Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib- Melvisharam
Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib – A
Visionary and an Architect of Society
Education
plays an important role in the development of a society. Those who work hard to
spread education are the real architects of the society. Our town, Melvisharam,
has been blessed with many great personalities and visionary leaders who have
contributed to educational development and progress. In my previous articles I
have briefly outlined contributions of our elders like Alanji Mohammed Usman
Sahib, Sakvai Haji Abdullah Sahib, C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib, Pakthini Abdul Khader
Sahib, Sepillai Abdul Wahab Sahib, etc. One such personality was S. M. Abdul
Jameel Sahib, an educationist, social worker, politician, administrator, and a
visionary. This article aims to highlight the life and services of Janab S. M.
Abdul Jameel Sahib. 
S.M ABDUL JAMEEL SAHIB
Birth
Sakvai Abdul Jameel Sahib, also known
as S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib or Jameel Sab, was born on 19th July 1919 to Janab
Sakvai Abdus Salam Sahib and Chepillai Aasiya Bi Sahiba at Big Street, Vellore. “Janab
Zakir Abdul Wahab Sahib had quoted Abdul
Jameel Sahib’s narration regarding his birth.”
“My mother’s pregnancies would
often end in miscarriage. She had become hopeless. In such a situation, C.Abdul Hakeem Sahib informed the whole matter to Hazrath Bani-e-Baqiyath (referring to the founder of
Madarsa-e-Baqiyathus Saihath, Hazrath Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib Rah.) He advised him to make arrangements for her daughter's stay at Vellore. Following his advice, my
respected mother took up residence in a house opposite the residence of
Bani-e-Baqiyath, where one of her close relatives lived, while he used to give
spiritual water daily. It was then that my birth took place. A few days after
my birth, I was placed in the lap of Bani-e-Baqiyath, who also blessed me with
dua.”
Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malack
Gulzar Ahmed Sahib says, “S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib used to say that, by the
grace of the Almighty, he lived longer when compared to his companions, and
that it was the result of Bani-e-Baqiyath’s prayers.”
He belonged to the Sakvai family,
which is one of the prominent families in Melvisharam. According to oral
tradition, the word "Sakvai" is derived from the Tamil word
"Sakkupai," meaning gunny bag. They were primarily agriculturists and
had large stocks of gunny bags. In due course of time, excessive use of the
word "Sakkupai" evolved into "Sakvai."
Janab Late Sowcar Ahmed Hussain Sahib, former Patel of Melvisharam, gave a different narrative. He said that
the family name "Sakvai" is derived from the Urdu word
"Saag," which means leafy greens, spinach, or leafy vegetables. He
stated that the ancestors of this family cultivated leafy greens and also sold
them. To address them, people used to call them "Saag Bai," which
later became "Sakvai."
Similarly, people used to address Janab
Sakvai Fakheer Pacha Sahib in Tamil as "Payir Karu," meaning
cultivator or farmer, who cultivated Agatti Keerai, a type of green. This
information also supports the opinion of Sowcar Ahmed Basha Sahib. Janab Kottur Abdul Latheef Sahib, in his book
Shehere Visharam Tareekh Ke Aaine Mein, notes that the ancestors of the
Sakvai family hailed from Madurai. They later migrated to Vaniyambadi and after
some period migrated to Melvisharam. According to oral tradition, they were one
among the earliest settlers in this town.
Family
Background
His father, Janab Sakvai Abdus
Salam Sahib was a leather merchant, a pious Muslim, and also a landlord. He was
one of the founders of MMES and served as its Vice-President until 1944. He also served as the General Secretary of Madarsa E Baqiyathus Salihath from 1929-1946. His
grandfather, Janab Sakvai Haji Meera Sahib, was an eminent member of the Ahle
Sunnath Jamath, Melvisharam, and a street was also named after him as S. Haji
Meera Sahib Street, familiar as Niswan Street.
