Cutchi Memons of India - History of the Community as it Evolves

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2010-01-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

All India Cutchi Memon Federation

2010-01-19T04:07:00.000-08:00

Achievements and Programs

Cutchi Memons migrated from Cutch at the beginning of the 19th century and settled down as traders mainly in port towns. Some even went to other places in Africa and the Middle East. Their honesty, hard work and charitable nature resulted in enormous prosperity in business. They became so well known in main trading centers of coastal India that the words “Cutchi Memon” meant “businessman”. The local people were so impressed by their generous nature that almost every Cutchi Memon was called “Sait” as a mark of respect. [“Sait” in the Gujarati language and the Cutchi dialect mean a male of great power and control]

By the close of the 19th century, Jamats were formed in most of the places where Cutchi Memons had settled. The start of the 20th century marked a change in the life of our Cutchi Memon elders who started thinking about the unity of the community on a larger scale. This feeling of unity with a general awakening under the leadership of philanthropists Sait Haji Yusuf Haji Ismail Ahmedabadi and Sait Yusuf Sobani as well as a leading journalist, Sait Usman Hasan Japanwala made people think of holding an All India Cutchi Memon Conference. Mr. Japanwala who was Editor and Publisher of a Gujarati periodical named “Memon Mitra” published an article in 1908 requesting the community leaders to take a lead in organizing an All India Cutchi Memon Conference. However, the movement was unsuccessful due to the unfavorable circumstances and lack of initiate on the part of the leaders

The second attempt for such a conference was made by Sir Ibrahim Haroon and Khan Bahadur Mohammed Hashim Moledina of Poona (Pune) but the fate was the same as the earlier effort.

Mr. Mohammed Ebrahim Wadiwala, the President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat, made the next attempt in 1952. In 1954, the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay passed a resolution and appointed a Conference Committee for the purpose of arranging and organizing a Conference of Cutchi Memon Jamats in India. The main object of the conference was to chalk out a program for the economic, educational and social progress of the community, and for all Jamats in India to work together towards achieving these objectives. Mr. Wadiwala was so much interested in holding the Conference that he himself visited various cities to discuss with Jamat officials there. Almost all the Jamats appreciated the idea and promised cooperation. It was the community’s bad luck that the project was shelved after Mr. Wadiwala resigned as President.

However, Mr. G. M. Banatwala, the Editor of the Urdu periodical, “Memon Review”, followed up Mr. Wadiwala’s dream. In the periodical’s issue dated May 15, 1957, Mr. Banatwala appealed to the Managing Committee of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay to take steps for implementing the 1954 resolution. This led to the formation of a Conference Committee under the Chairmanship of the then President, Mr. A.A. Oomer. Though the arrangements were finalized for holding the Conference in December 1957, the project once again failed to see the light of day.

Mr. A.R. Sulaiman Sait, the then President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Alleppey in Kerala, India, and some other members of various Cutchi Memon Jamats in India were also anxious to see that the All India Cutchi Memon Conference was held the earliest. Whenever these leaders visited Bombay, they discussed the idea with the leaders and active members of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay.

The efforts made by various personalities from 1908 to 1960 kept the idea of holding a conference alive in the minds of successive generations of Cutchi Memons. Finally, in April 1971, the dream turned into reality. The credit for this goes to the Managing Committee of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Haroon S. Kably. Arrangements were made to hold an All India Cutchi Memon Conference on April 26 and 27, 1971 during weeklong celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay. About a hundred delegates representing several Cutchi Memon Jamats in India participated in the Conference. A resolution was passed for the formation of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation.

The Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay, responsible for completing formalities for the formation of the proposed Federation, worked hard and completed the project within a period of less than two years. The formalities being complete, Mr. H.R. Gokhale, Minister of Law and Company Affairs in the Government of India inaugurated the All India Cutchi Memon Federation on March 4, 1973. The following were the All India Cutchi Memon Federation’s office-bearers: Mr. Haroon S. Kably as its Founder-President, Mr. Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait and Mr. Azeez Sait as Vice Presidents, and Mr., Abdul Qadeer Moosa Dadani as its Secretary-General.

In 1993, a World Cutchi Memon Conference was arranged by the All India Cutchi Memon Federation to be held in Bombay on January 15th, 16th and 17th. Alas, because of communal strife in India that followed Hindu-Muslim riots and the bomb blasts in Bombay, the Conference was postponed! It was held later at Udhagamandalam (Ooty), after the communal strife was normalized, on April 19, 1993.

The above material was taken from the “Souvenir” published at the time of the World Cutchi Memon Conference. Mr. Haroon S. Kably, President, All India Cutchi Memon Federation wrote a Foreword….”It is with all humility that I present this Souvenir…With the principle in mind I learned years ago that “a parachute never opens until you jump”, I started preparing for the World Conference. By Allah Subhanahu Talla’s kind grace, I succeeded. The World Conference has been our dream for quite sometime. It has been called, not only to link Cutchi Memons allover the world but also to see that we not loose touch with our roots, not only for ourselves but for the coming generations as well. We want to give the community a global platform. I need tour cooperation, support and prayers in achieving these objectives”.

Several leaders around the world sent in messages of good wishes to be published in the above Souvenir. Governor of Maharashtra state in India, Mr. C. Subramaniam wrote on December 13, 1992…”I am happy to know that the All India Cutchi Memon Federation will be holding a World Conference of Cutchi Memons from 15th to 17th January 1973. On this occasion, I extend my greetings to the delegates and wish the Conference all success”.

Governor Sarup Singh of Gujarat state in India wrote on March 23, 1993…”I am happy to learn that All India Cutchi Memon Federation is organizing a World Conference of Cutchi Memons in Ootacamund, Nilgiris, on April 20, 1993 and a souvenir is also being brought out to mark the occasion. People of Gujarat living in and outside the State have earned well-deserved reputation, for goodness of their nature, positive attitude to life, business acumen, and philanthropic and humanitarian activities. The participation by the delegates from within and outside the country in the conference, I am sure, will help the delegates in sharing the rich experience and skills of each other for further strengthening the humanitarian activities as well as the traditional values and cultural heritage of Cutchi Memons who are an integral part of India’s unique and chequered civilization. I send my warm greetings on the occasion and wish the conference all success”.

Hon. Azeez Sait, Minister for Transport and Wakfs in the Government of the State of Karnataka, and a Cutchi Memon, wished the Conference well on September 5, 1992. So did Fakhruddin T. Khorakiwala, the Sheriff of Bombay followed by Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, Member of the Indian Parliament and a Cutchi Memon himself. Arif G. Kadwani, Founder-Presdient. Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America wrote on September 27, 1992 as he wished the Conference all success…”As we watch the world around us taking progressive strides, we cannot help appreciating the fact that our world of Cutchi Memons is no more confined to narrow, rigid and restricted views of life. Education coupled with a general comprehensive upliftment of social values has placed greater demands on us as members of a unique community structure. These demands include social fraternizing, community bonding, and a sense of sharing pride in being Cutchi Memons. While there are Cutchi Memon Jamats or Associations all over India and Pakistan (and now the United States of America), the uniting factor is the All India Cutchi Memon Federation. Its World Conference will not only enable a meeting of minds relating to the past, present and future of Cutchi Memons but also an enriched scheme of augmenting education and health plans, monetary assistance, cultural and nationalistic beliefs and feelings, etc”.

Messages were also received from Abdul Gany Joonas, President, Cutchee Maiman Society, Mauritius; Daud Abdullah, Chairman, Memon Jamat Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania); Salamatullah, Chairman, Haj Committee, Bombay; Ahmed B. Zakaria, Founder Chairman. Islamic Cultural Centre (India); Hashim Abdullah Memon, Chairman, Cutchi Memon Markazi Jamat, Karachi, Pakistan; Muhammad Yousuf Patel, President, The Cutchi Memon Jamat Saddar of Karachi, Pakistan; Muhammad Ilyas Usman (Dadu), President, Cutchi Memon Jamat, Ghari Khata, Karachi, Pakistan; Usman Abdul Rehman, President, Cutchi Memon Jamat Kalri of Karachi, Pakistan; Adam Ibrahim Anjarwala, Chief Patron, All Pakistan Cutchi Memon Centre of Karachi, Pakistan; Haji Saleh Mohd. Gheewala, President, Cutchi Memon Friends Society of Karachi, Pakistan; and Abdul Ghani Saeed, Director, Centre of Executive Excellence of Karachi, Pakistan.

The office bearers at that time were:

Mr. Haroon S Kably (President)

Mr. Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait (Vice President)

Mr. H.Y. Cassim Sait (Vice President)

Dr. Ebrahim Gaya (Secretary General)

Mr. Ebrahim Ismail Aibani (Jt. Hon. Secretary)

Mr. Abdul Latheef Sait (Jt. Hon. Secretary)

Mr. A.S. Phudinawala (Jt. Hon. Treasurer)

Mr. J. Essof Sait (Jt. Hon. Treasurer)

Mr.A.S. Akbani (Cutch Office in Charge)

Prof. G. S. Hamlani (Bombay Office in Charge)

Following were co-opted as Members of the Managing Council:

Dr. M.A. Memon of Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Mr. A. Kareem Allarakha of Ajmer, Rajasthan

Mr. H. Essa Ayub Sait of Bhopal Madhya Pradesh

Mr. A. Sattar A. Kader of Bhusawal

Mr. Rahim Adam Sait of Cochin, Kerala

Mr. Azeez Sait of Mysore, Karnataka

Mr. Anees Ahmed of Nagpur, Maharashtra

Mr. M.S. Memon of Palanpur, Gujarat

Mr. A. Latif Ali Mohamad of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Mr. J.M. Ismail Sait of Trivandrum, Kerala

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India

2010-01-18T19:39:00.001-08:00

Cutchi Memons began to settle in Travancore from The beginning of the 19th century. A few Cutchi Memons were invited from Bombay by the then Dewan of Travancore, Raja Kesava Dasa. These families first began to settle in Alleppey and Arattupuzha, which were then very important ports on the west coast of former Travancore state. This trading community was encouraged to settle in Travancore with a view to increasing its export trade. At that time, coconuts and allied products were not much in demand outside the state, and the coir industry was in its infancy. Cutchi Memons exported dried coconut (copra), coir, coir matting, etc. to Bombay and Gujarat provinces. Gradually these products found a good market in other parts of India. The coir industry grew rapidly, and even a few English firms started factories in Alleppey and Cochin. Some Cutchi Memons settled in Cochin to develop export trade through the Cochin port. The port of Arattupuzha gradually lost its importance as the land strip between the sea and the backwaters was diminished as a result of the sea advancing eastwards. The people of Arattupuzha left the place and settled in Alleppey, which was at that time on a fishing yard. The commercial importance of Alleppey began only from that time and reached its zenith in a short time.

