Haji Hameed Kandak calls for unity among Ahinda communities, collapses on stage, dies

coastaldigest.com news network
January 24, 2018

Mangaluru, Jan 24: Haji Abdul Hameed Kandak, a well-known social worker, veteran community leader and philanthropist of Mangaluru, passed away on Wednesday evening after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest while delivering a speech. 

72-year-old Haji is survived by his wife, four sons, a daughter, and a large number of relatives, friends and well-wishers.

He collapsed on the stage while speaking as a chief guest at a seminar on judiciary and constitution organised by the Dakshina Kannada district unit of Ahinda movement at Woodlands Hotel in the city on the eve of Republic Day. 

He began his speech expressing frustration over the current situation in India. “Those who are trying to change the constitution and those who killed the father of the nation are ruling our country now,” he said. 

He also said that even though religious minorities, backward classes and dalits together comprise a vast majority of India’s population, they are oppressed and suppressed by a very small section of people. “We had built Ahinda movement years ago. However there is no unity among us. We are divided and deprived of all our rights. A small section of people is ruling us,” he said and called upon Ahinda communities (minorities, backward classes and dalits) to unite.

Meanwhile, the speaker’s face turned pale. He almost lost his voice when he said that he was feeling uneasy. All of a sudden he collapsed. DYFI leader Muneer Katipalla, fishermen community leader Vasudeva Boloor, former Beary Academy president B A Mohammed Haneef and others who were present on the stage rushed to help him. Within minutes Haji was taken to nearby Unity Hospital where he breathed his last. 

Mr Katipalla said that Haji was active till last moment and prior to the commencement of Ahinda programme he mingled with the people freely and discussed about the social and political situation of the coastal Karnataka.

Son of a farmer, Haji Abdul Hameed Kandak was a successful businessman in the city. He had engaged in travel industry. He was an advocate of unity among Muslims. He had been at forefront of several social movements and was a prominent Muslim leader in coastal Karnataka. He had served as member of the All-India Haj Committee, and as vice-president of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Muslim Central Committee. He had also been the president of Central Market Merchants' Association. He was also a leader of Congress party.

Family sources, said that the last rites will be performed at Ullal Darga mosque premises on the outskirts of the city on Thursday, January 25.

Political, religious and social leaders including Dakhsina Kannada district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai, Food minister UT Khader, DK and Udupi Muslim Central Committee president Haji K S Mohammed Masood among others have expressed deep condolences on the sad demise of Haji Hameed Kandak. Various organizations and parties including Congress, PFI, SDPI, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Indian Social Forum etc too have shared condolence messages.

Comments

Selma fernandes
 - 
Friday, 26 Jan 2018

Such a wonderful man he was... heartfelt condelonce from us.. 

IMTIAZ AHMED,M…
 - 
Thursday, 25 Jan 2018

MAY ALLAH GRANT HIM JANNATUL FIRDOUSE -AAMEEN.  HE WAS GOOD LEADER AMONG ALL.

Prof.M.Abubake…
 - 
Thursday, 25 Jan 2018

Innaa Lillaahi wa inna ilaihi raajihoon.  Allaahummghfirlahoo warhamhoo waghfirlahoo yaa Rabbal Aalameen. ameen.  May Almighty Allah give him the right place in Jannathul Firdouse ameen. We pray Almighty ALLAH to give patience to the family members to bear the irreparable Loss. 

A.K.MUHIUDDEEN…
 - 
Thursday, 25 Jan 2018

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raajioun.  We pray with almighty allah to bless late haji abdul hameed kandak with his jannaathul firdouse, aameen. May almighty allah give patience & forebearance to his family to bear the brunt of bereavement. This humble gentleman is known to me since last 50years or more during his association as a manager in a bombay based company called byculla transport co, near badria masjid, bunder, mangalore.   Due to his  sincere & social nature  as a mediater & compromiser between two parties or groups and to unite  them.,  he was familiarly and friendly addressed by his friends circle as uno chief.  Holy qur'an says *kullu nafsin zaikathul mouth* (every living soul has to taste death). Even though his death is a great loss to the community and humanity, we have to respect our creater almighty allah's decision & pray for his maghfirah. 

Muhammed Ali Uchil
 - 
Thursday, 25 Jan 2018

IInna Lillahi Va inna ilahi rajivoon, May Allah grant him Jannat. Whenever we met always discussed about community issues. His deep concern about disunity in the community, enmity among brotherly communities   and leader’s failure to tackle on burning social and community issues are highly praise worthy.

