20/05/1946 – 25/01/2018

K.P. Ismail Ustad’s journey towards educational reform began in Kasba Bengare, near Mangalore’s historic port. Born on May 20, 1946, in Kunjur Panja, Puttur, to K.P. Abdullah and Amina, he was the eldest of four siblings.

After completing his primary education at Philomena School, Puttur, he pursued higher education at Alia Arabic College, Kasaragod, where he acquired proficiency in Arabic and religious studies. Following the early loss of his mother, he spent his formative years in the care of his elder sister in Uppinangadi.

Initially working as a teacher at Al Huda Islamic Madrasa in Uppinangadi and serving as a Khateeb at a mosque, Ismail Ustad ventured into the hotel industry in Uppinangadi, Mudigere, and Ghat regions around 1982-83. Alongside his involvement in the hotel business, he dedicated his spare time to teaching literacy to the local community, particularly amidst the boom in coffee cultivation during that period, although he faced setbacks in the hotel business.

Around 1983, Ismail Ustad transitioned from Uppinangadi to Kudroli Islamic Madrasa in Mangalore, where he served as a teacher for approximately seven to eight years. In 1984, he married Zahara, the daughter of Abubakar and Halimamma, and subsequently relocated with his family to Bengare Kasba, residing in a modest rented house on the island.

In the backdrop of Bengare’s economic and social underdevelopment, with scattered houses of immigrant fishermen families, educational progress was a distant hope. Transportation hurdles made accessing higher education in Mangalore via boat a challenge. Recognizing this, Ustad K.P. Ismail began providing religious education for local children at his home, eventually expanding to teach Urdu as well. Even Khateebs and Ustads from the local mosque became his Urdu students.

Witnessing the growing number of students, a generous benefactor offered a free room near Ismail’s house for educational activities. Later, Hussain, another local, learned about a house for sale and purchased it with donor support, allowing Ismail to continue his educational endeavors. The madrasa, which initially had fifteen students, quickly expanded its enrollment, prompting plans for further development.

Understanding the pressing need for social services in Bengare, especially among the impoverished fishermen and laborers living in makeshift huts, Ismail wholeheartedly devoted himself to community development. He initiated various initiatives such as free book distribution for children, mass fitra zakat, mass Qurbani, housing schemes, toilet construction, and monthly food distribution. Ismail also prioritized girls’ education and encouraged boys who dropped out of school to resume their studies, often collecting donations to facilitate children’s education.

His unwavering commitment to social and educational advancement earned him widespread respect and admiration, with Ismail becoming a central figure in Bengare’s progress. People sought his help for various challenges, knowing he would never turn them away.

The tragic incident of a boat capsizing on June 15, 1992, which claimed the lives of twelve children from Bengre who were on their way to schools in Mangalore, deeply affected Ustad Ismail Bengre. In response to this tragedy, he resolved to establish a well-equipped English medium school for the children of the area. With the support of numerous donors, he realized this vision and founded the school, providing access to quality education for the local children.

In 1995, Ustad Ismail took another significant step by establishing the Islamic Welfare Center, demonstrating his commitment to addressing various social and welfare needs in the community. Additionally, in 2003, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Anas Bin Malik Mosque, which conducted sermons in both Kannada and Beary languages, catering to the linguistic diversity of the region.

Through his selfless efforts, Ustad Ismail significantly contributed to the development of the Bengre Kasba area in political, cultural, and educational spheres. His initiatives, including the establishment of a public library, madrasa, mosque, and Ansar Seva Unit, have left a lasting impact on the community, fostering progress and empowerment.

Born and raised in Puttur, Ustad Ismail chose Bengre as his Karambhoomi, or field of service, dedicating himself to the betterment of the region. His legacy lives on even after his passing on January 25, 2018, survived by his wife and nine children.