Some of the Cutchi Memons in Alleppey and Cochin migrated toTrivandrum to start trade in the then developing town. They started textile shops, stationery and medical shops. They also began to trade in imported goods from Bomaby, Madras and Calcutta. They undertook contracts for supply of goods to the Museum and teh Zoo, Public Works Department stores and workshops as wellas hospitals, dispensaries, municipalities, garages and stables. The ruling princes of the time encouraged Cutchi Memons in many ways, being convinced of their honesty. They lauded their prompt services to the state in times of peril and need when they served the people by obtaining food grains from outside the state when there was a shortage.

The first four Cutchi Memon families to settle in Chalai near the palace were:

1. Haji Joonas Haji Osman Sait and Sons, who conducted the business of Chemists and Druggists, Government contractors and Palace suppliers,

2. Hajee Habeeb Sait, who conducted the business of Textiles, and Stationery supplies to Government departments,

3. Mohamed Haji Adam Sait, who was a merchant and commission agent of Bombay market, and

4. Ommer Hashim Sait, who was a merchant in wholesale textile goods, zinc and copper.

The above four families conducted their business peacefully and the ruling family gave them all encouragement. Their relationship with the ruling family was so cordial that they were invited to the palace for interviews often.

Cutchi Memons then organized their Jamath soon after they settled in Chalai. The first Sait (Jamath Presdient so termed in those days) was Haji Joonas Haji Osman Sait. The Presidentship of the Jamath was hereditary until very recently as was in other Jamaths in Alleppey, Cochin etc. Haji Joonas Sait was followed by his son, Mohammed Joonis Sait and then his cousin, Sulaiman Haji Esmail Sait, and lastly by his son, Mohamed Yousuf Sulaiman Sait who left Trivandrum and settled in Cochin. He has now returned to Trivandrum and is the Trustee of the Attakulangara Masjid constructed by his family. The members did increase in numbers and began to settle in other parts of the town, i.e. Manacaud, Palayam, Thycaud, etc. They were very religious, highly philanthropic. Two separate funds were collected, one for the Jamath and the other for construction of masjids and madrassas. These were constructed at Manacaud, Attakulangara, Chalai, Palayam etc. Four Cutchi Memons purchased a big plot for the purpose of members’ use as a burial ground opposite the Manacaud Masjid jointly, although there already was a burial ground attached to the masjid. The plot used as burial ground now is in the name of the Cutchi Memon Jamath in the Revenue records, and the Jamath is paying land tax as follows:

Iranimutton Village - Survey No, 271

Thandaper No. - 8113

Area: 1 hectare 79 Ar.

Vakf Board Reg. No. B 7/3713/RA

The masjid at Attakulangara is another instance of generosity of Cutchi Memons. Mohamed Haji Joonis Sait bequeathed the property and constructed the masjid at Attakulangara. Further, for the maintenance and for meeting the day-to-day expenses, he bequeathed another property at Chireyinkil, the income of which is utilized for the above purpose. Mohamed Yousuf Sulaiman Sait who settled in Cochin for a short time is now the present trustee of this masjid.

The building and premises at Attakulangara where the Cutchi Memon Jamath, the Young Cutchi Memons' Association and Iqbal Library and reading Room are located was donated by the wife of Hajee Habeeb Sait for ht purpose of conducting a Madrassa. There was a small masjid also in that compound which was demolished and a big single hall was constructed. A primary school was also started subsequently and grant was sanctioned by the Government for the V. P. School. All Muslim children were benefited. The Koran teachers and Malayalam teachers taught the children in turn. The son of an old lady was appointed as the Managing Trustee of the property, and the Manager of the Grants School After some time the institution was neglected by the descendants of the Trustee, and came into the possession of four persons who also did not take care of the school. The school was named "Muslim Matahchara Bhodini Malayalam School".

Gradually, the grant was stopped. At this stage, Haji Noor Mohamed Sait got the property in his possession from the four persons, and utilized it for the Jamatkhana and for storing the copper vessels and plates belonging to the Jamath. The copper vessels were afterwards sold by tender. The sale proceeds were deposited in a public account. This amount was later used for constructing the present building, which is used for Iqbal Library and reading room and where meetings of teh Jamath and YCMA are held. The old building where religious classes and Malayalam classes were held was recently demolished and the tenant who occupied part of the building has also been evicted. The ground in front of the Library is now vacant. The Jamath members and Association make suggestions for constructing a Jamatkhana. Shadi Mahal and Shopping Complex. Lacks of funds hinder the officer bearers. The property is now under the control and possession of the Association

The President of the Jamath is elected periodically as against the hereditary succession in earlier times. The following persons have been Presidents of the Jamath from time to time:

1. Abdul Sathat Dawood Sait

2. Essack Haji Mohamed Sait

3. Abdul Rahiman Abdul Sattar Sait

4. Mohammed Yoosuf Aboobacker Sait

5. Abdulla Adam Sait

6. Adam Abhamia Sait

7. A.S. Aboobacker Sait

8 S. Shamsuddin Sait (present Presdient)

Our population has increased considerably. There are anew settlements form Quilon, Alleppey, Kayamkulam and Cochin. Trade and industry has lessened among members these days. Our trading community has now switched to government jobs and private sector. There has been much progress in education. A good number of graduates and postgraduates are among the young generation. There are doctors, engineers, accountants, etc. Many young men have gone to the Persian Gulf and Arabian countries for employment. Our female members have also qualified themselves as doctors, lawyers and engineers.

- Dr. J.M. Ismail Sait
Trivandrum

{This report was published in the All India Cutchi Memon Federation’s souvenir published in 1993 on the occasion of the World Conference. It is hoped that the Cutchi Memon Jamath of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) will send us an updated report soon.
- Arif G. Kadwani}

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamat, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

2010-01-18T19:38:00.003-08:00

The origin of the Cutchi Memon Jamat Andhra Pradesh, Secunderabad, can be traced back to almost the same period when our forefathers migrated from Cutch with a desire to improve their lives, expand their businesses, and settle down in various parts of the country. Those Cutchi Memons that came to the former princely state of Hyderabad preferred to settle down in Secunderabad, a cantonment area inhabited mainly by British civilians and army personnel and a place suitable for their business activities.

With Faith, Simplicity, Hard Work, Good Character and Truthfulness as their basic principles of life, Cutchi Memons expressed a desire to live together in an organized society. This led to the formation of their "association", their Jamat. In fact, wherever Cutchi Memons settled down, they invariably got together to form "Jamats" which was one of the greatest contributions of forefathers to the Cutchi Memon fraternity. This established the foundation of an organization based on the principles pf Unity and Brotherhood, ideals so very essential for the social, cultural and economic progress and prosperity of any society.

Just as an organization must have a leader to manage the affairs, Cutchi Memons and their Jamat had a 'SAIT"!

The office of the Sait, the head of the Jamat, was supposed to be the most dignified, and a prominent and influential person was selected to fill the position. The Sait so selected commanded the love, honor and respect of the members of the Jamat, and was held in high esteem by all. The Sait's word was the law! His duties were to guide members in all aspects of their lives, and to attend their social and cultural events. The Sait's decisions were accepted by one and all without demur. Although there was neither any written set or rules and regulations nor a committee to assist him, the Sait never misused his powers. As a mater of fact, the Sait was responsible for fostering unity among all members of the Jamat, and promoting the social and cultural welfare of all. In course of time, the office of the Sait became hereditary.

The Jamat at Secunderabad was no exception. Saits managed its affairs for many years, and members of the Jamat lived together in a well-knit manner.

The Jamat started deteriorating in the late Thirties. In 1936, a few prominent persons met for deliberations, and felt the need for re-organizing the Jamat to conform to the changing times. A committee was formed to frame rules and regulations so that the Jamat would function in a democratic manner.

The year, 1936, is important for our Jamat when it saw the introduction of a written constitution. On September 29, 1939, a Managing Committee under the Presidentship of Janab Shaik Adam Haji Mohammed Essack Sait was elected. Thereafter, our Jamat has functioned with a Managing committee and a President at the helm of affairs.

At this time, the need for a Jamatkhana was felt. The former Jamatkhana at Kazigalli was demolished under the Cantonment Improvement Plan, leaving the committee members with no place to meet, and for members to organize their social and cultural events. Janab Abdul Sattar Abdul Khader Sait, the then President of the Jamat, helped purchase a plot of land near the Masjid-e-Nallagutta, and constructed a Shadi Khana for the benefit of Cutchi Memons of Secunderabad. This Jamat owes this and many other noble deeds and philanthropic works to Janab Abdul Sattar Abdul Khader Sait. May his soul rest in peace.

In 1965, the then Managing Committee decided to rewrite the Jamat's constitution. Accordingly, a redrafted constitution was introduced before members in 1966. It was further amended in 1970. It was again rewritten in 1986 in view of changing circumstances.

Income from the Jamat's property has been showing steady improvement. This property consists of Shadi Khana, one house and fourteen Mulgies. Some other activities are:

1. Registration of the Jamat under the Societies Act, and extending the jurisdiction of its activities to the entire sate of Andhra Pradesh,

2. Holding Prize Distribution functions for greater cohesion of the community members.

3. Arabic School (evenings).

4. Financial Aid: This is an educational assistance program. Rs. 21,000 is being sanctioned every year towards grant of fees to school and college students of the Jamat. A sub-committee is constituted to supervise this work.

5. Aid to Widows and Destitutes: A sum of Rs. 21,000 is being given to widows and destitutes of the Jamat every year. May Allah Paak accept this gesture and give maghfirat to all.

6. Grant of Business Loans: The Jamat has sanctioned loans to members since 1984 for starting new business or expanding existing business. A sum of Rs.1, 64, 000 has been sanctioned so far. A revolving budget of Rs. 40,000 is sanctioned.