He was also the beloved grandson
of Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib, Founder-President of MMES, philanthropist,
politician, Sheriff of Madras, President of the Madras Khilafat Committee,
freedom fighter, national leader, and a Merchant Prince of the erstwhile Madras
Presidency.
Early
Life
S.
M. Abdul Jameel Sahib studied at Islamiah High School, Melvisharam. Being the
only son, he received utmost care and affection from his parents, especially
from his grandfather, Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib. From his childhood itself,
the religious and moral atmosphere of his family and the town shaped his
character. During an interview, Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib himself said that
he studied up to SSLC and had even paid the examination fees. However, due to
the demise of his grandfather, C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib, major responsibilities
fell on his shoulders, and he could not appear for the examination.
On 23rd December 1937, he married Sakvai Halima Bi Sahiba, daughter of his uncle, Janab
Sakvai Mohammed Hussain Sahib. After the Nikah ceremony, Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem
Sahib gave major donations to various institutions and organisation of
Melvisharam. He also gifted Rs. 100 to Islamiah High School and Rs.300 to be distributed
among staff and teachers.
He was blessed with four sons namely Sakvai Zafar Ahmed Sahib, Sakvai Ziauddin Ahmed Sahib, Sakvai Muneer Ahmed Sahib, Sakvai Hussain Ahmed Sahib, and one daughter Sakvai Khadeeja Begum Sahiba.
Business
His
father and grandfather owned leather tanneries in Madras Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Abdul Jameel Sahib also
stepped into the leather business. He owned four tanneries. He had a tannery at Perumugai, popularly
known as the “Perumugai Shop” (later purchased by Panapakkam Mohammed Hassan
Sahib). He sold a tannery in Bangalore at a concessional rate to support the establishment of Madarsa E Sabeelur Rashad in 1960s. Later, he established a pungam oil mill opposite to his tannery in Ranipet. As his
responsibilities in maintaining various institutions increased, his sons
assisted him in managing the business.
During his last days, he would
often advise his heirs in an emotional manner that he could have expanded his
business further. However, the responsibilities of overseeing the many
institutions under his leadership demanded more of his time, and therefore he
devoted only limited attention to business. He strongly urged his heirs to take
care of these institutions. He believed that, along with financial support,
dedicating time and personally overseeing the institutions with commitment was
more essential
A
True Successor of Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem
Sahib
Hazrath Hafiz Baqvi had narrated from Hazrath Moulana Nayyar Rabbani Sahib that in 1938, a program was organised to bid farewell on Nawab Sahib’s Haj journey in Islamiah High school, Melvisharam. He addressed the gathering participated by public and eminent personalities. At the end of his speech he pointed S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib (at that time he was studying SSLC and he was present in the gathering) and said, “I found my qualities in my grandson and I am sure he would be my true successor.”
As a
true inheritor of his vision, Abdul Jameel Sahib worked hard for the spread of
education throughout his life.
His Personality
S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib was a
man of great simplicity and humility. Despite holding positions of authority in
several institutions, he never displayed any sense of superiority in his
conduct. Whenever he walked along Kathiawadi Road, people would stand up out of
respect, but he would gently signal them to remain seated, as he disliked such
formalities.
He interacted with both young and
old with warmth and kindness. While travelling by car, he would often offer
lifts to people waiting at bus stops. He was known as a good neighbour with a
compassionate heart, always ready to help and never turning away anyone who
approached him for assistance.
Janab Abdus Samad Sahib, a
retired teacher of our school, once shared a personal experience. When
he arrived in Melvisharam from his native place for an interview, it was
already evening. After enquiring about Abdul Jameel Sahib’s residence, he
reached Jameelabad. On seeing him, Abdul Jameel Sahib warmly welcomed him into
his home, provided him with food, and arranged accommodation for the night. To
his surprise, after the Isha prayer, he personally came and offered him a
lungi. The next day, during the interview, he asked him whether he liked the
place (Melvisharam). When he replied in the affirmative, he was immediately
given an appointment. This incident left a deep impression on him and he would often narrate this incident to me. It shows Abdul Jameel Sahib’s simplicity.
