M.S. Abubakar Thodar
17/02/1957 – 11/09/2017
Abubakar Todhar was born on February 17, 1957, to Shekhabba and Fatima in Mizaru, near Todaru in Mangalore Taluk (now Moodbidire Taluk).
Growing up, he was involved in various fields like agriculture, trade, and industry, which naturally acquainted him with the region through Raji Panchayat. This involvement led him to engage in social service, and eventually, politics became a calling for him.
Affiliated with the Janata Dal Party, he was elected as a member of the Mangalore Taluk Panchayat in 1995 from the Tenkamijaru Constituency. Abubakar was closely associated with former minister Amarnath Shetty, and Janata Dal had a significant presence in Dakshina Kannada district, particularly in Mudubidire.
During his time in office, the Janata Dal won a significant number of seats in the Mangalore Taluk Panchayat. Abubakar, popularly known as “MAS” (Mizar Sheikhabba Abubakar), was elected as the president of the Mangalore Taluk Panchayat, making him the first Beary president of a taluk panchayat. He assumed office at the age of 40, serving as President from December 9, 1997, completing a 30-month term. Throughout his tenure, he focused on development projects and garnered attention for his efforts.
With approximately 120 acres of agricultural land, he was deeply involved in farming alongside his business ventures. The “MAS” brand, particularly in the beedi industry, became widely recognized not only in Dakshina Kannada district but also in the Western Ghat region. Additionally, he managed the lease of Sadhubidi and owned a rented building in the Balmath-Moodubidiri complexes of Mangalore.
Despite his busy schedule, Abubakar remained committed to his community and religion. He served as the president of Badria Juma Masjid in Thodar for two decades and was also a trustee of Adarsh English Medium School in Thodar.
Upon his passing on September 11, 2017, Abubakar left behind his wife Aisha, four daughters, and two sons.