- General Secretary
Cutchi Memon Jamat - Andhra Pradesh (Secunderabad)

[The above account is from the 1993 World Souvenir of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation. We hope to obtain updated information from the Jamat soon. - Arif G. Kadwani}

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamat, Satara, Maharashtra, India

2010-01-18T19:38:00.001-08:00

Satara is located in Maharashtra State in Western India, and has about 150 Cutchi Memons from 22 Cutchi Memon families. Although Cutchi Memons migrated to Satara from various parts of India as traders and merchants over the span of a century, it is only during the last five decades that the Cutchi Memon population has increased dramatically. When the need for a Jamat was felt, Kasam Umer Kacchi (Galaria), Abdul Gaffar, Ishaque Kacchi (Isani), Mohammed Memon invited all members of the 22 families to a meeting to discuss its formation, This meeting was held on October 19, 1992, and was a great success. All Cutchi Memons present at the meeting decided to form a Jamat, and to elect a Managing Committee. This proved that there was unity among Cutchi Memons of Satara, and great love among the brethren. The following members were elected unopposed to the Managing Committee:

President: Abdul Gani Siddique Kacchi (Dewani)

Vice President: Abdul Gaffar Ishaque Kacchi (Isani)

Treasurer: Haroon Mohammed Memon

Secretary: Irfan Kasam Kacchi (Galaria)

Managing Director: Raffique Haji Abdul Rehman Kacchi (Dewani)

Committee Members:

Meher Ahmed Ramjoo

Abdul Sattar Siddique Kacchi (Dewani)

Salim Razzak Memon

Mohamed Husain Abdul Gani Kacchi (Dewani)

Salim A. Gaffar Kacchi (Isani)

Salim Haji Abdul Rehman Kacchi (Dewani)

Iqbal Abdul Shakoor Kacchi (Naskani).

The aims and objects of the Jamat are to encourage, promote and foster feelings of brotherhood, unity and concord among our brethren, and to strive for the upliftment of Cutchi Memons in the religious, educational, social, economical, cultural and other areas so as to bring about a speedier progress of the community.

The Jamat has planned several activities for the future such as constructing a Jamatkhana, offering scholarships to successful students, loans to needy on a not-for-profit basis, etc. Insha Allah, all these activities will soon come to fruition. We praise Allah for the prosperity and unity of Cutchi Memons of Satara.

[Mr. Irfan Kasam Kacchi (Galaria) wrote the above report for the 1993 Souvenir of the World Conference of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation. We hope Irfanbhai and his other Cutchi Memons read this report, and comment on updates. I would be grateful to receive their updated report on the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Satara. Jazak Allah Khair - Arif G. Kadwani]

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Quilon, Kerala, India

2010-01-18T19:37:00.003-08:00

Though we have no authentic information about early Cutchi Memon settlers in Quilon, we gather from some elders that, during their initial years of migration here, they were aware of five or six Cutchi Memon families settling in this city and neighboring areas such as Nadayara (near Varkala) and Anjengo, which were then both developing ports. This was when Raja Kesava Dasa was the Dewan of Travancore State. He was magnanimous in granting them all facilities to conduct their business of import and export of rice, coconut products and hill produces. Anjengo was, at that time, a British colony; the Cutchi Memon settlers had great contacts with Europeans who frequented the colony. These Cutchi Memons were sincere, honest, kind-hearted and deeply religious, earning them the respect and honor of other peoples of the area as well as the ruling Maharajah.

Of the early settlers, Juma Ebrahim Sait was the foremost Cutchi Memon. He settled in Nadayara, and soon had a flourishing business, coming in close contact with the royal family during the reigns of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal and Maharajah Visakham Tirunal of Travancore State. He was honored and held in high esteem by the royal family for his honesty, integrity and sincerity in business, and was awarded the "Veera Sringhala", the highest honor at that time in the state. He was delegated with the construction of the tunnels at Varkala and he brought skilled workers from North India to assist him. The state also gave him the monopoly of collecting "sangu" (conch) from the sea coast of the state, and for its export. He was also a recognized and solitary gold dealer ("shroff") in the state. The state also gave him the monopoly of shipping trade including stevedoring of ships. His three sons assisted him, and their business flourished so much that they were able to buy properties at Kanyakumari, Manavalakurichi, Thengapattanam, Poovar, Anjengo, Nadayara, etc. The royal family was so enamored of the family that on Eid and other Islamic festivals it sent its decorated royal horse-drawn carriages from Trivandrum to the family home at Nadayara for pleasure trips.

Another family that settled in Quilon and made a name for itself was that of Jacob Khameesa Sait; although, his father, Khameesa Sait and grandfather, Jaffer Sait, came to Quilon about the early 19th century, very little is known of their activities. Jacob Khameesa Sait was engaged in the business of copra, coir and hill produces. He established the first cashew nut processing factory at Thamarakulam in Quilon. He purchased one thousand acres of land in the hill areas of Puthur and Kottarakkara, a few miles east of Quilon for the purpose of mining mica, which he also exported. His business enterprises flourished, and he became a well-known personality. He was a great philanthropist, and greatly hospitable. He was fond of hosting, and was eager that all Cutchi Memons from Cochin or Alleppey on their way to Trivandrum and back should stay with him for a while. For this purpose, he constructed a guest house adjacent to his residence, and personally looked after his guests. He was religious and God-fearing, and Muslims of the area chose him to be the Muthavally of a few Masjids in Quilon. A little before his demise in 1325 AH, he started construction of a market known as Big Bazaar in the heart of Quilon; his son completed his work later.

Another famous family of Quilon was that of Kara Essack Sait. He started a business enterprise in Quilon, and his four sons developed it. They dealt with allopathic medicines, stationery goods, hardware items, etc. and became affluent.

Yet another family was that of Adam Sait of Arattupuzha, who married a daughter of Kara Essack Sait (mentioned above), and moved to settle in Quilon. Adam Sait's son, Ayoob Adam Sait established business ventures dealing in cotton yarn, agencies of cotton mils, and stationery goods. His only brother, Joonas Adam Sait helped him in the business. Ayoob Adam Sait was a self-made man, and due to his hard work, earned much wealth. He was a social activist, and became the Vice-Chairman of the Quilon Municipal Council. He was nominated to the Legislative Council of the then Travancore State to represent the commerce constituency, and remained in that position for six years.

During the formative years of Cutchi Memon settlement in Quilon, we have no idea whether or not a Jamath existed. This much we know that the affluent, prominent and generous among Cutchi Memons in Quilon looked after the social and economic needs of all families, and fostered a sense of unity among all by themselves being involved in their affairs, by personally attending all gatherings of happiness or sorrow, and guiding others when needed. They commanded much love, honor and respect, and those in the lower strata of society felt secure, and gladly accepted their decisions.

Later, when Cutchi Memon population flourished in Quilon, a Jamath was formed by about the middle of this century. A committee was formed, bye-laws were written, and a democratic way of functioning started as was the case in other Jamaths across India. The Jamath functions well, and is affiliated with the All India Cutchi Memon Federation, much the same as other Jamaths in Kerala, i.e. Cochin, Alleppey and Trivandrum. Mr. J. Abdulkader Sait was elected as the first President of the Quilon Jamath.

[We just read the rich history of Cutchi Memons of Quilon. I obtained the above report from the 1993 Souvenir of the World Conference of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation. I hope Cutchi Memons of Quilon will read this report, and inform me of their updates. I look forward to receiving information from them. - Arif G. Kadwani]

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

All Orissa Cutchi Memon Jamat, Orissa, India

2010-01-18T19:37:00.001-08:00

Cutchi Memons came to Orissa via Calcutta during the latter part of the 18th century. They landed by boat in Chandbali, the then port of Orissa. They were businessmen, and their main source of income was exports of goods to far-away countries such as Ceylon, Mauritius, Burma and Indonesia. They had cordial relations with the people of Orissa, and very soon became prominent due to their integrity, honesty, and truthfulness, hallmarks of a true Islamic way of life. They conducted their business activities through the port of Chandbali, and from the coasts of Paradip, Puri and Gopalpur-on-Sea by means of small country boats which plied up to the steamers that were anchored in deep sea. It is said that the first steam launch which touched the port of Chandbali belonged to the famous Late Haji Mohamed Zakaria Sait of Calcutta, father of Sir Abdul Razzaque Mohamed Kt., a cabinet minister of Mauritius.

Most of the Cutchi Memons, who came to Orissa, settled in the commercial town of Cuttack, and the rest in the port of Chandbali and at Jatni (Khurda Road, the most important railway junction of the then Bengal-Nagpur Railway.)

Among the foremost Cutchi Memon residents of Cuttack was Late Haji Mohammed Attas Sait. He bought a vast plot of land in Buxi Bazaar (adjacent to the present General Post Office) in the heart of Cuttack, and constructed a double-storied building on it. This building was named "Nakhoda Kothi" and housed Cutchi Memon families who migrated to Cuttack.

Among the notable Cutchi Memon gentries, who first came to Orissa, were:

Haji Mohammed Attas Sait, Haji Jafar Parta Sait, Joosub Haji Adam Sait Vatao, Hashim Salehmohamed Danidina Sait Vatao, Abdulla Kaderdina Sait Vatao, Haji Macci Patel Sait, Abdul Shakoor Abdul Karim Sait, Abba Allarakha Sait, Kaderdina Allarakha Sait, Ahmed Kassim Sait Vatao, Joonus Haji Moosa Sait Vatao, Mohammed Ayoob Sait, Hashim Alimohamed Sait Patel, Aboobaker Ismail Sait, Salehmohamed Karim Mohammed Sait and Abdul Karim Haji Yusuf Sait. May Allah grant maghfirat to all these eminent persons, and place in Jannat ul Firdous, Ameen.

At present, the descendants of late Hashim Salehmohammed Danidina Sait Vatao and late Abdul Karim Haji Yusuf Sait are settled in Jatni (Khurda Road), and those of late Saleh Mohammed Karim Mohammed Sait and late Aboobaker Ismail Sait in Chandbali. Descendants of the rest are settled in Cuttack.

Orissa came to the attention of the all India-famed Haji Saboo Siddick of Bombay, Haji Mohammed Zakaria Sait of Calcutta, Haji Abdul Rahim Oosman Sait of Calcutta, and Mohammed Jacob Ahmed Sabuani Sait of Calcutta. Haji Saboo Siddick Sait opened a branch of his business enterprise in Cuttack, and constructed a huge godown there. The present "Sayeed Seminary", the famous high school of Cuttack, is located there. Similarly, Haji Mohammed Zakaria Sait and Mohammed Jacob Ahmed Sait of Calcutta opened their trade branches in Cuttack, Jatni, Rahama, Bhutmandi and various other places.

Haji Abdul Rahim Oosman Sait of Calcutta created fame in Orissa by constructing a beautiful Masjid and a Dargah sharif, both in exquisite marble. The Dargah sharif is of the Muslim saint, Syed Bukhari Sahib, and is based on Mughal style of architecture, and Oosmania Sari of Kaipadar, about 25 kms from Jatni. This has become an important place of pilgrimage.

