Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 11: In the heart of Malemar stands a unique museum that has become a treasure trove of memories for the community. What began as a small scrap business two decades ago, and later transformed into a distinctive museum eight years ago, is today capturing the attention of visitors with its fascinating collection of vintage artefacts — all thanks to the dedication of Ibrahim Khaleel.

Originally hailing from Kulur, Khaleel developed the idea of converting his scrap shop into a museum when he noticed antique and traditional pieces entering scrap shops. Determined to preserve them for future generations, he began collecting items not only from his own shop but also from households and other scrap dealers. Over the years, his efforts have turned discarded objects into priceless memorabilia — truly creating ‘wealth out of waste’.

Khaleel’s museum now showcases a wide array of antiques, including coins, watches, tape recorders, gramophones, vintage telephones, lanterns, and traditional household items. He has also created a small library within the museum, where children and students can access books free of cost, making his initiative both nostalgic and educational.

His work has received valuable support from organisations such as Plastic for Change, which helped him organise the scrap shop into different sections. Khaleel has also invested in machines to shred waste paper, ensuring sensitive documents are not misused, and to separate cable wires from copper for effective recycling.

Looking ahead, Khaleel hopes to create a separate, larger space for his museum so that more people can visit, relive memories, and appreciate the craftsmanship and design of a bygone era.

Khaleel’s scrap museum is not just a collection of old objects; it is a space where history lives on, nostalgia is rekindled, and generosity flourishes. For anyone visiting Malemar, it is undoubtedly a must-see destination.