Services
Establishment of Jameelabad Mohalla
(locality)
The
Jameelabad Mohalla today, was once a quiet place where Abdul Jameel Sahib owned
a bungalow surrounded by large gardens with many lush green trees. There was
also a small lake in the area. In the late 1930s, he generously gave free land
and houses, and also sold land at very low prices, especially to help school
teachers. At that time, the area had only First and Second Street with very few
houses. Later, this place came to be known as Jameelabad in his name. This
locality had some landmark buildings in the olden days whose details are given
below.
In
1952, Aadam Ahmed Basha Sahib started Urdu Kitab Ghar at Jameelabad First
Street. He was a close friend of Abdul Jameel Sahib and also served as the
secretary of Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu. The Kitab Ghar published Urdu books,
from beginner level up to SSLC textbooks, all approved by the Madras Education
Department.
In
the early 1950s, Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Millath (Millath Anjuman) established
Millath Hospital. Abdul Jameel Sahib donated a large piece of land for it in
Jameelabad. The hospital was opened by K. Kamaraj, the then Chief Minister, who
also gave a speech at the nearby ground on First Street.
In
the beginning, people of the area used to offer prayers at Rasheedpet Mosque.
As the population grew, there was a need for a separate mosque. So, in February 1965,
Abdul Jameel Sahib built a mosque, which is now known as Jameelabad Mosque.
This mosque was later expanded in 2003 and 2015 due to the growing population.
Today, there are two more mosques in the area. Now, Jameelabad has grown so
much that it can be called a small town rather than just a locality.
His Role in
Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society (MMES)
During
early 1940s, he was elected as the member of Melvisharam Muslim Educational
Society. Since then he toiled day in and day out for the promotion of education
in this town by all means. He served MMES as its General Secretary (1959-1978),
President (1956-1959, 1978-1984), Correspondent of Islamiah Boys Higher Secondary
School (1959-1971) Correspondent of C. Abdul Hakeem College of Arts and Science
(1973-74) and as trustee of MMES. He served MMES for more than five decades. A
brief outline of his services is presented below.
In 1959, following the demise of Janab Malack Mohammed Ibrahim Sahib, Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib was elected as the General Secretary (1959-1978) of the Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society (MMES) and Correspondent of the school. Under his able leadership, the institutions witnessed steady growth and all-round development. .
He shared a deep bond with the teachers and treated them with remarkable affection and respect. He extended support to their families by facilitating educating them and providing employment in various MMES institutions., consistently encouraging and assisting teachers both morally and financially, while taking a keen personal interest in the progress of the school.
Establishment
of C. Abdul Hakeem College of Arts and Science
A landmark achievement in his
educational service was the establishment of C. Abdul Hakeem College of Arts
and Science. In 1964, S.M. Abdul Jameel Sahib led a five-member delegation of
MMES, accompanied by Janab Haji Vaverthar Khaleelur Rahman Sahib, Janab Malack
Haji Khizar Hussain Sahib, Janab Vaverthar Haji Abdul Haseeb Sahib, and Janab Katiyan
Abdur Rasheed Sahib, to meet Dr. A. Lakshmana Swamy Mudaliar, the renowned
educationist and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras. Impressed by
their vision, Dr. Mudaliar assured his full support, which ultimately led to
the establishment of the college in 1965. Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib later
served as its Correspondent during 1973–1974. After the college was
established, it faced a serious financial crisis. He worked hard to raise funds
and, at times, had to bear harsh words from people. However, he did not lose
heart and continued his efforts until the situation became stable.
Today, the college that he established along with his dedicated teammates has been granted autonomous status and has completed sixty distinguished years of service in higher education. It stands as a radiant beacon of knowledge, enlightening generations.
This
institution has played a vital role in making quality education accessible to
rural and economically underprivileged students, irrespective of their social,
religious, or cultural backgrounds. The college is recognised with an A+
accreditation.
Remarkably, most of the founding members had never attended college themselves, yet they established a centre of higher education in this region. This, I believe, is the result of their sincerity of intention and tireless efforts. I regard them as Pioneers of Higher Education in this region.
