Thank you UCA: 'Saint of Letters' Harekala Hajabba enters new house

[email protected] (CD Network | Photos by Suresh)
February 8, 2016

Mangaluru, Feb 8: "I never dreamt of living in a house that is worth Rs 15 lakh in my life. Today I am extremely happy, thankful and I pray for the well-being of the donor, who built a house for me," said Harekala Hajabba, 61, who is popularly known as 'Akshara Santha' or 'Saint of Letters'

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Despite being an uneducated, Hajabba fought tirelessly to build built a government school at Newpadpu in Harekala about 20 kms here by pooling money he earned and by seeking donors help. However, he had forgotten to build a house for his wife and three children. Hajabba was worried about his family very much, but he never showed it to others. At this juncture, the United Christian Association (UCA) has come forward to build 760 sqft house at a cost of Rs 15 lakh for Hajabba. On Sunday, a house warming ceremony was held in the presence of Muslim clergies, UCA president Alban Menezes, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and minister for health and family welfare U T Khader.

"I am an ordinary man and I have not earned a single rupee for myself. On September 13, 2004, there were no chairs in my house when four journalists came to talk to me about my struggle for a school in my village. Now I own this houses only because of media persons and organisations like United Christian Association," said Hajabba, who left no stones unturned to start a government school in his village and later to construct a new block for it.

Hajabba, who has been selling orange near State Bank bus stand, was literally struggling to meet both ends at his partially damaged tiled roof house, where five member family with ailing wife were living. In fact, it is the initiative of UCA president Alban Menezes, a young builder in the city, that led to construction of a two bed room RCC house for Hajabba.

"I understood the problems of Hajabba when he was admitted to hospital. Doctors, who treated Hajabba, told me that he was suffering from anxiety due to poverty. I felt really sad when I saw a great achiever suffering from poverty and living in a dilapidated house. Hence, I decided to construct a house for him through UCA. While nearly 1.5 lakh was collected through UCA members, I spent nearly Rs 13.5 lakh. Very soon, I will provide compound wall and gate for his house spending additional Rs 2 lakh," said Alban Menezes, who had donated many houses and did several charity works earlier.

Menezes said that a separate space has been provided in the new house for Hajabba to display all awards, citations and mementos he received during his journey as a crusader of education.

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Comments

Ahmed Bava
 - 
Tuesday, 9 Feb 2016

Congratulations UCA President Mr. Alban Menezes and Members really great work done by you for a Great person Mr.HAJABBA. HUMANBEING

A.Ullal
 - 
Tuesday, 9 Feb 2016

We admire you. sir.. I am proud that my fellow countryman have done great contribution towards education. Where he built school for kids when kids reach of school was far at site.
He is a role model for us.

A.Ullal
 - 
Tuesday, 9 Feb 2016

We admire you. sir.. I proud that my fellow countryman done grate contribution towards education. Were he build school for kids when kids reach of school is far at site.
He is role model for us.

rikaz
 - 
Monday, 8 Feb 2016

I hope because of this house he can keep up his health and serve more and better to poorer section of the society.

Government should think of giving him pension monthly basis...and I think it's not right time for him to go in the heat of sun and work and bring money for his social work as well his family...

Sherief
 - 
Monday, 8 Feb 2016

Mr.Alban Menezes and UCA's generous contribution in the form of donating new built home to Akshara Santha Janab Hajabba is truly appreciable. Your donation of a house is an inspiration to all of us. I hat's off for your generosity and commitment for helping the society is sincerely appreciated.

ABUL
 - 
Monday, 8 Feb 2016

Great job and highly praisable noble work by UCA. Bieng a muslim community memeber Janab Hajabba never recognised by his own community people where he stays with many muslim millionaires surroundings.
Hats off once again UCA.Keep it up

Muzaffar Ali
 - 
Monday, 8 Feb 2016

Congratulations ... UCA
Very Good deed by UCA

IBRAHIM.HUSSAIN
 - 
Monday, 8 Feb 2016

It is praise worthy that UCA and Alban understood the pain of Hajabba and built a house for this Akshara Santha. At the same time it is unfortunate, millionaire Muslim people, charity institutions around his area neither understood this Akshara Santha, nor his pitiful life in a lapidated house where he was living. Politician throng on the opening day, but never thought of his need.

Once again salute to Mr. Alban and UCA for this noble work.

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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News Network
December 3,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 3: A group of Congress workers gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday to welcome AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, but the reception quickly turned into a display of support for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Venugopal arrived in the city to participate in the centenary commemoration of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru. The event, organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, in association with the Mangalore University Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair, is being held on the university’s Konaje campus.

KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai and several party workers had assembled at the airport to receive Venugopal. However, the moment he stepped out, workers began raising slogans backing Shivakumar.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 30: A 22-year-old college student succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru today, days after she was hit by a goods tempo while crossing a road in Padubidri.

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Prompt action from local residents ensured she received immediate first aid before being rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing care.

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A case related to the accident has been registered at the Padubidri police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The incident highlights the growing concerns over road safety, particularly on busy service roads, and serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents.

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