1938 – 1976

Born in 1938, Muhammad Ismail was the youngest among the four sons of Moidinabba and Unhimolu from Kalladka, Bantwala taluk. Initially, he ran a shop selling cement, organic fertilizers, insecticides, and other items. However, due to his strong organizational skills, he found success in politics and became known as Kalladka Ismail.

He actively participated in the Seva Dal of the Congress and gained recognition not just locally but also at the state and national levels. His close relationship with Indira Gandhi was evident when she visited Mangalore as Prime Minister. During her visit, she arrived in Kalladka in an open jeep and joined a workers’ meeting, a request made by Kalladka Ismail himself.

While making his mark in national politics, Kalladka Ismail was also deeply involved in social service. He was well-known for his involvement in local governance, often referred to when people sought solutions to various issues. A strong supporter of figures like Indira Gandhi, Devaraj Arasu, and Gundurao, he worked tirelessly to implement the Land Bill Act, ensuring many became beneficiaries. In 1972, he played a crucial role in facilitating the construction of houses for numerous individuals on 5 cents of land in Kalladka. In recognition of his efforts, the benefactors named the area “Ismail Nagar” in honor of Kalladka Ismail’s contributions.

He married Fatima from Mangalore and had one daughter. Despite his young age, Kalladka Ismail was a powerful politician whose influence extended far and wide. His tragic assassination on October 4, 1976, at the age of only 38, shocked many. The fact that Devaraja Arasu, the Chief Minister at the time, visited Kalladka Ismail’s body to pay his respects speaks volumes about Ismail’s popularity and influence.