Glowing tributes paid to 'Akshara Santha' Hajabba at book release function

Mangalore, November 27: Rich tributes were paid to Harekala Hajabba, who built a school to educate hundreds of children in Harekala New Padpu village near Konaje, at a function here on Sunday organized by the Talent Research Foundation to release a book on the social worker authored by Ismath Pajeer.

The second edition of the book titled 'Aparoopada Samajasevaka Harekala Hajabba' published by Kantavara Kannada Sangha (R) was released by B.M. Mumtaz Ali, the general secretary of Islamic Cultural Centre, Pumpwell.

Speaking about the book veteran writer Vi Ga Nayaka lauded the efforts of the author and demanded that the book should be made a text book for the degree students as it brought out the crusade of a 'saint' who sacrificed his personal happiness for the wellbeing of the society.

“The books should be printed in thousands and distributed freely across the primary and secondary schools in the state in order to ensure that the story of the revolution brought about by an 'ordinary' man continues to inspire the new generation. The state government should honour Hajabba with the Rajyotsava award,” he demanded.

“At a time when there is rampant corruption and dishonesty, people like Hajabba come as a beacon of hope. He is the epitome of honesty and selflessness. People have become increasingly cynical about the system as more and more ministers are being dragged to the court over corruption charges. It is high time that the values of selfless service epitomized by people like Hajabba be inculcated among the younger generations,” he said.

Abdul Rauf Puthige, chairman Talent Research Foundation, in his presidential remarks, said the credit of Hajabba's achievements should also go to his wife. “It would not have been possible for him to pursue his mission without the cooperation of his wife. Hajabba is a saint in a true sense. The five lakh rupees he got as the prize money with the CNN-IBN award, the one lakh rupees he received on being the Kannada Prabha's person of the year was spent on constructing new buildings for the school. He does not even have a showcase to keep the medallions, prizes and the mementoes he has got from various organizations. They are strewn around in his cramped home,” Mr. Rauf said.

Even as speakers after speakers waxed eloquent about the achievements of Hajabba, the man himself was all humility personified. He covered his face every time he was showered with encomiums.

Sarjoni Naidu Sarojini Naidu National Award-2011 winner Guruvappa N.T. Balepuni, senior reporter of Hosadigantha, who was instrumental in bringing the achievements of Hajabba to light nearly a decade ago, Gayatri Prabhu, the social worker, Ahmed Bilal, who won a national level award in debating competition recently, Ranjan Das, a singer who conducts charity shows, were also honored on the occasion.

Shaikh Mohammed Irfani, Khateeb of Pajeer inaugurated the function and emphasized the importance of education by quoting verses from the Holy Quran. Muslim Central Committee vice president Ibrahim Kodijal, Konkani writer Wilfred D'Souza were present.

Saiduddin Bajpe welcomed the gathering. Al-Haj Rafeeq Master compered the programme and proposed a vote of thanks.