The Beary community is demonstrating their prowess across a multitude of fields, ranging from scientists and pilots to doctors, engineers, advocates, religious scholars, PhD holders, teachers, and successful entrepreneurs. Regardless of the profession, the Beary community has already established its footprint in various sectors. Notably, in the southern part of Karnataka, the Beary community stands as a rapidly burgeoning and proud force.

In the Beary community, there has been a longstanding tradition of individuals seeking career opportunities in Gulf countries, regardless of their educational background. For many families, having a member employed in the Gulf has been seen as a prestigious status symbol, regardless of their profession. However, the landscape is evolving, and Beary expatriates are now expanding their presence beyond the Gulf. They are increasingly relocating to various parts of the world, including Europe, the UK, America, China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and many other regions. This shift reflects the changing aspirations and global perspectives within the Beary community.

Indeed, the United Kingdom is widely recognized as a welcoming country, known for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse communities. With a long history of immigration and multiculturalism, the UK has embraced people from various backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Its cities are melting pots of different ethnicities, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions and perspectives. Additionally, the UK offers various support systems for immigrants and refugees, including legal protections, social services, and integration programs. Overall, the welcoming nature of the UK has made it a popular destination for people seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life.

Nevertheless, the Indian community in the UK is incredibly diverse, representing various linguistic, religious, and regional backgrounds. People from different parts of India, including Punjab, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal, have settled in the UK, bringing with them their distinct cultural traditions and practices.

These are some major factors that could influence the decision of the Indian community to migrate to the UK:

Path to Settlement and Citizenship: The possibility of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of residency in the UK, along with the opportunity for citizenship, provides a clear pathway to long-term settlement and integration for Indian migrants. This offers security and stability for individuals and families planning to make the UK their permanent home.

Free Healthcare and Education: The availability of free healthcare services and schooling facilities in the UK can be significant attractions for Indian migrants. Access to quality healthcare and education without financial burden is a crucial consideration for families planning to relocate.

Language Advantage: The widespread use of English in the UK offers a significant advantage for Indian migrants compared to other European countries with diverse languages. Proficiency in English facilitates communication, integration into society, and access to employment opportunities.

Worth to mention that similarity in driving styles between the UK and India, both following left-hand traffic rules, can make the transition easier for Indian drivers.

It’s fascinating to see the Beary community’s growing presence and contributions in the UK over the past 15 to 20 years. Despite not being as well-established as some other Indian communities in the UK, Beary individuals have made significant strides in various professions, including medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship. This diversity of expertise reflects the community’s adaptability and determination to succeed in their new home. Here are some of the visa categories that Beary individuals commonly choose when migrating to the UK:

Work Visas: These visas are for individuals who have been offered a job in the UK. There are various types of work visas, including

• Tier 2 Visa: For skilled workers with a job offer from a UK employer
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa: For individuals looking to establish or take over a business in the UK
• Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa: For individuals coming to the UK for temporary work or to gain work experience

Student Visas: These visas are for individuals who wish to study in the UK at a recognized educational institution.

• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: For students aged 16 or over who wish to study in the UK at a higher education institution or independent school

Family Visas: These visas are for individuals who wish to join family members who are already living in the UK.

• Spouse Visa: For individuals married to a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
• Family Reunion Visa: For family members of refugees or individuals granted humanitarian protection in the UK

It’s heartening to observe the success and prosperity of Beary students who came to the UK to pursue their education (Student Visas). Over the years, many of these students have not only achieved academic excellence but have also made significant strides in establishing themselves in the country. The fact that they have purchased their own homes and ventured into entrepreneurship speaks volumes about their determination, resilience, and adaptability.

It’s interesting to note that a significant portion of the Beary community currently residing in the UK arrived on student visas. This influx of students has led to a widespread distribution of Beary individuals across the country, with a notable concentration in London, which serves as a hub for education, employment, and cultural diversity. However, Beary students can also be found in other regions of the UK, including Scotland, Ireland, and beyond.

