27/05/1936 – 31/10/2006

Manjanadi, located about twenty-one kilometers from Mangalore city, holds significance as a Muslim-majority rural area known for its contributions to Islamic spirituality and religious scholarship over the years. It has been influenced by various Sufi saints, particularly since the arrival of Hazrat Ismail Waliullah. The town has produced numerous religious scholars from Kerala and Karnataka, shaping its cultural and spiritual landscape.

In addition to its agricultural activities, which primarily include the cultivation of rice, areca nuts, and coconuts, Manjanadi was also known for trade, particularly in commodities like black pepper, coffee, and cardamom, with connections to Mudigere, Madikeri, and Hassan.

Despite its rich cultural heritage, the educational landscape in Manjanadi faced challenges in the past. In 1926, a senior primary school was established in the vicinity of the Manjanadi Masjid, offering education up to the seventh standard. However, due to societal factors such as poverty and lack of educational awareness, the school struggled to attract students, with only a few girls attending.

The transformative figure in addressing the educational backwardness of Manjanadi was P.M. Musabba, affectionately known as Musabba Master. Born on May 27^th of 1936 to Moideen Kunhi Parthippadi and Asiamma in the Pare family of Manjanadi, Musabba received his primary madrasa education before progressing to the seventh standard at Manjanadi Senior Primary School. Despite challenges, including the lack of transportation, he completed his tenth standard education, walking a considerable distance daily to attend school.

Musabba went on to train as a teacher and became proficient in the Kannada language. His teaching career saw him serve in various schools, including one in Chembugudde, Panambur. However, it was his appointment as the Head Teacher of Manjanadi Government School that allowed him to witness and spearhead educational changes and developments within the Manjanadi community.

Master Musabba’s arrival heralded a new era of educational enlightenment in Manjanadi and its vicinity. His proactive approach involved personally visiting households to encourage parents to prioritize their children’s education, with a particular emphasis on girls’ education. He diligently sought out students who had dropped out of school and persuaded them to return, resulting in a significant increase in student enrollment each year.

Dedicated to the development of education, Master Musabba worked tirelessly to improve the school infrastructure, overseeing the construction of new buildings to accommodate the growing number of students. Despite being temporarily transferred to government schools in Sirsi and Chembugudde, he remained committed to serving the Manjanadi community, responding to the people’s demands to continue his invaluable service.

His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he instilled in his students a drive for higher education and government employment. Many of his disciples, inspired by his guidance, went on to secure positions in various fields such as the police force, and banking.

In addition to his teaching career, Master Moosabba actively engaged in social service, notably contributing to the construction of vital roads in the town. He also held leadership positions in religious institutions, serving as the President of Manjanadi Bandasale Munawwaratul Islam Madrasa and as the Secretary of Manjanadi Juma Masjid for many years.

Following his retirement from teaching, Master Musabba continued to contribute to education by working in a private institution in Chembugudde, Derlakatta. He was married to Beefathima and was survived by two sons and three daughters. He passed away on October 31, 2006.