Haji Mohammed Attas Sait constructed the Jama Masjid of Jatni, and a Masjid at Rahama, a village near the present port of Paradip.

Abdulla Kaderdina Sait has left some waqf properties in Cuttack. This is managed by the Cutchi Memons of Orissa as is the Madrassa Islamia.

The present generation of Cutchi Memons of Orissa has produced some important personalities. Among them is the young and dynamic Dr. Mohammed Ayoob, PhD, son of my sister, Mrs. Hanifa Abdul Latif Mohammed of Cuttack. Dr.Mohammed Ayoob is a brilliant scholar of Political Science, and an outstanding orator (winning laurels in his Aligarh Muslim University days). He stood first in his Senior Cambridge from Stewart School, Cuttack, first in B.A. (Hons) from Utkal University, first in M.A. from Aligarh Muslim University, and Ph. D from the University of Hawaii at Honolulu. In this connection, I must mention the names of Saleh Mohamed A. Karim, B.A. of Chandbali, a prominent social and political figure of Orissa, and Aboobaker Ismail, B.A. of Chandbali, a very sharp and intelligent young man.

Lastly, I will be failing in my duty if I did not mention the name of Abdul Shakoor Mohammed Sait, son of late Mohammed Ayoob of Cuttack, the former Treasurer of All Orissa Cutchi Memon Jamat and uncle of Dr. Mohammed Ayoob, to whom not only I but all Cutchi Memons of Orissa are highly indebted for the social services rendered and sacrifices made for the Orissa Jamat. He has solitarily taken pains to keep vibrant the Masjid at Rahama, the Abdulla Kaderdina Wakf Estate, the Madrassa Islamia of Cuttack and several other institutions. I pray for his long life to guide us and give us continued precious advice.

To quote Ghalib:

"Hai doa yehi ke duniya mein tum raho zindah javedan". Ameen!

- Noor Mohammed Ahmed, Jatni
President, All Orissa Cutchi Memon Jamat

{Above report is taken from the Souvenir published in 1993 by the All India Cutchi Memon Federation on the occasion of its World Conference. We urge Cutchi Memons in Orissa to contact us and update us regarding their activities. Jazak Allah Khair! - Arif G. Kadwani}

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath of the Nilgiris, India

2010-01-18T19:34:00.001-08:00

The Nilgiri (literally: Blue Mountains), often referred to as the Nilgiri Hills or as Nilgiris, are a range of mountains with at least 24 peaks above 2,000 meters (6,562 ft), in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu at the junction of Karnataka and Kerala states in Southern India. They are part of the larger Western Ghats mountain chain making up the southwestern edge of the Deccan Plateau.

In 1819, John Sullivan, the British Collector of Coimbatore, set out to explore the Nilgiris after obtaining an order from the British East India Company charging him to investigate the "origin of the fabulous tales that are circulated concerning the Blue Mountains to verify their authenticity and to send a report to the authorities". With a detachment of Europeans and Indian sepoys, he set out on his mission on January 2, 1819. The journey involved crossing rough and harsh terrain, steep precipices and danger from wild animals. After an expedition that lasted for six days and loss of the lives of some of the expedition members, Sullivan finally reached a plateau from where he proudly hoisted the British flag. This is believed to have been the hill station of Ootacamund or abbreviated as Ooty, now known as Udhagamandalam. Mr. Sullivan found a striking similarity between Ooty and his own native England. He advised the government that Ooty, with its salubrious climate, could be used as a sanatorium for British troops stationed at Madras. The government accepted his proposal, and Ooty came to be developed as a major hill station.

After the early 1820s, the hills were developed rapidly under the British Raj because most of the land was by then privately owned by British citizens. It was popular summer and weekend getaway for the British during the colonial days. In 1827 Ooty became the official sanatorium and the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. Many winding hill roads were built. In 1899, The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was completed by influential and enterprising British citizens with venture capital from the Madras government. In 1830, Major Kelso, Commandant of the cantonment in the Nilgiris, invited Indian merchants to start businesses in the Nilgiris.

The Cutchi Memon Jamath of the Nilgiris comprises of Ootacamund, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore and Gudalur.

Among the early Cutchi Memon settlers in the Nilgiris were Mr. Cawdeer Sait, Moosa Sait, Aboo Sait and Gul Mohamed Sait. Moosa Sait's family donated the land for the Jumma Masjid at Ooty, and the land for the burial ground near the Ooty Lake. His family now exists in the person of Mr. Iqbal Sait who lives in Ooty. Gul Mohamed Sait had his business in Ooty on land later purchased by Hajee Fakeer Mohamed Sait's family and where the present Hajee Fakeer Mohamed Sait's Memorial Hospital now stands. Cawdeer Sait also owned property in Ooty but records are not available to substantiate this fact.

During the period 1840 to 1845, a few families migrated from Cutch and settled in the Nilgiris. Hajee Fakeer Mohamed Sait's family, Ahmed Saleh Mohammed Sait Mianji, Yousuf Tar Mohammed Sait also known as Patel, Abdul Rehman Veersani, Aboo Sait, Abdul Rehman Moosa Said and Siddique Ismail Sait were the early settlers who started business ventures.

Hajee Fakeer Mohammed Sait came to the Nilgiris with his two sons Abdul Rehman Sait and Mohammed Usman Sait and started his business. They were among the pioneer planters of the Nilgiris. They started coffee and tea plantations on lands given to them by the British. Abdul Rehman Sait together with his sons started the family business under the name of A.R. Hajee Fakeer Mohamed Sait and Sons, which acquired many properties. Their business enterprise extended form Calcutta in the East to Tuticorin in the South. This philanthropic family also established family trusts to perpetuate the memory of their elders. Mohamed Hashim Sit built the Hajee Fakeer Mohammed Sait Memorial Hospital, son of Abdul Rehman Sait in the year 1948. He also created family trusts, namely Hajee Mohamed Cassim Sait's Poor Women Charity for the benefit of poor and destitute women, Hajee Fakeer Mohamed Sait School charity, Adam and Abdullah Sait's Maternity Hospital Charity, Khan Bahadur Hajee Abdul Rehman Sait’s Dispensary Charity, etc. The present Managing Trustee of these trusts is Hajee Younus Cassim Sait. Their old family residence in the Main Bazar near the Jumma Masjid was donated to the Nilgiri Jamath, and is now know as Mohammed Hashim Sait's Cutchi Memon Jamath Khana. Abdul Rehman Sait and Abdul Rahim Sait were conferred the title of Khan Bahadur in the year 1902 and 1948 respectively by the British government for their philanthropy. Khan Bahadur Hajee Abdul Rahim Sait was also a Hafeez of the Quran, meaning a person who had memorized the entire Holy Quran

Ahmed Saleh Mohamed Sait, also known as Mianji Sait, came and settled in the Nilgiris with his six sons. He died in 1871. One of his sons, Siddique Hajee Ahmed Mohamed Sait expired at a ripe old age of 104 in 1932. He started his family firms, Mianji Sait & Company and Siddique Mianji Sait & Sons. In this family, the title of Khan Bahadur was conferred on Siddique Ismail Sait. He was a Councillor in the Ootacamund Municipality in 1937. His son, Abdullah Sait was the Vice Chairman of the Coonoor Municipality in the 1960s. Hajee Jaffer A.R. Mianji was also a Councillor, and was one of those instrumental in introducing boating the Ooty Lake. This family has also created charitable trust in memory of its elders.

Yusuff Tar Mohamed Sait’s family, also known as Patels, was businessmen, and owned property and business in the Nilgiris. They were philanthropic. They were known for venturing into various types of business enterprises.

Other settlers, such as Abdul Rehman Sait, Abdul Rehman Sait Veersani, Aboo Sait, Ibrahim Moosa Sait, Siddique Ismail Sit were also known businessmen. They and their family members contributed their mite for the welfare of the Jamath, and donated properties for the Jumma Masjid. Most of these elders served in War and Peace Committees, and many were appointed to the posts of “Honorary Magistrate”.

The Cutchi Memons of Nilgiris have always recognized a member of the Hajee Fakeer Mohamed’s family as their Jamath President. When chosen, the President has served for life. Hajee Fakeer Mohamed Sait was the first President of the Jamath until his death in 1891. His son, Abdul Rehman Sait succeeded him, and was Presdient from 1891 to 1919 until his death. His son, Mohamed Hashim Sait was the President until 1953, and on his demise, Khan Bahadur Hajee Mohamed Abdul Rahim Sait was appointed President. He held office from 1953 to 1979. In 1979, Hajee Yoonus Cassim Sait was elected and appointed Life President.

The present generation of Cutchi Memons of the Nilgiris has very enterprising. Cutchi Memons here are educated, and have become lawyers, doctors, engineers, and have held MBAs and other professional degrees. There are about 160 families in the Nilgiri Jamath. Most of the families are businessmen, following the tradition of their elders.

[The above information was published in the 1993 magazine published by the All India Cutchi Memon Federation on the occasion of its World Conference. It is hoped that members of the Nilgiri Jamath will read this article, and will contribute material for updating information to the present time. – Arif G. Kadwani)

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Mysore, Karnataka, India

2010-01-18T19:28:00.001-08:00

The origins of Cutchi Memons of Mysore City are not entirely known. It is believed that a century or so ago some Cutchi Memon families migrated to Mysore city from Bangalore, and started involving themselves in business and agriculture. They cultivated paddy fields, which they acquired on lease. There were twelve families initially; five more followed from Bangalore, Nilgiris, Cochin and Bombay. Division among these families has resulted in forty sub-families.

Most Cutchi Memons speak Urdu at home; only a few families have retained Cutchi as their mother tongue. They are well educated. "Purdah" was observed strictly in some families.

As Cutchi Memons are generally known to have business acumen, most Cutchi Memons in Mysore City are found to be in business: furniture hire and sale, optical goods, real estate, electrical appliances, carets and furnishings, textiles, etc. Education has ensured Cutchi Memons becoming engineers, computer professionals, etc. Some have migrated to distant lands.

Prominent Cutchi Memons of Mysore City loved and respected by their fellow Cutchi Memons for their business prosperity and social work and who departed this earth during the last 40 years, were Saleh Mohammed Ismail, Jan Mohammed Ebrahim, Fakir Mohammed, Elyas Ebrahim, Ebrahim Abdulla, Hassan Abdul Rahman, Mohammed Abba Sait, Aboobakar Ismail, Sattar Abba Sait and Mohammed Khasim Abdulla Sait.