The preference for living close to their universities is understandable, as it offers convenience and ease of access to educational facilities and resources. This proximity facilitates a conducive environment for academic success and personal growth. While some Beary students may choose to settle in major cities like London due to the abundance of educational institutions and opportunities, others may opt for locations nearer to their specific universities, even if they are farther from urban centres.

Before 2006, the Beary community often relied on the support and camaraderie of other ethnic communities, such as the Malayalee, Panjabi, and Gujarati communities, for social gatherings and celebrations. Due to the relatively smaller size of the Beary community and the dispersed nature of its members across the UK, coming together for events like Ramzan, Eid, or other Islamic celebrations often involved joining larger gatherings organized by these communities. In many instances, two or three Beary families would gather to share in the joyous moments of these festivities, fostering a sense of community and connection despite the geographical distance.

The Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF) has emerged as a vital platform for uniting Kannadigas, particularly Bearys, in the UK, serving as a cornerstone in fostering community connections and preserving cultural traditions. Through its diverse range of activities and events, KCF plays a pivotal role in rekindling the ethnicity and heritage of the Beary community in the UK.

KCF serves as a bridge, facilitating the establishment of robust community networks and providing opportunities for Beary individuals and families to come together and celebrate their shared identity. Events such as Ramzan Iftar, Zikr Majlis, Eid Milad, and the annual gathering offer occasions for communal worship, reflection, and bonding. Including Makkale Paat/Prasanga during Eid celebration.

The KCF goes above and beyond to create a sense of home and nostalgia for Beary individuals in the UK by offering authentic Mangalorean dishes during their functions and gatherings. Delicacies such as ghee rice, Mangalore biryani, and goli baje are not just meals; they are connections to cherished memories and traditions from their homeland.

Moreover, KCF organizes family trips, sports activities, and special initiatives for students, nurturing a sense of belonging and camaraderie among community members. Through its spiritual, social, and charity endeavours, KCF not only strengthens the Beary network in the UK but also promotes a spirit of compassion and service within the community.

The initiatives spearheaded by KCF have catalysed the growth of the Beary network in the UK, empowering individuals to reconnect with their cultural roots and forge enduring connections reminiscent of home. As a result, Beary people in the UK are increasingly embracing their traditions and customs, gathering for familial functions and celebrations just as they would in their homeland of Mangalore. With KCF’s steadfast support, the Beary community in the UK continues to thrive, enriching the cultural landscape and fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among its members.

Absolutely! It’s important to highlight the valuable resource that KCF-UK provides for Kannadiga students considering migration to the UK for study and career opportunities. By contacting KCF-UK through their website, students can access valuable information, guidance, and support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Outside the KCF, it’s inspiring to witness the Beary community’s proactive efforts in building their network and preserving their cultural heritage in the UK. As the Beary network continues to grow, individuals are voluntarily coming together to celebrate important family milestones and cultural traditions.

Family functions, such as birthdays, and anniversaries, are now common occurrences within the Beary community in the UK. Moreover, the celebration of Maulid, along with other traditional Beary activities like Apathemangila, has found a place within the Beary community in the UK. These gatherings provide an opportunity for families to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and pass down cultural traditions to younger generations. Whether it’s preparing traditional dishes, performing cultural rituals, or sharing stories and memories, these family functions play a crucial role in maintaining the fabric of Beary identity and fostering a sense of belonging.

Indeed, it’s inspiring to envision the growth and development of the Beary community in the United Kingdom, with the establishment of our own Masjids, Madrasas, business centres, and a dedicated community center on the horizon. These institutions will serve as focal points for spiritual worship, education, economic empowerment, and community engagement, strengthening the bonds of unity and solidarity among Beary individuals in the UK.

As the Beary community continues to flourish and expand its presence in the UK, it is not far-fetched to imagine a future where these aspirations become a reality. With perseverance, dedication, and the blessings of the Almighty, the Beary community can overcome challenges and realize their vision of a vibrant and thriving community in the UK.

May Allah guide and bless the efforts of the Beary community, enabling them to achieve their goals and aspirations, and may He grant them success, prosperity, and unity in their endeavours. Ameen.