Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — A recent exhibition that showcased the multi-faceted personality of the late CH Mohammed Koya, former chief minister of Kerala and a towering leader of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), was a unique and delightful experience for hundreds of expatriates who flocked to the sprawling venue at the Impala Garden in Sharafiyyah.
The Jeddah Central Committee of Kerala Muslim Cultural Center (KMCC), the overseas wing of IUML, organized the event to mark the 35th death anniversary of CH, who was acclaimed as a versatile genius and a leader par excellence. A wide variety of programs and live shows, held as part of the exhibition titled “Flashing memories of CH,” was a cultural fiesta for the visitors, including women and children. It also gave glimpses into the brilliant career of CH as a successful ruler, crowd pulling politician, great orator, editor, writer and journalist. Many youngsters expressed their excitement over witnessing the vast contributions and rich legacy left behind by the legendary leader who inspired millions of people with his visionary leadership and unblemished public life.
Jeddah National Hospital Managing Director VP Mohammad Ali inaugurated the speech session. A book titled “Story of the Renaissance of Indian Muslims,” authored by the late E. Ahamed, former Indian minister of state for external affairs and president of IUML, was released by Dr. Ahmed Alungal by giving a copy to Hassan Cheruppa. Another book written by Dr. Puthur Rahman about E. Ahamed, titled “Ismuhu Ahamed,” was launched by Musafir, news editor of Malayalam News, by giving a copy to Anwar Cherankai. Dr. Ismail Maritheri released a book of Naushad Mannasseri, titled “WhatsApp Voices” by presenting a copy to P.M Mayinkutty. Jeddah KMC President Ahmad Palayat presided over the function in which General Secretary Aboobaker Arimbra welcomed the gathering while Ishaq Pundoli proposed the vote of thanks. Basheer Vallikkunnu, Abdurahman Kavungal, and Mujeeb Uppada also spoke on the occasion.
The exhibition showcased more than 10 books authored by CH and around 20 books written about CH. Several books featuring the history of Muslim League and biographies of its prominent leaders, as well as books of eminent writers in Malayalam literature, including fictions, prose and poetry, and short stories were also exhibited. The picture gallery, depicting various phases of the life of CH, was the major attraction of the event. It displayed rare photographs, drawings, cartoons and caricatures, animations, quotes of humor, audios and videos of speeches, and documentaries that speak of volumes about the eventful life of CH.
Noha Palayat, a teenage artist, and Aruvi Mongam, captivated the visitors by drawing instant pictures of CH. The exhibits also include several souvenir items including pens presented to CH by Saudi monarch and Malaysian prime minister. There were corners at the exhibition ground for local singers titled “CH Pattupura or house of songs,” as well as for young artists titled “Sargavedi or talent square’, as well as corner for quiz competition for elders, apart from traditional tea shop called Chaya makkani. Orchestra team led by Shihab Kannamangalam, Mohammedkutty Aripra, Abdul Haq Tirurangadi, and Habeeb Valamangalam gave musical tribute to CH at Pattupura.
The arches and models erected at the exhibition ground were befitting monuments for CH’s contributions to Kerala’s public life. These included models of three universities – University of Calicut, Cochin University of Science and Technology, and Kerala Agricultural University of Thrissur – founded by CH while serving as the southern Indian state’s minister of education. Models of CH Centers that sprang up across Kerala for providing free medical services for sick people among the poor and destitute were another attraction.
The event organizers included C.K. Shakir, SLP Mohammed Kunji, Naser Edavanakkad, Nasar Veliyankode, Majeed Pukayoor, Mohamed Bava, V.P. Musthafa, Ismail Mundakkulam, Azeez Kottopadam, Shihab Thamarakkulam, Shoukath Njarakkodan, Nisar Madavoor, Shihab Kannamangalam, Afsal Naranath, Noufal Ulladan, Saleem Arakku Parambil, Sabir Valancheri, Shabeer Ali Kozhikode, Jaleel Ozhukur, Mustafa Kunnumpuram , Kareem Vettathur and Ashraf Thangal.