Mention must also be made of two important Cutchi Memons: Janab Mohammed Abba Sait and Janab Abdul Sattar Abba Sait. They were great social workers who rendered yeoman service to the community, specially the poor and needy. Janab Mohammed Abba Sait was a Municipal Councillor, and obtained a big plot of land in the busy are of Ashoka Road (Mysore-Bangalore highway) for Muslims of Mysore City to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH). This is called Meelad Bagh where a huge congregation gathers every year on the occasion of Meelad-e-Nabi. An important road is also named after Janab Mohammed Abba Sait. He expired in 1967 at the age of 85 years after a life full of social service to the community.

Janab Sattar Abba Sait was responsible for founding orphanages for Muslim boys and girls, and was the President of the institutions for several years. He was also the President of several masjids in the city. He expired in 1981 at the age of 90 years. We are proud that Janab Azeez Sait, a leading member of the Abba family, has followed in his father's footsteps, and has built an image of his own in the minds of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He started as a labor leader of beedi workers, and struggled for their benefit. His popularity took into politics, and ultimately he became a cabinet minister in teh Karnataka government. He had held several important portfolios such as Transport and Tourism, Wakfs, Industries and Commerce under several Chief Ministers. He was a Member of the Indian Parliament for a full term. A new extension in the City has been named "Azeez Sait Nagar", where the needy and deserving as well as member of the laboring sections of society live. We hope Mr.Azeez Sait will continue to serve the cause of Muslims in years to come.

Mrs. Saira Mohammed, daughter of late Mohammed Abba Sait who conducts a craft institute for Muslims women has now become a Municipal Councilor, and we are proud of her achievements.

We would like to place on record the names of the following Cutchi Memons who were long time residents of Mysore city but left it to migrate to other places in India:

Janab Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, MP, to Ernakulam in Kerala

Malik Sait, son of late Sattar Abba Sait to Karachi, Pakistan

Mohammed Ishaq, son of Abubaker Khasim, to Cochin in Kerala

Mohammed Saleem, son of late Saleh Mohammed Ismail to Bangalore

Mohammed Younus, son of Aboobakar Khasim to Bangalore

Khalid Hassan, son of Hassan Abdul Rahman, to Bangalore

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS:

About 20 Cutchi Memon families have moderate source of income, and their standard of living is fair. Others can be said to be in the middle class, and live a happy and contented life. No family is dependent on charity. So far, 26 families including women have performed Hajj.

AFFAIRS OF THE JAMATH:

Until 1972, there was no regular body or Managing Committee to look after the interests of the Jamath members. In 1972, the need to organize the Jamath was felt as the All India Cutchi Memon Federation, which was being formed, needed a Jamath for affiliation. Janab Azeez Sait took the initiative, and convened some prominent persons. A committee of eleven members was formed, and a set of rules and regulations was formulated in 1972. The first elected President was Janab Sattar Abba Sait with Mohammed Khasim as the Hon. Secretary. After the President's demise in 1981, Janab Mohammed Abid Saleh Mohammed was elected Presdient. When the Hon. Secretary expired in October 1982, Janab Hajee Yousuf Elyas was elected in his place but he held office for a brief period of time.

Unfortunately, our Jamath has no building, no Jamath Khana, trusts ort any other asset; consequently, there is no source of income. Our only activity during 1972-1982 was to raise funds to undertake construction of a shopping complex for the Cutchi Memon Masjid. The dilapidated shops fetched low rents. Funds were collected from Cutchi Memons in Bangalore, Nilgiris. Bombay, etc., for the shopping complex. This complex was completed in 1980 at a cost of Rs. Three Lakhs. This is a valuable asset for the Masjid, and is the main source of meeting all of its expenses.

The Cutchi Memons of Mysore are proud of the following contributions:

1. Out patient dispensary attached to the Government K.R. Hospital, Mysore. It was built in 1927 by late Hajee Sir Ismail Sait of Bangalore to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the then Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Krishnaraja Wodiyar.

2. Cutchi Memon Masjid. Hajee Sir Ismail Sait of Bangalore in the Hijri built this year 1239. At his demise, he was buried in the open space adjoining the masjid's main prayer hall. His family does not exist now. Hajee Sir Ismail Sait of Bangalore also gifted two buildings and a vacant site to the Masjid. This Masjid located in the heart of the city at Ashoka Road can accommodate about 650 worshippers. Many improvements have been made but the main hall has been left untouched. This Masjid is being managed by a Board comprising of five Cutchi Memons under a scheme framed by the District Judge in 1942. Many prominent Cutchi Memons of Mysore have been nominated to the Board from time to time; notable among them were Hajee Saleh Mohammed Ismail, Elyas Ebrahim, Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait, MP, Mohammed Saleem Hajee Saleh Mohammed, Hassan Abdul Rahman, Aboobakar Ismail, Sattar Abba Sait, Yousuf Elyas, Ali Mohammed Ismail, and Khasim Abdulla. The present Board members are:

1. Hajee Mohsin Abdul Kareem (President)

2. Mohammed Azam (Hon. Secretary)

3. Mahmood Hassan

4. Abdul Khader, and

5. Sulaiman Gul Mohammed.

The Masjid's expenses are met from the rents of its properties. The total value of the buildings exceeds Rs. 35 Lakhs.

3. Khasim Sarai. This is located at Ashoka Road, and was built 75 years ago by one Late Rasoo Bai, wife of late Elyas Haji Khasim Sait. She dedicated it to the memory of her father-in-law, Ladda Khasim Sait. It was used as a lodge, and marriages of Jamath members were held there until 1955. After that year, it has not been used, and remains locked. It is under the control of Janab Hajee Abdulla Sait of Bangalore, who is the donor's successor.

- Mohammed Abid Saleh Mohammed
Acting President

{The above article was published in the 1993 Souvenir of the World Conference of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation. I am seeking updated news from Mysore. - Arif G. Kadwani}

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, Mumbai

2010-01-18T19:20:00.001-08:00

The Making of the Cutchi Memon Students’ Circle

When the Cutchi Memon community was organized, it decided to process all its decisions through institutional means. The Cutchi Memon Jamatkhana at 131 Kambekar Street was the first important institution to begin an organized community life. It was the place where meetings were held for discussions, planning and deciding on implementation. Though the early history of the of the Cutchi Memon Jamatkhana begins as early as 1807, it was in 1930-31 that the trustees of the Kammoo Suleman Trust rebuilt it. From then on, the Jamatkhana has gained immense importance, not only as an impressive edifice but also as a central place from where all activities can be carried out in an efficient manner.

From the time the Jamatkhana was rebuilt and even earlier, the Cutchi Memons of Mumbai took decisions for the betterment of the Jamat. This led to the community’s progress. Even students started taking keen interest in the Jamat’s activities. Notable among the students were Messrs Abdul Majid Bawla, Mohammed Hussein Patel, Malik Chinoy, G. M. Banatwala, etc.

After his installation in July 1952 as President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Mumbai, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Wadiwala invited some Cutchi Memon students for an exchange of views. The students were waiting for this opportunity, and immediately accepted the President’s invitation. Elders in the community appreciated this.

This was the first time in the history of the Cutchi Memon Jamat that the President had set aside the controversial issue of the time, i.e. Sud and Asud in inviting the students from both sides of the Orthodox and Moderate sections of the community. The Orthodox were surprised while the Moderates were hopeful.

On July 20, 1952, which was a Sunday, the students went to meet the President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat under the able and dynamic leadership of Mr. Malik Chinoy. The venue was the Cutchi Memon Jamatkhana.

Next Sunday on July 27, 1952, the students met again but this time the venue changed to the business premises of Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Wadiwala at Kambekar Street next to the Kammoo Jaffer High School. The venue change occurred because the Orthodox objected to the use of the Jamatkhana for such a meeting. The students were successful in having a consensus, and formed an organization, which they named “The Cutchi Memon Students’ Circle” under the leadership of Mr. Malik Chinoy. They desired to further the cause of Education – both academic and technical, and to raise the cultural and ethical values of the Cutchi Memon community. They spelt out the main aim of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle: to spread education, and to create an atmosphere of goodwill, friendship and brotherhood among Cutchi Memon students.

Mr. Malik Chinoy became the Founder-President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. The constitution of new organization was framed under his guidance. This became an important landmark in Cutchi Memon history, as even the Cutchi Memon Jamat did not have its own constitution by then. The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle had taken the first step in showing the community what lay ahead and what was best for it.

Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Wadiwala helped raise funds for the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. Several prominent Cutchi Memons of the time became patrons; notable among them were Mr. Mohammed Hashim Ismail (President, Cutchi Memon Progressive Group and husband of Mrs. Fatema Ismail, a prominent social worker of Indian National Congress cadre), and Mr. Suleman Haji Omar Chamdawala (President, Cutchi Memon Anjuman). Two Presidents of warring factions had united to help a worthy cause! The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle had taken the second step in bringing the community together.

Watching the progress and activities of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s elders started to take interest. Mr. Ismail Kadwani permitted the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle free use of his premises at Kambekar Street when it became apparent the rigid rules of the Cutchi Memon Jamat came in the way.

Thereafter, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Wadiwala used his good terms with Messrs. Abdul Latiff Dada Glasswala, Abdul Kader Haji Ahmed Dada Glasswala and Mr. Mohammed Hasham Dada for permitting gratis use of the 4^th floor of their family trust building known as Usmania Manzil at 89 Kambekar Street. The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle then found a place of its own. The place was a huge hall with three or four smaller rooms. The big hall accommodated a table tennis table, two or three carrom boards, some tables to play Draught and Ludo. The smaller rooms served as a meeting place for the Managing Committee members, a reading room which contained some newspapers and a few books. It was not difficult to climb up and go down the four full-length floors, as all members were young and fit! This place was a boon to the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle in many ways.

The Constitution of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle was unanimously passed on January 11, 1953. Mr. Malik Chinoy resigned as President and a new Managing

Committee was elected per the Constitution’s Rules and Regulations:

Mr. Gulam Mehmood (G.M.) Banatwala was elected President

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim the Vice President

Mr. Noor Mohammed Noorani the General Secretary

Mr. Abdul Majeed Bawla the Joint Secretary, and

Mr. Mohammed Hussain Vasaiwala the Treasurer.

