05/06/1938 – 10/07/2018

Born and raised in Pejawara, a hamlet near Bajpe in Mangalore taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, B.A. Mohideen (Bajpe Abdul Khader Mohidin) came into this world on June 5, 1938. He was born into an economically disadvantaged family to Abdul Khader Beary and Halimamma. Had he not ventured into politics, the political landscape would have undoubtedly missed out on a skilled politician. Besides his political endeavors, he left an indelible mark in the field of education and society, emerging as a prominent leader within the Muslim community.

He earned the distinction of being the first Beary Muslim minister of the state and the first minister in charge (Beary Muslim) of Dakshina Kannada district. Renowned for his integrity, secular outlook, and remarkable efficiency, he was hailed as the most upright politician the state had ever witnessed. Not only did he maintain an impeccable record professionally, but personally, he cultivated a reputation untarnished by any wrongdoing. With his visionary approach, he spearheaded an educational revolution within the coastal Muslim society.

B.A. Mohideen, steadfast in his principles, wielded power with utmost honesty, refraining from any actions that could harm others. He remained resolutely distant from corruption, ensuring that his hands and conscience remained untainted.

B.A. Mohideen ignited an educational revolution within the Muslim society, firmly believing that education is the cornerstone of survival for the community. Recognizing the potential within the area, which housed a significant Muslim population, he rallied enthusiastic youth and entrepreneurs, urging them to establish educational institutions. Thanks to his vision and efforts, countless Muslim girls in our society have attained remarkable accomplishments in the field of education today.

Observing the illiteracy prevailing among his own siblings, B.A. Mohideen took it upon himself to advocate for the education of Muslim girls. Despite facing resistance from religious teachers, he saw the potential in repurposing the deteriorating madrasa building for educational purposes. After persistent persuasion, he successfully established a school within his native Madrasa.

Recognizing the significance of English-medium education, he championed the cause while also preserving Kannada-medium schools. Consequently, English-medium schools emerged in areas like Katipalla, Krishnapura, Surinje, Jokatte, Baikampadi, and other regions surrounding Bajpe. This initiative led to the formation of the Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MIEF). Today, the substantial presence of Muslim educational institutions and the widespread education of Muslim girls in coastal Karnataka owe much to his determination in the past.

Throughout his five-decade-long political journey, B.A. Mohideen encountered various challenges and transitions, yet his illustrious legacy earned him the respect and trust of leaders across party lines. In 1978, he was elected as an independent MLA from the Bantwala Vidhan Sabha constituency. Subsequently, in 1980, amidst the Congress split, he allied with Devaraja Arasu. However, following Arasu’s demise, despite reuniting with Indira Gandhi, he was denied a Congress ticket in 1983.

Undeterred by this setback, he found strength in the Janata Party, where he assumed key roles such as State General Secretary, Legislative Council Member, and Chief Whip. His journey culminated in ministerial responsibilities, including the pivotal role of Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister. Despite the twists and turns in his political career, B.A. Mohideen’s enduring legacy was characterized by his ability to garner admiration and support from political leaders of all persuasions.

In 1999, amidst the split within the Janata Party, B.A. Mohideen adopted a neutral stance. However, in 2002, he rejoined the Congress party, remaining steadfastly loyal until his last breath. Remarkably, he maintained strong friendships with leaders from both the Janata Party and Janata Dal, earning widespread respect and trust as a lover of humanity.

During his tenure as a minister, B.A. Mohideen spearheaded numerous initiatives. These included the incorporation of the Suratkal area into the Mangalore Municipal Corporation, the extension of the ADB project to Ullal, the construction of a bridge to Patrame village in Beltangadi, and the establishment of water supply from the Tumbe Dam to Mangalore. Additionally, he facilitated subsidies for small industries, established the Government Tool Room Training Center, implemented salary scales for professors, and secured permission for three medical colleges in Mangalore. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the development of the Pilikula Nature Sanctuary project.

During the Suratkal communal riots in 1998-99, B.A. Mohideen served as the in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada district. Known for his unwavering commitment to secularism, he dedicated himself tirelessly to restoring peace and harmony amidst the unrest. His efforts received commendation, with even Chief Minister JH Patel expressing support for BA Mohidin’s endeavors during that challenging period.

B.A. Mohideen played a pivotal role in the Beary Movement, advocating for the rights and recognition of the Beary community. He was instrumental in the Beary movement and worked earnestly towards the establishment of the Beary Sahitya Akademi. Known for his mentorship of youth, he remained unattached to any particular group and always extended a warm and welcoming demeanor to all, regardless of their status. His affable nature and inclusive approach endeared him to all who worked alongside him, earning him the esteemed title of “Beary of the Century” from the Beary Welfare Association, Bangalore.

All arrangements were in place for the unveiling of his autobiography ‘Nannolagina Naanu,’ a candid portrayal of his life’s joys and sorrows, scheduled for August 20, 2018, at Mangalore Town Hall. Senior Literary Muhammad Kulai and B.A. Muhammad Ali, both esteemed figures in their own right, were among those invited to the book launch, reflecting B.A. Mohideen’s widespread fan base. However, fate had a different plan, as he departed for the unseen world before the much-anticipated event, leaving his admirers saddened.

BA Mohidin bid farewell to this world on July 10, 2018, at a private hospital in Bangalore, following a brief illness. He left behind his wife Khadija, sons Abdul Qader Mushtak, Asif Masood, daughters Halima Shahin, Fatima Sabina, as well as sons-in-law, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. At the age of 81, he breathed his last, and his final rites were conducted with full government honors at Bajpe Idgah Juma Masjid, attended by dignitaries and the general public.

Subsequently, his autobiography, “‘Nannolagina Naanu,” was posthumously released, further solidifying his enduring legacy. The overwhelming support from his fan base persisted, and the English translation of the autobiography, titled “The Eye Within Me,” received widespread acclaim upon its release. Prof. B. Surendra Rao’s translation ensured that B.A. Mohideen’s story resonated with an even broader audience.