15/08/1951 – 23/06/2015

Usman Haji, born on August 15, 1951, hailed from Kukkarabettu near Mittur in Bantwala Taluk. He completed his schooling up to SSLC from Mittur Government Primary School and Mani Government High School in Mangalore. Later, he served in the Indian Army for four years, from 1967 to 1971, as an infantry soldier at the Madras Regimental during the India-Bangladesh war.

Upon voluntarily retiring from the army, he ventured into business and generously contributed his earnings to the community. He facilitated the marriages of hundreds of orphans and impoverished girls and organized mass marriage programs, a first in Dakshina Kannada district.

Usman Haji was actively involved in various social and religious organizations, including serving as the president of Mountain View School in Salmara and Puttur Ansaruddin Center. He held positions in several committees and associations, such as the All Kerala Sunni Central Committee, Karnataka Muslim Jamaat Council, and Puttur Taluk United Muslim Jamaat. Additionally, he was involved in educational initiatives, serving on the board of management for Bettampady Government First Class College.

Usman Haji was also known for his philanthropy and community service, recognized as the first president of Puttur Bearys Welfare Association and serving as the City Charter President of Puttur Rotary Club.

Usman Haji Mittur was honored with several prestigious awards for his remarkable service to society. In 2004, he received the “Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda Award” on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava. Additionally, in 2012, he was recognized as the “Beary of the Year” by the Bearys Welfare Association of Bangalore. Furthermore, he was bestowed with an award from the Dakshina Kannada District Legal Authority for his outstanding contributions to education.

Married to Zubaida Hazima, daughter of Mundakochi Abdullah Haji of Panaje, Usman Haji had four sons and four daughters. He passed away on June 23, 2015.

Usman Haji Mittur’s name will always be revered among those who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Muslim community. He placed great emphasis on education to shape the future of the Muslim youth in Puttur taluk and played a significant role in establishing numerous educational institutions. His visionary thinking in religious and social matters, along with his active involvement with scholars, earned him immense love, trust, and respect within the community.

In the footsteps of illustrious figures like Mammunhi Haji and Shafi Haji Puttur, Mittur Usman Haji foresaw the needs and aspirations of the community for the future and worked diligently decades ago.