22/01/1932 – 22/04/2019

Abdul Khader Goltamajalu, affectionately known as “Abbonu Haji,” was born on January 22, 1932, and raised in Aladka near Panemangalore. He hailed from the Goltamajalu family in Bantwala taluk, with his parents being Isubu Beary and Beafatima. Despite the challenges of his time, he completed his primary education at Kalladka Board Higher Elementary School and pursued further studies up to Matric at SVS High School.

Abdul Khader’s academic achievements, particularly his matriculation in the 1940s, reflected his thirst for knowledge in an era when educational opportunities for the Muslim community were limited. He harbored a strong desire to join the Indian Army, particularly the Air Force, from a young age. However, despite obtaining consent to join the Air Force at the age of 20, familial responsibilities arose following his father’s passing, compelling him to take charge of the family’s farming activities. As a result, his aspiration to join the army remained unfulfilled.

During the Quit India movement in 1942, the spirit of rebellion reached the rural areas. Young Abdul Khader, then a student in the third grade at Board Senior Primary School in Kalladka, encountered the fervor of the movement on his way home from school one evening. Two freedom fighters, Madhav Padiyar and Uppanna Naik, were delivering speeches under the Ashwatha tree near the school. Inspired by their words, Abdul Khader and his fellow students joined in chanting patriotic slogans. However, the gathering was dispersed by the police wielding lathis, leaving a lasting impression on Abdul Qader Haji.

Despite being deeply rooted in agriculture as his primary occupation, Abdul Qader remained committed to farming, cultivating millet, paddy, and groundnuts. Even after achieving success in other ventures, he never abandoned his love for agriculture. In 1968, he fulfilled his pilgrimage to Hajj by embarking on a journey by ship.

Subsequently, Abdul Qader ventured into the beedi industry, initially working as a contractor for Bharat Beedi and Ganesh Beedi. In 1969, along with his younger brother Abubakar, he established his own beedi company named “Hajaj,” which soon became a well-known household name. Expanding his business interests, he founded Hajaj Soaps in 1985 and Hajaj Plastics Industries in 1990, thereby establishing himself as the leader of a conglomerate providing employment opportunities to hundreds of workers.

Abdul Khader’s dedication to serving the mosque spanned five decades of his life. He held the position of general secretary at the Muhiyuddin Juma Masjid in Kalladka for an uninterrupted period of 35 years, followed by a 15-year tenure as president. Additionally, he served as the Honorary Chairman of the Rahmania Juma Masjid in Goltamajal for nearly two decades.

Recognizing the need for educational facilities in his community, Abdul Khader generously donated his land for the construction of a madrasa in Ermejalu, ensuring easier access to education for local children. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in establishing a government high school in Goltamajal by donating 1.05 acres of his own land for its construction. For nearly two decades, he served as the working president of the Government High School Development and Oversight Committee in Goltamajalu. Additionally, he held positions of responsibility within the School Development Committee and the Kalladka Government Senior Primary School Alumni Association.

Under Abdul Khader’s leadership, a family trust was established in 1999, leading to the creation of an English-medium primary and high school on his own land. In addition to his contributions to education, he left a mark in literature by writing poems and articles in both Kannada and Beary languages. He served as the president of the second Beary Sahitya Sammelan held in 1999 and was also actively involved in the Kendra Beary Sahitya Parishad and Kannada Sahitya Parishad.

Beyond his literary endeavors, Abdul Khader was deeply engaged in social and community activities, serving as a member of various organizations such as Lions Club Bantwala and Jamiyyatul Falah. He was also a patron of sports, particularly known for his support of the Hajaj Sports Club and Hajaj Kabaddi Team. Additionally, he pursued interests in dairy farming and environmental conservation.

Abdul Khader received numerous honors and awards, including the Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Rajyotsava Award and the Dakshina Kannada District Kannada Sahitya Sammelan. He is survived by his wife Beafatima and a large family, including six sons and five daughters, with notable achievements among his grandsons, who include doctors, accountants, engineers, and hafiz.

He passed away on Apil 22, 2019.