15/07/1921 – 14/08/2002

Born on July 15, 1921, as the son of Master Iddinabba and Rabiamma in Panambur, Mangalore taluk, Master Hasanabba found his life’s work in Katipalla, where he was revered as a shining example.

His journey in education began when he started working as a teacher at Government Primary School, Panambur, on March 20, 1941. He dedicated himself to the field, steadily climbing the ranks until he retired as Head Teacher from Government Model Senior Primary School, Katipalla, on July 31, 1976. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute to the school community by serving as the chairman of its school development committee.

Master Hasanabba’s commitment to education extended beyond his own school, as evidenced by his involvement in the educational development of Katipalla. He served as the Vice President of the Development Committee of Katipalla Government High School and Government Pre-Graduate College. Additionally, he held leadership positions in various educational associations, including the presidency of the Mangalore Taluk Teachers’ Association and roles in the Dakshina Kannada District Retired Government Employees Association.

Recognizing the importance of education in community development, Master Hasanabba also played a pivotal role in encouraging people from neighboring villages such as Panambur, Thannirbavi, and Padukodi to relocate to Katipalla for the betterment of society as a whole.

As the General Secretary of the Expatriate Development Committee, Master Hasanabba advocated for the welfare of displaced families, ensuring they received fair compensation, free transportation of goods, and land allocation of 12.50 cents per family. Additionally, he facilitated long-term loan facilities of Rs. 3,000 each to assist in building homes for these families.

During the tenure of Chief Minister Veerappa Moily, he successfully negotiated the waiver of a substantial amount of debt totaling Rs. 70 lakhs, relieving the burden on thousands of families who had taken loans for rehabilitation purposes.

Master Hasanabba also worked to establish critical infrastructure such as drinking water facilities, roads, schools, health centers, ration distribution systems, post offices, transportation services, and telephone facilities in the Katipalla rehabilitation area.

His dedication to community development extended beyond infrastructure projects. Master Hasanabba played a pivotal role in the consolidation of ten divisions of Katipalla into one administrative unit and securing recognition for Katipalla as a revenue village.

After retiring from his teaching career, Master Hasanabba transitioned into politics to continue his service to the marginalized sections of society. In 1979, he assumed the role of Suratkal-Gurupur Zone Congress President, a position he held for an impressive 18 years.

During his tenure, Master Hasanabba dedicated himself to grassroots party work, effectively communicating the party’s initiatives to the people and rallying support for unpopular programs. Notably, he played a crucial role in securing the victory of Oscar Fernandes in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections. Organizing a youth team from Katipalla, he orchestrated a spirited campaign across the Udupi constituency, utilizing speeches, songs, and other forms of engagement to garner support for the party, a contribution that Oscar Fernandes still acknowledges and appreciates.

Master Hasanabba’s commitment to public service was further evident in his roles within the Congress party hierarchy. He served as the District Congress Vice-President from 1997 to 1998 and as a member of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee from 1998 to 2001. During his tenure, he tirelessly advocated for various welfare schemes such as the Asylum Scheme, Shadow Scheme, Ganga Welfare, and housing initiatives for the homeless, widows, and the elderly. Additionally, he worked diligently to ensure that marginalized communities, including backward classes and minorities, received support for business ventures, employment opportunities, and other assistance from corporate entities.

Beyond his political endeavors, Master Hasanabba was renowned as a skilled mediator, earning the trust and respect of the community. Residents often sought his counsel to resolve family disputes, financial issues, and other challenges through informal village councils, or panchayats. His accessibility and willingness to listen to the concerns of the people endeared him to the teaching community and residents alike, who frequently sought his assistance in addressing various issues affecting their lives.

Despite his considerable political influence, Master Hasanabba remained humble and selfless, as evidenced by his modest lifestyle and residence. His dedication to public service extended beyond politics, as demonstrated by his appointment to the Advisory Committee of the Dakshina Kannada District Telecommunication Department by the central government in 1993.

During the communal riots that rocked the Katipalla-Krishnapur region in the aftermath of December 6, 1992, Master Hasanabba played a pivotal role in restoring peace and harmony. He worked tirelessly, maintaining close communication with district authorities and law enforcement officials to mitigate the tensions and calm the situation. His efforts were recognized and appreciated by the district administration, who commended him for his multifaceted approach to resolving the crisis.

In recognition of his role as a peacemaker and advocate for communal harmony, Master Hasanabba was honored by the state government with the State Communal Harmony Award in 1994. His contributions were further acknowledged during a program in Bengaluru, where he was felicitated by Union Internal Security Minister Rajesh Pilot under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Veerappa Moily.

Throughout his tenure as the general secretary and president of Panambur Jumma Masjid Jamaat and later in Katipalla, he held pivotal roles within the community, providing guidance and support to families under his care. His dedication extended beyond religious boundaries, as he worked diligently to ensure fair representation and amenities for Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities in Katipalla.

Haji P. Hasanabba Master’s contributions to society were acknowledged even after his passing. His memory lives on through initiatives such as the annual “Hasanabba Master Award,” presented by the Azad Youth Council of Katipalla on Independence Day, honoring individuals engaged in public service in education, social welfare, and religious spheres. Additionally, the Nurul Huda Education Trust of Katipalla renamed its Pre-Graduate College in 2009 in tribute to Hasanabba Master.

Haji P. Hasanabba Master, who was suffering from cardiac disease, died at the age of 81 on August 14, 2002 in a private hospital in Mangalore.