PA Hameed Padubdir
 - 
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018

Haji H Kandak was very genious and concenred about Muslim community, He was an inspiration for me to get into socio political field in 90s when I was an LLB student. Really a bing loss for the muslim community in particular and society in general. May allah give him maghfirath and paradise

Mohammad Ataullah
 - 
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018

Innalillahi wa inna iaihi rajivoon. Unbelievable. I recently spoke to him. Recent developments in coastal Karnataka had saddened him. May allah reward him jannah.

Shaziya
 - 
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018

Shocking incident. Really unbearable loss for the Muslim community in Manglaore. May he rest in peace

Keshav KRV
 - 
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018

He was an honest man. He was not just a mulsim leader. He treated all communities equally. 

Zainuddin
 - 
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018

Inna lillahi va inna ilahi rajivoon. Subhanallah he was active till last moment of his life. May allah grant him jannah

Mohidin
 - 
Wednesday, 24 Jan 2018

 إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ‎)  "We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return"

Community lost a great leader who was striving for the unity.

May Allah grant him Jannathul Firdouse

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Media Release
November 24,2025

novel2.jpg

Sharjah, UAE: Ayisha Basheer Esra, a talented young writer hailing from Aramboor in Dakshina Kannada’s Sullia taluk, marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning literary career with the launch of her debut novel, The Betrayal of the Kingdom, at the Sharjah International Book Fair. The prestigious event, recognized as the world’s largest book fair, provided a fitting stage for the unveiling of Esra’s work.

The official release ceremony was conducted by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Religious Affairs Office of the Sharjah Government and a distinguished member of the royal family, underscoring the significance of Esra’s achievement. Mrs. Lini Shivaprasad, Principal of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, had the honor of receiving the first copy of the novel.

The event was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, reflecting the widespread recognition of Esra’s literary talent and the anticipation surrounding her debut novel. Among the notable attendees were Syed Panakkad Munawwarali Shihab Tangal, Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, the UAE’s renowned writer and Head of Dar Al Yasmin Publications, Dr. K. K. N. Kurup, Retired Vice Chancellor of Calicut University and Historian, Sharjah Businessman Shamsuddin Bin Mohideen, Nizar Talangara, President of the Sharjah Indian Association, V. T Salim, Director of Silver Home Real Estate, Munir Al Wafa, MD of Lipi Publication Akbar, and other esteemed individuals.

At the remarkably young age of eight, Esra has already established herself as a prolific writer, authoring and publishing collections of short stories in addition to her newly released full-length novel. Her dedication to writing and her exceptional talent have positioned her as one of the youngest authors to achieve such literary success. 

Esra is the daughter of Basheer and Haseena, residents of Aramboor, Sullia, and currently a student at Sharjah’s GEMS Millennium School. Her early accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring young writers and a testament to the power of nurturing creativity from a young age.

novel1.jpg

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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News Network
November 26,2025

students.jpg

Bengaluru, Nov 26: Karnataka is taking its first concrete steps towards lifting a three-decade-old ban on student elections in colleges and universities. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced Wednesday that the state government will form a small committee to study the reintroduction of campus polls, a practice halted in 1989 following incidents of violence.

Speaking at a 'Constitution Day' event organised by the Karnataka Congress, Mr. Shivakumar underscored the move's aim: nurturing new political leadership from the grassroots.

"Recently, (Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to me and Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) asking us to think about restarting student elections," Shivakumar stated. "I'm announcing today that we'll form a small committee and seek a report on this."

Student elections were banned in Karnataka in 1989, largely due to concerns over violence and the infiltration of political party affiliates into campus life. The ban effectively extinguished vibrant student bodies and the pipeline of young leaders they often produced.

Mr. Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress president, said that former student leaders will be consulted to "study the pros and cons" of the re-introduction.

Acknowledging the history of the ban, he added, "There were many criminal activities taking place back then. We’ll see how we can conduct (student) elections by regulating such criminal activities."

The Deputy CM reminisced about his own journey, which began on campus. He recalled his political activism at Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College leading to his first Assembly ticket in 1985 at the age of 23. "That's how student leadership was at the time. Such leadership has gone today. College elections have stopped," he lamented, adding that for many, college elections were "like a big movement" where leaders were forged.

The move, driven by the Congress high command's push to cultivate young talent, will face scrutiny from academics and university authorities who have, in the past, expressed concern that the return of polls could disrupt the peaceful academic environment and turn campuses into political battlegrounds.

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