QUASQUICENTENNIAL (125th Anniversary) OF MEASI

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      Muslim Educational Association of          Southern India (MEASI) 1902-1926

  The Mohammadan Educational Conference which used to meet annually in several important cities of the country, conducted the 15th annual conference at Cathedral Road, Teynampet, Madras on  27th December 1901. This was a momentous conference participated by the Elite Muslims of the era from all over India.  Several important resolutions were passed. The most important among them was

 “that the existing Madras Executive Committee of the Muhammadan Educational Conference be confirmed as the permanent Mohammadan Educational Association of Southern India (MEASI) acting as the Central Standing Committee and giving effect to the resolutions and recommendations adopted and made by it from time to time in so far as they concern the Madras Presidency.”

In pursuance of this resolution, in January 1902, Mohammadan Educational Association of Southern India was started under the Presidentship of Justice Tudor Boddam.  

       
                    JUSTICE TUDOR BODDAM 

Later the name of the association was slightly changed from Mohammandan to Muslim and came to be known as the Muslim Educational Association of South India (MEASI) came into existence.  At the time of inception, The following were its objectives:

1. To devise means for disseminating Western Sciences and Literature among Muhammadans and to promote the study of Urdu, Persian and Arabic;

2. To arrange for imparting religious education side by side with secular education;

3. To help poor but intelligent and deserving students with scholarships, books, school fees etc.

4. To impress on the minds of the Muhammadan public by means of lectures, tracts and social gatherings and to  impress the necessity for imparting Western education to their children.

 Though it is a muslim minority organisation but its doors are open to all irrespective of caste and creed.   With these objectives, the Association has been serving the nation for the past 125 years. This association had been  instrumental in establishing educational institutions across the Presidency in yesteryears. It provided a common platform for the Muslims of different regions of erstwhile Madras Presidency to come together and ponder over one common question of educational enhancement of Muslims of Madras Presidency.

From its very inception, the Association has been nurtured and guided by far-sighted visionaries and eminent stalwarts whose contributions laid a strong foundation for its enduring legacy. Few of its illustrious patrons were 

     
   Hamid Hassan Sait Sahib of Madras.              

Nawab Syed Mohamed Sahib (grandson of Tipu Sultan) 

        Justice Sir Abdur Rahim of Kolkatta

  Sir Mohammed Habeebullah of Vellore 

 Moulvi Ziauddin Mohammed Sahib of Madarsa E BaqiyathusSalihath at Vellore,

Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib of Melvisharam 

    Jamal Mohammed Sahib of Trichy 

 Malang Ahmed Batcha of Vaniyambadi 

Quaid-e-Millath Mohammed Ismail Sahib.

     They were ably followed by the second, third, and fourth generations of dedicated patrons, who, with equal zeal and commitment, strengthened the Association and contributed significantly to its growth and development.

    A historic milestone in this remarkable journey was achieved in 1951 with the establishment of The New College, Madras, which has since emerged as a premier institution of higher learning and has proudly completed 75 years of distinguished service to education.

    At present, the MEASI administers twelve educational institutions, reflecting its sustained commitment to academic excellence and community empowerment. Over the course of its long and illustrious educational journey, the Association celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1954 and its Centenary in 2004, each marking significant chapters of progress and achievement.

     As 2026 dawns, this noble organisation proudly steps into its 125th year of service, reaffirming its unwavering dedication to education, enlightenment, and nation-building. The Quasquicentennial stand not only as a tribute to the visionary founders and patrons of the past but also as an inspiration for future generations to carry forward this legacy of knowledge, service, and social responsibility.

Let us pray that May Allah with His infinite Mercy bless its founders, donors, patrons, members, teachers, staff, students and well-wishers of this noble organisation. AAMEEN

Note:

The above list of patrons and founders represents only a few among many. Numerous other patrons have also rendered invaluable service to the association over the years.

S.MOHAMMED SADATHULLAH 

MELVISHARAM 



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