Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 13: Late Haji Abdullah was commemorated and a blood donation camp was organised in connection to the same programme on Sunday, August 12 at Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital.
In his introductory remark Dr P V Bhandary, psychiatrist said, “Today is late Haji Abdullaha’s death anniversary. No one knows the exact birth date of Haji Abdullah. There is no one like him. Haji Abdullah donated a lot money and land for the purpose of education, health and other social activities. He donated to everyone without any discrimination of religion, caste etc. Commemorating him, we have planned to observe this occasion on three main aspects. They are communal harmony, education and health.”
Chief guest Muralidhar Upadhyaya said, “Haji Abdullah had donated for Mangaluru government college and given scholarship to students. Everyone who came to him asking help were given minimum of Rs 50 those days. Many believed him to be a miracle man. I feel sad seeing Udupi people forgetting these great personalities.”
A blood donation camp was also held on the day. Four meritorious students of Mahatma Gandhi School and North School were presented scholarship on the occasion. Paryaya Shri Palimar Mutt swamiji had also arranged scholarship for these students.
Another chief guest Ramdas Prabhu, a History lecturer said, “During the period of 1900 to 1950, three persons were responsible for the development in Dakshina Kannada district. They are Haji Abdullah in Udupi and Kudmal Rangarao and Karnad Sadashiva Rao in Mangaluru. It looks like they had competition among themselves in donating their wealth. Today, undivided Dakshina Kannada is known for its tremendous progress in education, health and banking, but foundation for this was laid during 1900 to 1950 by these three personalities. But it is very sad that we people of coast are forgetting their valuable contribution.
“Haji Abdullah had donated for starting a scholarship for students standing first in Sanskrit in University College, Mangaluru. Today, education, health, and banking have become business. One who builds a college is known as educationist whereas real lecturers do not get recognition. During the time of Haji Abdullah there was religion and caste but there was no caste and religious consciousness. Haji Abdullah, Kudmal Ranga Rao, and Karnad Sadashiva Rao were not religious leaders. They worked without discriminating on religion and caste. If they were religious leaders, today our people may be not forgotten them,” he observed.
Yogish Shet, Shashikumar, Siraj Ahmed, Krishnaraya Saralaya, Hussain Kodi Iqbal Manna and others were present during the function. Avinash Kamath compered the programme.