On May 1, 1954, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Wadiwala tendered his resignation as President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat. This was a setback to the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle as it was Mr. Wadiwala who had taken an initiative in its formation and keen interest in its continuance. At that time, the Cutchi Memon Jamat had two factions – the Orthodox and the Moderates. Both wanted to run the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s administration. The framing of a draft Constitution created a deadlock. Once again, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle came to the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s rescue. Under the leadership of Mr. G.M. Banatwala, the President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, a compromise was reached and approved by both groups in drafting a new constitution. The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle played an important role in resolving this crisis. For this important role of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, Mr. Mohammed Hasham Ismail, President of the Cutchi Memon Progressive Group then promised one-third representation for the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle on the Cutchi Memon Trust Advisory Board to be formed under the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s constitution

During 1954-55, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle constituted an Education Board that recommended deserving cases to the several Cutchi Memon charitable trusts which gave monetary aid to needy students for their educational goals.

In 1955, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle started the College Text Books Loan Scheme with the aim of distributing college level textbooks to students of the community free of cost. This scheme was well received and still exists. The faculties covered are Science, Commerce, Arts Law, Medicine and Engineering.

With activities increasing and space being insufficient at Usmania Manzil, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, under the leadership of Mr. G.M. Banatwala, approached the Cutchi Memon Jamat in 1955 for some space in the Jamatkhana. The Cutchi Memon Jamat fortunately decided to permit use of its rear hall for the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle’s daily activities. Some members placed hurdles and opposed the idea but the Cutchi Memon Progressive Group whole-heartedly supported the cause, and at a special General Meeting of the Cutchi Memon Jamat held in May 1955, a resolution was passed in favor of the proposal.

The President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat at that time was Barrister A.A. Oomer. He went through a tough time battling some of conservatives who obtained a stay order from a court of law for non-implementation of the special General Meeting’s resolution handing over the rear hall to the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. In this process, the Jamatkhana was sealed for three days, a first in its history. Wiser counsels prevailed, and the court order was made to be withdrawn. Finally, the rear hall was handed over to the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. The new premises were inaugurated by Mr. Shantilal Shah, Education Minister in the Government of the State of Bombay in the presence of a distinguished fathering that included several notable Cutchi Memons.

Messrs. Ahmed Ibrahim and Abdul Rehman Kursiwala succeeded Mr. Banatwala as Presidents of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle for a short time.

In 1956, Mr. Abdul Majeed Bawla became President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle.

Although the Cutchi Memon Trust Advisory Board was formed per the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s earlier resolution, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle was not provided representation as promised. The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle had no other way but to fight for its case in the General Body meeting convened specially for this purpose. Once again, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle was successful, and Mr. Noor Mohammed Noorani was elected, for the first time in the history of the Cutchi Memon Jamat, as the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle’s representative on the Cutchi Memon Trust Advisory Board. It was at this meeting that the “ruling party” of the Cutchi Memon Jamat suffered a setback when its draft rules for the proposed Cutchi Memon Trust Advisory Board were not fully approved, and various amendments were passed. This was an important win for the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle because, for the first time, the members of the Cutchi Memon Jamat realized their folly of underestimating the strength and balancing power of students.

In 1958, Mr. Abdul Majeed Bawla retired as President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. Some very devoted Cutchi Memon students succeeded him from 1958 to the present time: Messrs. Amin Ismail Belgaumwala, Abdul Rashid Haroon Dhunna, Ibrahim Gaya, Arif G. Kadwani, Mohammed Siddique Memon alias Aziz Ismail, Yusuf Mukadam, M. Siddik Siddiqui, Abdul Rashid Patel, M. Siddik Siddiqui, Abdul Ahad Saeed, Hasham Reshamwala, Usman Ismail Zarodarwala, Shabbir Latiff, Suleman Yahya Allana, Salim Yahya Allana, Javed Gaya, Yusuf Yacub Dadani, Mohammed Hanif Phudinawala, Mohammed Irfan M.S. Dadani, Abdus Samad Lakdawala, Fareed Iqbal Dhiyan, Abubaker M.S. Dadani, Zaki Lakdawala, Ashfaque Sayani, Abdul Kader Shikai, and Ameen Sayani. A list of all distinguished ex-Presidents follows on a separate page.

On the occasion of the All India Cutchi Memon Conference held in Bombay in 1970, Mr. Abdul Rashid Patel, President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle was invited and attended it. Similarly, at the time of the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s celebration of its Golden Jubilee in 1971, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle represented all community students.

When the Cutchi Memon Jamat celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1981 during the presidency of Mr. Haroon Kably, the Managing Committee did not give due recognition and importance to the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. Under the leadership of Mr. Shabbir Latif (who was the President), the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle organized a Black Flag Day to bring attention to the issue. This compelled the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s Managing committee to take members of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle in a Peace Committee, thereby solving the matter.

The period of the 1980s was calm and peaceful for the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle.

However, when Messrs. Suleman Allana and Javed Gaya went abroad, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle was on the brink of closing down. In 1990, Mr. Hanif Phudinawala and Mr. Irfan Dadani urged Mr. Salim Allana to hand over the reins to them. With the formation of a Committee after a gap of two years under the Presidentship of Mr. Yusuf Dadani, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle progressed by leaps and bounds.

Under the brief tenure as President of Mr. Hanif Phudinawala, our activities increased but he went abroad in the middle of his term. At that time, Mr. Irfan Dadani, the General Secretary, organized the Annual Programme outside the Jamatkhana premises single-handedly. The Chief Guest was Mr. Arun Gujarati, Minister of State in the Government of Maharashtra.

Interestingly, over a period of 8 years, luck favored the sitting President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, and he would leave for a better opportunity abroad in the middle of his term. This “silsila" started with Mr. Suleman Allana, and was followed by Javed Gaya, Salim Allana, Yusuf Dadani and Hanif Phudinawala. The "silsila” ended when Mr. Irfan Dadani became President.

It is important to note that Mr. Abubaker M.S. Dadani was reelected unanimously as President for a second term in May 2001.

Some important details

Since 1990-91, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle has published its Annual Report containing its accounts, and has distributed it to the community for its perusal.

The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle has striven hard since its inception to achieve its main objective of Education First by organizing various curricular and extra-curricular activities for students of our community. These activities include the distribution of College textbooks to students free of cost together with organizing Drawing, Essay Writing, Elocution, Debates and Quiz competitions.

Sports-wise, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle maintains a Games Room in the Cutchi Memon Jamatkhana premises where our student members play indoor games such as Carrom, Table tennis and Chess. Cricket matches are regularly arranged for our members along with Marathon races and Cycle races.

Picnics are arranged for our community members.

Annual Prize Distribution Function is held when our elders felicitate successful students. Hopes of and honor of being felicitated motivates our students to excel themselves in education and sports.

The Cutchi Memon Scholarship Centralization Board now has a representative of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle.

Some of our achievements:

When Mr. Irfan Dadani was our President, the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle once again showed its willingness to fight for its just causes and rights. At that time, the Managing Committee of the Cutchi Memon Jamat accepted Mr. Usman A. G. Memon, the then Treasurer of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle as its member on the Editorial Board of Rabitah, a magazine in English, Urdu and Gujarati published by the Cutchi Memon Jamat.

Mr. Ayaz Suleman Junani, as a representative of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle and backed by the student community, was elected a member of the Managing Council of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation after a tough election battle of 17 candidates.

Mr. Samad Lakdawala, our ex-President, was nominated a member of the Cutchi Memon Trust Advisory Board.

Mr. Fareed Dhiyan, our ex-President, was a member of the Editorial Board of Rabitah.

Several former members of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle have occupied important positions in the Cutchi Memon Jamat as well as Indian national politics.

Mr. Gulam Mehmood (G.M.) Banatwala became President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat. He was also a Member of the Indian Parliament, having been elected on the Indian Muslim League ticket from Kerala.

Mr. Abdul Qadir Dadani became the General Secretary of the Cutchi Memon Jamat.

Mr. Abdul Majeed Bawla became the General Secretary of the Cutchi Memon Jamat.

Mr. Usman Ismail Zarodarwala became the General Secretary of the Cutchi Memon Jamat.

Dr. Abdul Rauf Sumar, an ex-Vice President of Cutchi Memon Students' Circle, was President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat for 18 years.

Mr. Mohammed Hussein Patel was a former Municipal Councillor.

From time to time, it has been found that members of the Cutchi Memon Jamat’s Managing Committee were at one time members of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle in their youth. The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle is proud of the fact that its members have become prominent in society in general. The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle is also proud of the fact that it has always been a part of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Mumbai.

The above article was printed in the Souvenir published by the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle in its Golden Jubilee Year (2001-2002). It was updated and edited by me a little in May 2009 – Arif G. Kadwani

OUR DISTINGUISHED FOUNDER MEMBERS

Mr. Malik Chinoy

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim Wadiwala

Mr. Gulam Mehmood Banatwala

Mr. Abdul Rahim Banatwala

Mr. Malik H. Omer

Mr. Mahmood M. Ibrahim

Mr. Gulam Husein Ahmed Merchant

Mr. Abdul Salam Sayani

Mr. Abdus Shakoor “Maher” Akbani

Mr. Mohammed Yacub Moosa Dadani

Mr. Abdul Aziz Kably

Mr. Abdul Hamid Bakshi

Mr. Abdul Hafiz Sayani

Mr. Abdul Razak A. Karim

Mr. Abdul Sattar Lakhani

Mr. Abdul Rehman Patel

Mr. Abdul Kader Bakali

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

We Stand Thus

This article was published in a "Souvenir" of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle on the occasion of the 11th Annual Day Celebrations held on January 2, 1965. Its author was the President of the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle at that time, Mr. Arif G. Kadwani

The Cutchi Memon Students' Circle was formed in 1952. Over the years, it has striven to fulfill the educational and recreational needs of the Cutchi Memon youth. Precisely then, our motto stands: "Education First; Industry; Fraternity". True to its motto since its very inception, the Circle has progressed tremendously in various ways.

God blessed us with an excellent games-room (at the Cutchi Memon Jamatkhana) in which are housed many indoor games. Table tennis is played with verve and gusto; carrom with the usual animation; chess with a scholarly touch and draughts with pleasure.

Jack with all play may become a dull boy again! So, there's a library to satisfy him here. The Circle Library consists of English, Gujarati and Urdu books.

What the Circle is well known for is the "College Textbooks Loan Scheme". College textbooks loaned thus are a great boon for our collegians who are over burdened with the spiralling prices of even.... textbooks! The thirty students, Insha-Allah, will be forty next year. Surely, they deserve your attention.

Competitions are a sure way of hoping for the best in people. The Circle does not forget this. It arranges singing, elocution and drawing competitions, sometimes, even a "Mushaira: is held. We at the Circle love to listen to other people’s opinions and viewpoints. Lectures on a variety of subjects are held at the Cicle's Hall. Recently, a religious talk was delivered by Mr. A. Razak "Saeed", Vice President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat. Picnics are not a rarity these days, but the Circle picnic helps to foster a spirit of companionship among students.

