Syed Mussarat Khalil
JEDDAH — The Memon Welfare Society (MWS), a social and welfare organization of Memon community working under banner of Memon Association of Saudi Arabia (MASA), organized a reception in honor of Haji Mohammed Husein Abdel Kareem Nagani popular called “Haji bha” at Mehran restaurant recently.
“Haji bha” hails from India and is here to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
A large number of local businessmen, dignitaries, members of managing board and office bearers of MWS attended the reception.
The program commenced with recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an. Irfan Haji Ahmed Kolsawala, president MWS, welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude to all for attending the function.
Tayyab Moosani, general secretary, introduced the chief guest. He said “Haji bha” had spent 40 precious years of his life in inventing alphabets of Memon language, a folk language of a business community from the state of Gujarat in India.
Moosani said “Haji bha” has written a book that contains his efforts and the final composition of Memon alphabets. Moosani added that “Haji bha” is a prolific writer, poet, critic, reformist and a businessman.
In recognition of his tireless and successful endeavor, his name has also been included in Guinness Book of World Records. And “Haji bha” is very optimistic of Memon language alphabets being implemented very soon, Moosani added.
Noted businessman Sheikh Mohammed Luqman said “Haji bha” has been his teacher and has also taught well-known social worker of Jeddah the late M. Amin, and he appreciated his efforts in fostering the Memon language.
In his address “Haj bha” expressed his views and experiences on why he invented alphabets. “I did it to make the Memon language as good as other languages spoken in the world freely. I wanted to bring Memon language up-to the level of other languages of the world.”
He further said the young generation should learn their mother tongue, Memon language, with maximum interest. “One day this language will be written, read, spoken in the Memon community throughout the globe.”
“I have received several awards for my invention, but implementation of Memon alphabets is my fervent wish, and that is much more important than the awards,” he said.
During Question and Answer session, Moosani suggested steps should be taken to introduce these alphabets from KG Class, enabling children to learn it like other languages. When these children grow up, they will be able to write, read and speak and understand Memon language well.
On behalf of MWS a memento was presented to “Haji bha” as a token of appreciation. “Haji Bha” distributed his written book and CDs of the Alphabets system among audience. Faisal Luqman and Abdel Kader Teli delivered vote of thanks.