A significant milestone during his tenure was the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the school in 1969
His Dream of an
Engineering College in Melvisharam
During a conversation in December
2018, Janab V. M. Abdul Latheef Sahib B. E., former Correspondent (1999-2024)
of CAHCET, recalled that in 1984, S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib called him and asked
him to explore ways to establish an engineering college in the town. He was
surprised to see such enthusiasm despite Jameel Sahib’s advanced age. The
initial efforts did not succeed, and similar attempts made in the early 1990s also
could not be materialized.
Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malack Gulzar
Ahmed Sahib, quoting Janab Sangrambadi Mohammed Nouman Sahib, former Correspondent
(1998-1999) of CAHCET, mentions that S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib often expressed
his deep desire to establish an engineering college. He would say that it was
his lifelong dream and that seeing even a few students from the town pursue a
degree in engineering would bring him great satisfaction.
After his demise, with an intention
of fulfilling his vision, the Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society (MMES)
established an engineering college in 1998 under the chairmanship of Janab
Sakvai Ziauddin Ahmed Sahib, thus turning his long-cherished dream into
reality.
It was during his tenure of
Secretaryship, MMES established Hakeem Nursery in 1972. The first English
medium nursery school in Melvisharam. Under his Presidentship the MMES
celebrated its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 1981 in a grand manner. He also
witnessed the silver Jubilee of C. Abdul Hakeem Arts College in 1991.
On the occasion of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Janab Gramani Mohammed Basha Sahib
(former BT Asst. IBHS School, Melvisharam) in one of his article about MMES in
Hakeem Tech Magazine-2003 had acknowledged the services of S. M. Abdul Jameel
Sahib in the following words:
“The development of infrastructure system and
progress made in the academic field from the lowest range, i.e. Primary Schools
to the highest range i.e. Arts College can be attributed to the tireless and
selfless services rendered by Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib over a period of
half a century. As a captain of the ship, he navigated the educational society
out of socio-economic catastrophe to a haven of peace, safety and stability. It
was he who converted the wishes of his grandfather into reality and carried on
the ignited torch of education to the next generation for shouldering the
Herculean tasks and responsibilities.”
In his memory, the “Janab S. M.
Abdul Jameel Sahib Prize for Good Conduct” is awarded annually to an outgoing
higher secondary student who exemplifies outstanding character, discipline, and
conduct. The recipient, chosen as a role model for fellow students, is honoured
with a cash award of ₹1000 along with a shield.
His Role
as General Secretary (1967-1984) of Madarsa E Baqiyathus Salihath
Professor Zakir Abdul Wahab Sahib (Rah)
had recorded that on 28th April 1949, the Majlis E Shura elected S.
M. Abdul Jameel Sahib as a member of the governing body. And on 16th
January 1967, he was elected as the General Secretary of Baqiyathus Salihath. During
his period Al Baqiyathus Salihath Mujalla (magazine) was published prior to
that there was no such magazine.
Through tireless efforts, he
introduced key administrative reforms and strengthened the institution. Under
his guidance, the Madarsa acquired essential facilities such as a guest house
and the Darul Hadith auditorium. Recognizing emerging needs, he took the
initiative in 1976 to establish a post office within the Madarsa campus,
greatly facilitating communication and administrative efficiency. He took efforts
to publish tamil Tafseer of Quran whose preface was written by Hazrath Abul
Hasan Ali Nadwi (Rah). He also reached out to overseas Arabic universities to
secure academic linkages and succeeded in establishing a connection with the
Islamic University of Madinah, enabling Baqiyath students to gain admission
without the requirement of an entrance examination.
He revitalized literary activities, encouraging poets and promoting Urdu through the Council for the Promotion of Urdu. This led to the publication of numerous works under Baqiyath Publications, including the annual magazine Safeer. The establishment of Darul Isha’at, the publication division, stands as another notable achievement of his vision. The centenary celebrations of the Madarsa, held from 30th November to 2nd December 1974, were a grand success largely due to his relentless efforts. Despite advancing age, he travelled extensively to gulf and emirates to raise funds and devoted himself wholeheartedly for nearly two years to ensure the success of the event. Under his stewardship, the Madarsa flourished steadily, growing in strength and stature.