Thus, the Cutchi Memon youth has a bright future ahead, lying as it were with rosy promises. With guidance and support from the elders and co-operation within, the Circle can help him see his way out in an entirely re-organised manner.

Who We Are

Organization of students belonging to the Cutchi Memon community in Mumbai, India, founded in 1952.

"Education First, Industry, Fraternity" is our motto.

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Our Anthem, Our “Taraanaa”

by late "Maher" Akbani

Hamari Manzilein Jawaan Hamare Hausle Jawaan

Rahenge Hum Rawaan Dawaan Rahenge Hum.....

Hamari Thokaron Mein Hain Rahe Talab Ki Sakhtiyan

Hamare Gard Roh Hain Maho Najoomo Kehkashaan

Hamara Azm Bekaraan, Hamara Meer Karwaan

Hamari Manzilein Jawaan Hamare Hausle Jawaan

Rahenge Hum Rawaan Dawaan Rahenge Hum.....

Nafas Nafas Kadam Chalenge Saath Saath Hum

Hamein Dara Sakengi Kya Rahe Talab ke Pecho-kham

Bala Se Aaye Mushkilein Hamain Nahin Koi Gum

Hamari Manzilein Jawaan Hamare Hausle Jawaan

Rahenge Hum Rawaan Dawaan Rahenge Hum.....

Ba Faiz-e- Ilm Juhal ki ye Zulmatein Mitayenge

Shaur-o-Fikr ke Diye Kadam Kadam Jalayenge

Sarapa Dars Zindagi ko Apni Hum Banayenge

Hamari Manzilein Jawaan Hamare Hausle Jawaan

Rahenge Hum Rawaan Dawaan Rahenge Hum....

Na Jaane Denge Haath se Kabhie Waqaar Aashiyaan

Nikhaar Denge Khoon-e-Dil se Aur Range Gulistan

Badhe Ga Hum se Pa-Be-Pal Shahoor ka yeh Bagbaan

Hamari Manziein Jawaan Hamare Hausle Jawaan

Rahenge Hum Rawaan Dawaan Rahenge Hum....

Nizame-Nu ke Maher, Ab Imam Ban ke Aaaye Hain

Aneese Kaum, Wa Rehbare Awaaam Ban ke Aaye Hain

Labon Pe Zindagi ke Hum Payaam Ban ke Aaye Hain

Hamari Manzilein Jawaan Hamare Hausle Jawan

Rahenge Hum Rawan Dawan Rahenge Hum....

OUR DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENTS

Mr. Malik Chinoy   [1952-53]
Mr. G.M. Banatwala [1953-55]
Mr. Ahmed M. Ibrahim  [1955-56]
Mr. A. Rehman Kursiwala   [1956]
Mr. A. Majeed Bawla   [1956-58]
Mr. A. Qadir Dadani   [1958-59]
Mr. Amin Ismail Belgaumwala [ 1959-60]
Mr. A. Rashid Haroon Dhunna   [1960-61]
Mr. Ibrahim Gaya    [1961-64]
Mr. A. Rashid Haroon  Dhunna [3 months in 1964]
Mr. Arif G. Kadwani [1964-65]
Mr. M. Siddique Memon [1965-66]
Mr. Yusuf Mukadam [1966-67]
Mr. M. Siddik Siddiqui [1967-68]
Mr. A. Rashid Patel [1968-71]
Mr. M. Siddik Siddiqui [1971-73]
Mr. Abdul Ahad Saeed [1973-75]
Mr. Hasham Reshamwala [1975-77]
Mr. Usman Ismail Zarodarwala [1977-80]
Mr. Shabbir Latiff    [1980-85]
Mr. Suleman Yahya Allana [1985-87]
Mr. Salim Yahya Allana [1987-88]
Mr. Javed Gaya [1988-89]
Mr. Salim Yahya Allana [1989-90]
Mr. Yusuf Yacub Dadani [1990-91]
Mr. M. Hanif Phudinawala [1991-92]
Mr. Mohammed Irfan M.S. Dadani [1992-95]
Mr. Abdus Samad Lakdawala [1995-96]
Mr. Mohammed Irfan M.S. Dadani [1996-97]
Mr. Fareed Iqbal Dhiyan [1997-2000]
Mr. Abubaker M.S .Dadani [2000-2003]
Mr. Zaki Lakdawala [2003-2004]
Mr. Ashfaque Sayani [2004-2007]
Mr. Abdul Kader Shikai [2007-2008]
Mr. Ameen Sayani [2008 -                 ]

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamat, Mumbai (BOMBAY)

2010-01-18T19:15:00.001-08:00

Cutchi Memons came to Bombay (now known as Mumbai) sometime between 1813 and 1816 as they were attracted by its business opportunities. After settling down, Cutchi Memons organized themselves.

In 1898, Cutchi Memons of Bombay got together under the leadership of prominent members known as Patels. These persons had unquestionable authority over matters relating to the affairs of their brethren.

Gradually, democratic concepts crept into the members' thinking, and in 1922, for the first time in its history, the community elected a Managing committee. Later, rules and regulations were established; these were modified and amended from time to time to suit changing conditions.

In 1931, the trustees of the Sait Karim Mohammed Sulaiman Trust built a Jamatkhana for the Jamat members. This ensured immense importance for the Jamat as it now had a central place for its activities.

In 1938, the British government enacted the Cutchi Memon Act of 1938, which placed Cutchi Memons under the Muslim Personal Law. This Act displaced the Act of 1920, which permitted Cutchi Memons to choose between the Hindu Law and the Muslim Personal Law.

In 1939, the trustees of the Cummoo Jaffer Trust established a Girls school, which was inaugurated by the Sheriff of Bombay, Janab Haji Sulaiman Wahid. The same year, the trustees of Haji Ismail Haji Yusuf Ahmedabadi Trust introduced scholarships for higher education.

In 1943, a Cutchi Memon Co-operative Store was established under the Presidentship of Janab Osman Sobani. However, due to unavoidable circumstances was closed down, only to be reopened for a short spell; currently, it does not exist.

In 1952, the Jamat saw controversial changes. Since the Jamat was divided on the question of Sudh (the “pure”) and Asudh (the “impure”), the Jamat decided to undertake a census to assess the situation. Purity was maintained when ascendants were all Cutchi Memons with no mixture of non-Cutchi Memon blood. Impurity crept in when there non-Cutchi Memon blood in the lineage. Janab Ibrahim Mohammed Wadiwala, Janab Hasham Ismail and Janab Sulaiman Usman Sait gave a workable formula for uniting the Jamat by doing away with the divisions of Sudh and Asudh.

That time saw a crop of Memon journals; one such was the “Memon Mitra” in the Gujarati language edited and published by Janab Usman Japanwala. A free library and reading room was found.

The same year, Janab Ibrahim Mohammed Wadiwala, the president of the Jamat, encouraged youngsters to unite under their own banner; under his guidance, several young students came together to establish the Cutchi Memon Students' Circle. This organization has made tremendous progress over the past half a century in the field of education, fraternity and industry.

In 1958, a Nursery Class named as Phulwari was started under the helm of Janab A.A.Oomer and under the supervision of Miss Fathima Abdul Sattar (now Mrs. Fatima Rafiq Zakaria). The Jamat has efficiently managed this Phulwari to this day.

In 1962, President Janab Ibrahim Lakhani felt that housing was always a perennial problem for the Jamat members in a growing city which was Bombay, and got eminent personalities
involved. They were able to thwart the designs of Bombay Municipal Corporation for obtaining a plot of land at Malad for its own use by securing it from the Zakaria Patel Trust in Malad. Janab Abdul Qayoom Karachiwala and Janab Jaan Mohammed Gadhwala were leaders in this effort to secure this land. Janab Abdul Razak "Saeed" and Janab Shafi Nakhuda took on the project for Building No. 1 and completed its construction for the Cutchi Memon Tenement Board, a trust under the Jamat. In 1972, President Janab Haroon S. Kably saw the completion of Building No. 2 of the Board on the same plot of land. At this time the trustees of the Zakaria Patel Trust declared that residents of the four blocks of the sanatorium blocks would be considered as permanent residents.

From 1963 to 1965, Janab Gulam Mahmood Banatwala held the office of President of the Jamat. The Jamat's constitution was redrafted under Mr. Banatwala's Presidentship.

In 19654, the Jamat started distributing free stationery and textbooks to the Jamat's students under the recommendation and supervision of Janab Abdullah Patka.

In 1967, under the chairmanship of Janab Haroon S. Kably, a Scholarship Centralization Board was initiated. Prior to this formation, a needy student had to apply to several trusts for obtaining a scholarship to pursue high school and college education. The Board ensured less paperwork and effort by individual students, proper supervision of allotted amounts so as to decrease duplication, and receipt of needed amount.

In 1971, the year of the Jamat Constitution’s Golden Jubilee celebration, an All India Cutchi Memon Federation was arranged under the Presidentship of Janab Haroon S. Kably. Delegates from several Jamats all over India attended the conference. Several useful resolutions were passed; one of them was the formation of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation.

In 1973, the All India Cutchi Memon Federation came into existence. The founder-president was Janab Haroon S. Kably. The Vice-presidents were Janab Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait, MP, and Janab Azeez Sait, MLA - Karnataka. The first Secretary was Janab Abdul Qadeer Moosa Dadani.

During the Presidentship of Janab Haroon S. Kably, the trustees of the Kadwani Masjid Trust handed over the trust to the Jamat. The Jamat immediately renovated the masjid. At the same time, the Jamat acquired a thoroughfare in one of the Jamat's kabrastans (cemeteries) which restricted its use by non-kabrastan visitors.

During the time of Janab Rashid Oomer, "Bazme-e-Khawateen" was started for the Jamat's females. This organization started an Industrial Home, which ensured employment to the needy Jamat females when they made pickles, papads and other edibles.

In 1990, Dr. Abdul Rauf Soomar was elected President. He remained the Jamat's President for 18 years. He was instrumental in starting a bi-monthly magazine, "Rabitah" in English, Urdu and Gujarati. He also initiated the renovation of the Jamatkhana as well as several repairs at the kabrastans.

In August 2007, Dr. Gulam Hussain Siddick Vanjara was elected President, and has a Managing Committee to assist him.

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamat, Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India

2010-01-18T19:14:00.001-08:00

The arrival of Cutchi Memons in Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) dates back to 1840, and was necessitated by their need to feed and foster their trade with Burma (now Myanmar), Java, Singapore, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Mauritius where they were established in business since the early thirties of the eighteenth century.

