious education alongside secular learning.

Despite his impoverished upbringing, Zakri Beary amassed considerable wealth through farming, trading, and land leasing in the Ghat region. He owned over 1500 acres of agricultural land in Butte, Thokur, Kulai, and Baikampadi villages, making him one of the largest landowners in Dakshina Kannada district. Despite his wealth, his lifestyle remained simple, adhering to traditional attire and always carrying a revolver. He was reputed to be one of the few individuals in Bajpe to own a car at the time.

Zakri Beary’s generosity extended beyond his personal gains. He offered his land for the construction of the airport and donated space for the railway station in Baikampadi, Thokur village, free of charge. Additionally, he engaged in coffee cultivation in Chikmagalur district.

Bajpe Zakri Beary was known for his humble beginnings and hardworking nature. He often plowed the fields himself, embodying the spirit of a proletarian. On one occasion, when a government official came looking for him while he was working in the fields, Zakri Beary simply directed the official to his home, assuring him that Zakri Beary would join him shortly. The official was taken aback when Zakri Beary emerged from the fields after bathing, as it was unusual for wealthy landowners to engage in manual labor.

Zakri Beary was also skilled in legal matters and had prominent lawyers such as Shankar Alva and Somashekhar Rao represent him in court. His proficiency in court proceedings was evident during the British era, and he held the distinction of being the top taxpayer in the district. As a mark of respect, it was customary to provide him with a separate chair in court.

At that time, only the Banta community had a Guthu house. When some members of the community objected to Zakri Beary naming his house in Jokatte as “Guthu House,” he took the matter to court and successfully defended the right to name his home as he wished, ensuring the preservation of the name “Guthu Mane” forever.

Originally a Jain house, Guthu Mane in Jokatte, Tokuru Village, was purchased by Zakri Beary’s father-in-law, Abbunhi Beary, and later acquired by Zakri Beary himself. It remains as Guthu house to this day.

Zakri Beary generously donated 5 acres of land to Zakri Beary Masjid, along with the house and 50 surrounding acres. The deed specified several obligations, including holding Maulood gatherings every year in the month of Rabiul Awwal, distributing rice and clothes during Ramadan, and ensuring that the space was never encroached upon.

Despite lacking formal education, Bajpe Zakri Beary possessed astute financial acumen and was known for his philanthropy. The 5-acre land he donated to the mosque was transformed into “Bajpe Zakri Beary Badavane,” where over 75 impoverished families now reside in newly constructed homes.

Bajpe Zakri Beary was married three times and undertook the Hajj pilgrimage twice, the first journey being by ship and the subsequent one by plane with his third wife. He fathered 18 children across his marriages, although most of them have since passed away. His youngest son, Ibrahim, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a member of the Rajya Sabha at the age of just 33. Thus, Bajpe Zakri Beary, who rose from poverty to become a prominent zamindar, passed away on March 6, 1964.