From right: Hazrath Moulana kamali Vellori and S.M. Abdul Jameel Sahib photo shared by Hazrath Moulana Malack Gulzar Ahmed Sahib
Below is the image of S.M. Abdul Jameel Sahib's interview recorded in centenary souvenir of Baqiyathus Salihath
His Role
in Politics
In public service, he also served
as Chairman of the Melvisharam Panchayat Union twice. One of his most notable
contributions was the successful implementation of the town’s drinking water
supply scheme. The inauguration, held on 15 April 1973, marked a historic
moment for the residents, who deeply appreciated his dedication and leadership.
The occasion was graced by Dr. M. Karunanidhi, then Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu, along with other dignitaries.
During his tenure of
chairmanship, he improved the infrastructure of Government Hospital of
Melvisharam. He brought famous gynaecologist of that time Dr. Thulasi and made
necessary arrangements for her stay.
Janab
Moulana Malack Hafiz Gulzar Ahmed Sahib writes that Abdul Jameel Sahib’s
popularity among the people of Melvisharam can be understood from an incident
during an election day. After casting his vote, S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib was
returning home. At that time, the police tried to disperse the crowd by using
sticks. Without recognizing him, a policeman accidentally hit his foot. When
the public came to know about this, they became angry and a large crowd gathered
in protest. The situation started going out of control. On hearing this, Jameel
Sahib himself came in a rickshaw and said it was a small bruise, he requested
the people to remain calm and maintain peace.The policeman apologized for his
mistake. Jameel Sahib forgave him.
In his political carrier he had the privilege
of meeting National and regional leaders like Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Janab
Qaide Millath Ismail Sahib, Mr. K. Kamaraj, Mr. Baktavatchalam, Mr. K. N.
Annadurai, Mr. Kakkan, Mr. Neduncheziyan, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mr. K.
Karunanidhi and M. G. Ramachandran etc. On 5th
October, 1955 Shri Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the honourable Prime Minister of
India visited Visharam along with his daughter Shrimati Indra Priyadarshini
Nehru accompanied by prominent congressmen. The convoy stopped at the Islamiah
High School entrance. The members of MMES especially Janab B.S. Abdul Wahab
Sahib and Janab S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib honoured the Prime Minister with
Garlands.
My
teacher, Janab Timiri Shabbeer Ahmed Sahib (Former Mathematics Teacher, IBHS,
Melvisharam) says that during 1948 when communal tensions arose in Tiruvannamalai region,
S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib along with a team of elders of Melvisharam and other places, went there and held
peaceful discussions to restore harmony.
His Role in Promotion of Urdu
language
“The words of the father of Urdu (Baba E Urdu), Dr. Abdul Haq “Knowledge is a great power but its support is on language.” Gave me a fresh start for my deep passion. I considered it as my duty to take up this support. I became inclined towards the promotion and development of the Urdu language. The passion that had been raging in my heart for a long time emerged. The study of ‘Hamari Zuban’ from Delhi further ignited my enthusiasm for serving the Urdu language. A week later, after consulting my dear friend A. Ahmed Basha B. A., a branch of Anjuman E Tarqiye Urdu was established in Melvisharam.”
S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib. Excerpts from ‘AAGHAAZ E ANJUMAN E TARQIYYE URDU’
Source: Visharam Mein Urdu'
Right
from his school days, S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib took keen interest in the
literary activities. He was voracious reader of books. He was not only a poet
and an accomplished writer, but also a nurturer of poets and a generous patron
of literary talent. Deeply devoted to the Urdu language, he played a pivotal
role in its growth and propagation in Melvisharam. His charismatic personality
inspired many young people of the town to join him in his mission to promote
Urdu.
