Five Visionaries of Our Time

The Five Visionaries of Our Time

In one of the events of the centenary celebration of Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society in February 2019, Janab V. M. Rizwanullah Sahib, ( present correspondent, CAHCET Melvisharam) said, “A community does not suffer for want of funds, it suffers for want of a visionary. By the grace of Almighty Allah our town Melvisharam is blessed with many visionaries.”

 Based on the above quote, if we analyze the history of Melvisharam, we will find numerous personalities who envisioned the needs of the society, designed policies with utmost care, implemented in right direction with sincerity of intention and safeguarded it with dedication and sacrifice. For years, the people of this region have been receiving its benefits. I sincerely and gratefully acknowledge the services of all the visionaries, philanthropist, scholars, and reformers of the past. May Allah reward them all.  

I have closely seen a few of our stalwarts whom I consider in my humble opinion as the visionaries of our period. The past three decades (1990s-2020s) have seen the remarkable efforts of five distinguished personalities, each of whom played a unique and transformative role in shaping the town’s progress and identity. Their dedication and service to society truly make them worthy of being remembered as the Architects of Modern Visharam. Having observed their services from my school days I am very much inspired by them. The five notable personalities are: 

1. Hazrath Moulana Haji Kalambur Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib (Rah)

Former Ameer-e-Shariat, Tamil Nadu (1995–2019) and also Member of Shoora Committee- Darul Uloom Deoband. Former Rector Madarsa E Kashiful Huda, Poonamallee. A revered Islamic scholar and spiritual leader respectfully called by the people as ‘Moulana’ meaning ‘the learned’. His wisdom and guidance nurtured the Islamic and moral fabric of our society.

2.  Haji Vallikan Mohammed Haneef Sahib (Rah)  

He was the Ameer of Tableeghi Jamath in Melvisharam from 1960s-2014. He was familiar among the public as ‘Ameer Sahib’ (the leader) A devout personality whose lifelong efforts in the path of Tabligh Movement had brought a great revolution particularly in Melvisharam and in the wider world in general. Under his leadership, many Tablighi Ijtima had been conducted in and around Visharam. Particularly, the grand Ijtima of 1997. He had transformed countless lives.  

3.  Haji Sowcar Nisar Ahmed Sahib (Rah) 

Former Patel (1979-2021) of Melvisharam town and head of Ahle Sunnath Lababeen Jamath, Melvisharam and President of MMES (1998-2021). A powerful leader and community figure who steered the town with peace, dignity, vision, and unity. He was also connected with various organizations. Over the past five decades, he had played a crucial role in town’s Jamath.

   4. Haji Malack Mohammed Hashim Sahib (Rah.) 

Chairman, KH Foundation. Worked for the economic empowerment and over all development of Melvisharam A dedicated man of service whose initiatives has touched numerous lives, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, welfare and support for the needy. An industrialist, educationist, a man of mission and a tireless social worker had made a profound impact particularly in this region and in wider world in general.

5. Haji Sakvai Ziauddin Ahmed Sahib- 

Renowned Educationist, the General Secretary of Melvisharam Muslim Educational Society (MMES), holds important position in the educational organisations of our town and the state. He has been working for the educational upliftment of this region for the past 5 decades Masha Allah. A pioneer in the field of technical education, who laid the groundwork for academic excellence and educational empowerment in Melvisharam. The MMES under his leadership has transformed the town of Melvisharam in to Madinatul Ilm. (City of Knowledge). May Allah give him health and longevity. Aameen. 

Each of these five esteemed personalities embody a multitude of virtues; however, it is their simplicity and courtesy that distinctly set them apart. Their words hold such weight and respect within the community that no one would disregard them. We thank Almighty Allah for bestowing our town with such distinguished and honourable individuals. All these five personalities are alumni of Islamiah Boys Higher Secondary School, Melvisharam.

In my view, they are among the architects of our town, individuals whose tireless service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment have helped shape the very fabric of our society. It is a sentiment that, I believe, many readers would agree with this view if they have taken the time to observe the depth and consistency of their contributions.

 (Kindly note that the order in which the names of these personalities appear does not denote any form of ranking or priority.)

Alongside these five esteemed personalities, there are several other individuals and institutions whose contributions to the religious, educational, social, and public life of Melvisharam deserve recognition.

Among them is Hazrath Moulana Hafiz V.P. Abdullah Basha Sahib Baqwi (Rah), who rendered dedicated service at Madarsa Manbaul Hasanath for nearly four decades. Through his teaching and guidance, he played a significant role in nurturing generations of students.

Another notable personality is Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Mufti Mohammed Riyaz Ahmed Sahib. Through his Jumu‘ah sermons at Pakthini Masjid, Eidgah bayans, and Tafsir-ul-Qur’an sessions, he contributed immensely to Islamic awareness and understanding among the public. From 1998 to 2022, his efforts were particularly instrumental in fostering an Islamic awakening among the youth of the town. May Allah bless him with good health and a long life.

Mention must also be made of Malack Mohammed Saleem Sahib, who worked tirelessly throughout his life for the political stability and welfare of Melvisharam. He was widely respected for his ability to handle difficult situations and guide the community during times of crisis.

I would also like to acknowledge my teacher, Dr. K. Masood Ahmed Sahib, former Principal of C. Abdul Hakeem College and Head of Idaratul Huda. In addition to serving various mosques, he has devoted nearly five decades in teaching the Holy Qur’an to children in maktabs. His lifelong dedication to Qur’anic education has earned him the affectionate title of “Ashiq-e-Qur’an.” May Allah bless him with good health and a long life.

The contribution of Madarsa-e-Tazkiyatul Quloob for Ladies at Khizarabad (since 1994) is equally noteworthy. For nearly three decades, it has been imparting Islamic education to women and girls, playing an important role in enhancing Islamic awareness and moral development among them.

Janab T. M. Abdul Gafoor Sahib  recognized, a need to strengthen Islamic education in the community. With this vision, he established Madarsa-e-Mazharul Huda and later Masjid-e-Tanyeem. He subsequently founded Madarsa-e-Rozatul Huda within the mosque premises.

This madarsa played a pioneering role in promoting Qur'anic education by offering a part-time Hifz-e-Qur'an programme for school and college students, enabling them to balance their secular studies with Qur'anic learning. Hazrath Moulana Hafiz P. Suhailur Rahman Sahib served as its teacher for nearly a decade and made a lasting contribution to the training of its students.

The services rendered by welfare organizations such as Qaumi Baitul Mal, Crescent Welfare Association, and Islamiah Welfare Association   (since 1980s) also deserve appreciation. Qaumi Baitul Mal has provided free textbooks to needy students, Crescent Welfare Association has assisted students by paying school and college fees, and Islamiah Welfare Association has distributed free notebooks to deserving children. Collectively, these organizations have played a vital role in supporting education and extending assistance to students from economically weaker sections. 

NOTE:

These observations reflect some of my personal views regarding the valuable services rendered by both past and present personalities and institutions of Melvisharam. Undoubtedly, there are many others whose contributions are equally significant and worthy of recognition.