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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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.

The university programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This show of support comes just a day after Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar would lead the government “when the high command decides.” The chief minister made the comment after a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence—another public display of camaraderie between the two leaders amid ongoing attempts by the party high command to downplay their leadership rivalry.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district. 

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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News Network
November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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