In 1942, he published his
collection of Urdu poetry titled Guldast-e-Ghazliyat. His pen name was
“Ajmal.” Earlier, on 25 October 1941, at Islamiah High School, he was elected
President of the Council for the Promotion of Urdu (Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu,
Melvisharam). Under his leadership, the school became the council’s office, and
a dedicated library was established to support its activities.
In 1942, the council organized
the first Urdu poetic conference (Mushaira) in the history of Melvisharam at
Islamiah High School. Two years later, in 1944, the council was affiliated with
the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language
(Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu), Delhi. S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib was the driving
force behind all these initiatives.
He consistently encouraged
teachers to create an environment that would help students improve their
language skills. To achieve this goal, he promoted inter-school competitions
and rewarded outstanding students. He regularly organized mushairas at Islamiah
High School, Melvisharam, and Muslim High School, Triplicane, Chennai. He would
preside over almost all the Mushairas and Seerath celebrations. His passion for
poetry was so profound that he even hosted poetic gatherings during family functions
and weddings.
 |
Even in his later years, his zeal
for service and dedication to the promotion of Urdu never diminished. He made
sincere efforts to establish a Tamilnadu Urdu Academy and actively approached
government authorities to bring this vision to life. S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib
also invited Allama Mohammed Hussain Mahwi Siddiqi to reside in Melvisharam. After
his retirement from the University of Madras in 1949, Mahwi Siddiqi Sahib
stayed at Jameelabad and made significant contributions to the development of
Urdu language and literature in the region.
In recognition of his remarkable
services to Urdu, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Abdur Razzaq Baqwi aptly described S.
M. Abdul Jameel Sahib as the “Hero of the Linguistic Revolution in Melvisharam.
His
Association with other organisations
S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib was loved both within and
outside Melvisharam for his God-gifted administrative skills. He was a
prominent member of the Ahle Sunnath Lababeen Jamath of Melvisharam, which
manages the town’s mosques and works for the welfare of the public. He took
great interest in its smooth and peaceful functioning. He also served as a
trustee and President of Anjuman-e-Ansaarul Islam, which has been running
Madarsa-e-Niswan since 1941.
He was one of the founders of
Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Millath and also served as its President. A special feature
of this Anjuman was that its members were also part of the town’s Jamath, MMES,
and other organisations, though they held different roles in each.
Janab Gulzar Sahib writes that
important discussions were held in this Anjuman on matters related to the
Jamath, institutions, politics, public welfare, and even the establishment of a
college despite strong opposition. S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib was one of its
active and key members.
He had a close connection with
Madarsa-e-Latheefiya at Hazrath Makan, Vellore. He regularly attended its events
and had great respect for its scholars. In the same way, he was also a member
of Jamia Darus Salam, Omerabad, and actively participated in its functions. He
also maintained close ties with Madarsa-e-Mazahirul Uloom, Salem.
He served as an
executive member of MEASI, Chennai for a long time . He was also the President of the C. Abdul
Hakeem Trust in Triplicane, Chennai. This trust manages the Muslim Higher
Secondary School, which was established by his grandfather, Nawab C. Abdul
Hakeem Sahib, in 1924. In 1976, the school celebrated its Golden Jubilee under
his Presidentship. He dedicated himself for the development of the school until
his death.
He was also a member of the
Jamaath at Periamet Mosque. In addition, he served as the President of Siddiq
Sarai until his death. It is a Muslim choultry founded by his grandfather in
1921.
Death
After rendering tireless and remarkable service to the
nation and the community, he passed away on 12th August 1997. He was laid to rest
at the Big Mosque graveyard in Melvisharam. Condolence meetings were held in
various MMES institutions, and Isaal-e-Sawab gatherings were also organised to
pray for his departed soul.
Before
I conclude the article let me quote Allama Mahwi’s remarks about S. M. Abdul
Jameel Sahib on his first meet.
