Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 13: Haji Abdullah Trust was inaugurated on Saturday, August 12 at a programme that commerated the 85th death anniversary of Haji Abdullah.
Dr P V Bhandari, psychiatrist, spoke about the motto and vision of the trust. "I have been very inspired by Haji Abdullah and want to keep Abdullah saheb's memory alive," he said in his introductory speech.
Padmanabh Nayak, a close friend of Haji Abdullah, expressed his feelings about the legend. He said "The name Haji Abdullah is synonymous with charity. Many people now enjoy the fruit of his good works."
Chief guest Muralidhar Updhyaya, who has written two books on Haji Abdullah, said, "When Udupi lacked banking facility, Haji saheb established The Canara Banking Corporation Udupi Limited in 1906. The main motto of the bank was to inculcate in people a habit of saving. Haji Abdullah also earned Khan Saheb reward from the then British government. He was the first one to introduce Mauritius sugarcane to coastal farmers. None of who came to him for help was sent away empty-handed. The minimum amount that Haji gave to sick people was Rs 50. His selflessness in this selfish world can be seen in the fact that the institutions he built are now in others' hands,"he said.
"When Gandhiji visited Mangaluru on August 19 1920, Haji Abdullah was president of the welcome committee and received him at Mangaluru railway station," he said.
"People of Udupi are the real asset of Haji Abdullah" said Siraj Ahmed, family member of Haji Abdullah. He thanked all the members who worked very hard to build the trust, which aims at promoting education, health and communal harmony.
Muralidhar Upadhyaya, author Krishnaiah, curator of Haji Abdullah Museum Padmanabha Nayak, student Pratiba,and student Rajabhakshi were felicitated on occasion.
Khurshid Ahmed, relative of Haji Abdullah, presided over the function.
Balakrishna Shetty, and Akbar Ali were present on occasion. Yogesh Shet proposed the vote of thanks.