Achievements of Hajabba recognized at book release ceremony

Achievements of Hajabba recognized at book release ceremony

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 27, 2011: The Talent Research Foundation organized a special ceremony to release a book on social activist Harekala Hajabba, who constructed a school in Harekala New Padpu, Konaje, written by Ismath Pajeer. 

B. M. Mumtaz Ali, the general secretary of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Pumpwell, released the second edition of the book titled “Aparoopada Samajasevaka Harekala Hajabba, which was published by Kantavara Kannada Sangha.

Vi. Ga. Nayaka spoke in appreciation of the writer and said that this book should be made a text book for degree students because it is all about a “saint” who made a number of sacrifices for social welfare. He also suggested that the state government should honor Hajabba with the Rajyotsava Award. 

In his presidential address, Talent Research Foundation Chairman Abdul Rauf Puthige said that Hajabba’s wife also had a great role to play in his achievements and that he could achieve so much only because of his wife’s cooperation. Further, he said that Hajabba spent all the Rs. 5 lakh and the Rs. 1 lakh he received as part of the CNN-IBN Award and the Kannada Prabha’s Person of the Year Award, respectively, to construct new buildings for the school. Stating that he does not even have a showcase to store his prizes, medallions, and mementos in his small house, he said that they are scattered all over.  

Sarojini Naidu National Award winner Guruvappa N. T. Balepuni, the senior reporter of Hosadigantha, who brought the achievements of Hajabba to the limelight nearly 10 years back; social worker Gayathri Prabhu; Ahmed Bilal, the winner of the national award in a debating competition; and Ranjan Das, who sings for charity, were all honored on this occasion.  

Shaikh Mohammed Irfani, the Khateeb of Pajeer, inaugurated the event. Ibrahim Kodijal, the vice president of the Muslim Central Committee, and Wilfred D’Souza, the Konkani writer, were also present.