“On 14th March 1943 reached
Walajah Station from Madras by train, to participate in the Mushaira. At the
station, the president of Anjuman E Tarqiye Urdu, Melvisharam Branch and head
of the town S. M. Abdul Jameel Ajmal an enthusiastic serious minded young man
was present with his magnificent car. I and my friends boarded in the car. Until
now, I did not know who Mr. President is. Now it has come to light that he is
the grandson of the late Abdul Hakeem the generous man of the time. And by the
grace of God he possesses the same qualities. He especially, loves Urdu and
wants to do a lot for its development in South India. On hearing this, my
happiness knew no bouds. And when I witnessed his simple nature, humility,
seriousness and nobility, I was even more happy. My heart said that only such
young people who favour knowledge, literature and kind-hearted, can do
something in the world. And if God wills, Urdu will achieve eternal survival in
this country through them.”
Source:
‘Visharam Mein Urdu’
.Conclusion
A life full of service, sacrifice
and dedication. For more than fifty years, he worked for the educational upliftment
in this part of the country. Transforming our town into city of knowledge. May
this write up inspire the readers for the good cause.
Acknowledgement
During my childhood, I would
often see this elderly personality at
Jameelabad Mosque and at his residence. Whenever he visited his daughter’s
house at Sakvai Haji Abdullah Sahib Street (the home of Janab Pakthini Shafi
Mohammed Sahib, B.A., B.L. who was his son in law), he would arrive in his
Ambassador car, which remains a vivid memory. While I was studying at Islamiah
Boys Higher Secondary School, he would occasionally visit the school and
preside over its functions. I still clearly remember that when news of his
demise reached us, the school was closed, and the following day we were
gathered for Qur’an Khani and Isaal-e-Sawab prayers.
About a year ago, my teacher, Dr.
Abul Fazal Sahib, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of History at
Islamiah College, Vaniyambadi, encouraged me to write the biography of S. M.
Abdul Jameel Sahib. He emphasized that his services were so extensive that they
deserved a complete book. Recently, my friend Dr. Tarkatti Shafeeq Ahmed,
Assistant Headmaster of Muslim Higher Secondary School, Triplicane, Chennai,
contacted me requesting a biography of S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib for their
school’s centenary souvenir.
These
instances made me realise the need to document his life and services. Motivated
by this, I began gathering details about him from various sources. Books such
as Visharam Mein Urdu and Mukhaiyar-e-Azam by Hafiz Abdur Razzaq
Baqwi Sahib, Fabulous Jewel of Madras Presidency published by MMES, the Al
Hakeem magazines (1998–1999 and 1999–2000 issues) of C. Abdul Hakeem
College of Arts and Science, the Safeer annual magazines (1975,1976 and 1977 issues) of
Madarsa-e-Baqiyathus Salihath, Vellore, along with its centenary souvenir and
annual reports, served as valuable sources for compiling this short biography.
In addition, articles written by Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malack Gulzar Ahmed Baqwi Sahib, Janab Professor Zakir Abdul Wahab Sahib, Dr. Basheerul Haq Sahib, Janab Gramani Mohammed Basha Sahib and Janab Timiri Shabbeer Ahmed Sahib were highly valuable. May Allah reward them all for their contributions. Aameen.
The scholars mentioned above had the privilege of knowing S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib closely. They worked under his guidance for many years, travelled extensively with him, and spent significant time in his company. Those who wish to learn more about him may refer to the above sources, many of which are rich in Urdu and reflect deep emotion. This article presents only the key aspects of his life. I humbly acknowledge that some details may have been omitted, either unintentionally or due to lack of knowledge . May Allah with His infinite Mercy accept his services and grant him highest abode in Heaven Aameen
I thank Janab Dr. S. A. Sajid Sahib, Dean, C. Abdul Hakeem College of Arts and Science (Autonomous) and Dr. Mohammed Yasir Sahib for permitting me to access the resourceful library of the college and Urdu Department. I also thank Mufti Mohammed Siddiq Sahib (DBM) for sharing valuable sources.
S. Mohammed Sadathullah
Melvisharam
27. 04. 26
Cell no: 9344376199
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