06/02/2007

U.T. Fareed is revered by Karavali Kannadigas for his significant contributions to political, social, religious, and educational spheres. Beginning his career as a lawyer in Mangalore in 1967, he later ventured into politics and emerged as a prominent leader of the Youth Congress at the state level. He also held positions as Vice President of the Indian National Trade Union Congress and Yuva Congress.

Recognizing his potential, the Congress high command encouraged him to contest for the Ullal assembly constituency. In 1972, U.T. Fareed achieved success in his first attempt and ascended to the Legislature as an MLA, garnering attention as a young leader from the Beary Muslim community of coastal Karnataka.

U.T. Fareed earned the title of “the man with no enemies” in the Ullal Constituency, serving as MLA four times with a steadfast commitment to its development. Revered as “Sadanveera” in the assembly, he won the affection of the people during his consecutive terms in 1972 and 1978. Despite being denied a ticket by the party for subsequent terms, UT Farid remained patient and continued working tirelessly for both the constituency and the Congress party.

Whether in power or not, he remained dedicated to serving the people and maintained loyalty to the party. Throughout his life, he contributed significantly to the growth of the Congress party, holding various positions within the state Congress. After 21 years of patience, he secured the MLA ticket for the Ullal Constituency again in 1999 and emerged victorious. He continued his winning streak in the 2004 elections.

Tragically, UT Fareed passed away at the age of 68 on February 6, 2007, due to a brief illness before completing his last legislative term.

UT Fareed was deeply involved in various aspects of life in Mangalore beyond just politics. He played a big part in social, educational, religious, and banking matters. He cared a lot about society. He was a calm and sensible person, not one to engage in blaming others in politics. Instead, he patiently listened to people’s problems and helped find solutions.

He always acted with honesty and didn’t misuse his power. He didn’t interfere to protect anyone who had done wrong. He told police officers to do their job properly, even if it meant giving a light punishment.

In Harekala village, U.T. Fareed’s kindness was evident. He built houses for many poor people there. Because of his generosity, the villagers named the area “Fareed Nagar” as a way to remember him.

Family:

U.T. Fareed married Naseema, the daughter of Haji Abdul Khader Kadabakar-Mariamma from Mulimajal, Kadaba. Together, they had five children: four sons and one daughter.

Their eldest son, U.T. Muhammad Ali Imtiyaz, is a doctor by profession. U.T. Khader, the second son, followed in his father’s footsteps and served as MLA, Minister of State, and Minister-in-charge of DK district for four consecutive terms. Dr. U.T. Ifikar, their third son, is a member of the Rajiv Gandhi University Senate. The youngest son, U.T. Zulfikar, serves as the President of the Naseema Fareed Institute of Health Sciences in Bangalore.

All four sons, along with their only daughter, Zeenat, are actively engaged in social service through the “UT Fareed Foundation Mangalore.”