During the whole of the eighteenth century and until the early nineteenth, Cutchi Memons reigned supreme as importers and exporters of general merchandise to and from Burma (Myanmar), Java, Singapore, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Mauritius. In their sphere of trade and commerce, they were without any parallel, and were important in local and overseas markets. In some commodities, they were considered "kings", especially in imported rice and sugar. They established great business concerns, and ensured that their name and fame was known well in foreign markets. They were fully trusted in all their business dealings.

As we are all aware, Cutchi Memons originated in Cutch in Western India, and were full-blooded Indians. They were converts from Hinduism, and carried the same business acumen and trading mentality as the Hindu Lohanas, their "source" stock.

Cutchi Memons were called "Nakhodas", the seafarers. A story exists of a Cutchi Memon captain and his schooner (sailing ship). The ship was full of intended Hajj pilgrims going to Jeddah. A storm struck the seas, and the passengers were alarmed. They begged the captain to save them. The captain replied that he was a "Na-Khuda" meaning "not God", and asked them to pray to Allah for succor. From that time, Cutchi Memon captains came to be known as "Nakhodas".

The great Muslim saint, Syed Ahmed Shahbuddin Jeelani Qadri in approximately 731 hijri, converted Cutchi Memons to Islam. History says that the saint called the new converts "Momins" (the blessed ones); this term was later changed to "Memons", and has remained so to this day.

In Calcutta, Cutchi Memons kept up their ascendancy in business and trade right until the early nineteenth century. As "every ascent has a decent", Cutchi Memons took a gradual steep fall. Now, only a few business houses have retained the remnants of their old name and fame, a mere shadow of the original.

Good deeds proclaim past glory and splendor even after people depart this earth. True to their being the "blessed people", Cutchi Memons did many great deeds in Calcutta during their heyday. They built the great Nakhoda Masjid at Zakaria Street at a cost of Rupees Fifteen Lakhs in the year 1934. This great and imposing edifice is now over crores. It is located in the nerve center of Calcutta’s Muslim locality, and presents a splendid spectacle at festivals such as Eids, Fridays, and during the holy month of Ramadan. It is the biggest mosque not only in West Bengal but also in the whole of Eastern India. A committee manned wholly by the members of the Cutchi Memon Jamat manages it.

The other landmark is the Cutchi Memon Jamat kabrastan (cemetery) at Upper Circular Road, which is open for burial of both Cutchi Memons and other Muslims subject to trustees' permission.

Cutchi Memons lived upto their tile "Memons - the blessed ones" wherever they went. Masjids, madrassas, musafirkhanas, cemeteries scattered all over proclaim from housetops the acts of philanthropists. However, their fall was due to several reasons, the main one being the unfortunate partition the country in 1947 into India and Pakistan. This resulted in the compulsory migration of great many Cutchi Memons to Pakistan. Those that have remained behind in India have only to play their part in the reconstruction of their motherland, and have to contribute their mite towards greater prosperity of the community in particular and the country at large.

[This report appeared in the All India Cutchi Memon Federation’s souvenir published in 1993 on the occasion of the World Conference. We encourage Cutchi Memons of Kolkata to review the above information, and bring it up to date by contacting me - Arif G. Kadwani]

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

2010-01-18T19:13:00.001-08:00

In 1815, a large number of Cutchi Memons migrated from their homeland, Cutch to places such as Bombay (now Mumbai), Calcutta (now Kolkata), Madras (now Chennai), Alleppey (now Alappuzha) and Cochin (now Kochi). Those days, these places were considered important ports and commercial centers. The Cutchi Memons desired to expand their businesses by settling in these cities. Having learnt that Cutchi Memons were honest, hardworking and trustworthy businessmen, gave permission to them to settle down in Cochin. He wanted them to live permanently in his kingdom so that it would become prosperous y means of foreign trace and commerce.

By the end of the 19^th century, Cutchi Memons had accumulated great wealth through their trading in goods, and were considered among the leading commercial communities of Cochin. They became well established. Honesty was their basic principle in life. They had good character and good habits. They were generous, kind-hearted, humble, and tolerant. They loved and helped each other. Their unity made them powerful and praiseworthy. Above all, their were strict followers of Islam, and maintained the religion’s high principles. Their simplicity and ideal life made a good impression on other communities of cosmopolitan Cochin. These achievements were the result of heir inherited business qualities, experience, industry, labor, magnanimity, courage and determination.

Wherever Cutchi Memons settled, they united among themselves and organized their Jamaths (Association). Thus, Cutchi Memons of Cochin also organized the Cutchi Memon Jamath. It must be proudly mentioned there that the Cutchi Memon Jamath at Cochin was conducting its affairs creditably from the time Cutchi Memons settled down in Cochin. Though the Jamath laws were unwritten, all members scrupulously followed certain rules, norms, customs and practices. Also, those days, the Jamath’s President, who was known as Jamath Sait, was the lone office bearer, H was respected much, and his rulings were obeyed by all. His office was hereditary, and the incumbent held it for life.

It is well said that men who make history have no time to write it. Our Jamath’s elders did not care to leave any records, and so, no records exist regarding the identities of past Presidents in the early and middle 19^th century. Janab Joonus Haji Kummeesa Sait was the Jamath Sait as well as the Muthavally (Managing Trustee) of the Cutchi Memon Jamath’s masjid known as the Cutchi Memon Hanafi Juma Masjid until the end of the 19^th century.

[The Cutchi Memon Hanafi Juma Masjid at Bazar Road, Cochin, known as Cutchi Memon Hanafi Masjid and also popularly known as Old Juma Masjid was constructed by Janab Haji Dhossal Khadwani Sait in the middle of the 19^th century and handed over to the Cutchi Memon Jamath per the Will Document No. 2 of 1927 M.E. Thus, the President of the Jamath became the Muthavally of the Masjid as well].

His eldest son, Janab Haji Ismail Joonus Sait (also known as Haji Abba Sait) succeeded him as the President of the Jamath and Muthavally of the Masjid. After his demise, his on, when Haji Abdul Rehman Haji Ismail Sait refused the positions of the Jamath Sait and Muthavally of the Masjid, the Jamath members decided to divide the positions among the two brothers of the late Janab Haji Ismail: the Presidency went to Haji Salary Mohammed Joonus Sait, and the Muthavallyship to his younger brother, Janab Abdulla Joonus Sait. On the demise of Janab Haji Salay Mohammed Joonus Sait, his son, Janab Haji Yousef Haji Salay Mohammed Sait succeeded him as the President and remained in office until 1932.

With the demise of Muthavally Janab Abdulla Joonus sit, his son, Janab Haji Thayab Abdulla Sait took office. On his departure, his eldest son, Janab Mohammed Haji Thayab Sait succeeded him. After his death, his younger brother, Janab Haji Abdulla Haji Thayab Sait became Muthavally.

1932 was a terrible year for the Cutchi Memons of Cochin. During the presidency of Janab Haji Yousef Haji Salay Mohamed Sait, the Jamath disintegrated on account of the growing rift between the conservative “pure” Cutchi Memons and the so-called “Besser Memons”. The latter, the Besser Memons were not permitted to attend Jamath meetings, and some progressive Cutchi Memons, siding with them revolted against this policy. The result was an aggravation of the differences of opinion, and increased hostilities. The twp groups separated; the Jamath became like a ship without a rudder. This, the Cutchi Memons of Cochin has the misfortune to be without a Jamath for nearly four decades.

In 1943, Khan Saheb Haji Essa Sait, the then Chairman of the Mattancherry Municipal Council, tried to restart the Jamath but was not successful. In 1954, Janab Mohamed Ebrahim Wadiwala, the President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bombay, visited Cochin in the company of Janab A.R. Sulaiman Sait, the then Vice President of the Cutchi Memon Jamath of Alleppey. They made an earnest effort to restart the Jamath with the assistance of eminent Cutchi Memons of Cochin such as Haji Usman Mohamed Hasham Sit, Haji Ismail Abdul Rahiman Sait, Mohammed Jacob Sait, Ayoob Adam Changhali, Mohammed Kassam Abdul Sathar Sait, Abdul Rahiman Haji Mohamed Elyas Sait, Haji Joonus Ommer Sait, Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, etc. Their efforts were also not successful due to the rigid attitude of a few.

It is nearly at this time that Janab Haji Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, MP, a respected leader of all-India fame, took part in the All India Cutchi Memon Conference held at Bombay on April 26 and 27 of 1971. The Conference was noteworthy in that it had representatives from far away places where Cutchi Memons are sparsely populated. There was none to represent Cochin’s Cutchi Memons, despite the fact that Cochin boasted the third largest Cutchi Memon population in India. This fact distressed Janab Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait a lot. Therefore, when he returned to Cochin, he convened a meeting of prominent Cutchi Memons, and impressed upon the need for unity and reconstruction of the Jamath. This resulted in a circular signed by Haji Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, MP, Haji Essa Haji Abdul Sathar Sait, Haji Salay Mohammed Ebrahim Sait, ex-MP, Haji Joonas Sait, Haji Abdulla Haji Ahmed Sait, Haji Essack Siddick Sait, H.E. Abdul Karim Sait, Abdul Rahiman Haji Joonus Sait, Jan Mohammed Jaffer Sait for convening a conference. This was held on June 11, 1971, and an ad-hoc committee was formed with Haji Joonus Ommer Sait as Chairman and Haji Abdulla Haji Ahmed sait as convener. The ad-hoc committee framed the byelaws, passed them in a meeting and formed an eleven-member committee. However, a few people believed this committee had shortcomings, and under the leadership of Janab M.A. Kareem Sait presented a mass memorandum. An urgent meeting of the Jamath was convened on February 25, 1972 when the existing committee was dissolved and a new committee formed. Haji Usman Mohamed Hasham Sait became President, Janab Haji Mohamed Usman Haji Hussain Sait the Vice President, Janab Essa Ahmed Sait, B.A.B.L. the Secretary and Janab Oosman Ahmed Sait as the Joint Secretary. This marked the rebirth of the Jamath.

It is said that the golden age is before us, not behind us. The Jamath hosted the seventh Managing Council meeting of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation on February 8 and 9, 1988, Janab Haroon S. Kably, President of the Federation, also visited Cochin on June 15, 1978, and addressed our Jamath. It also hosted the Second All India Cutchi Memon Trustees’ Conference on December 10, 1983, which was convened by the All India Cutchi Memon Federation. The Jamath provides a means of unity for Cutchi Memons of Cochin and keeps in touch with Cutchi Memon brethren all over India. The Jamath has taken up a scheme for rendering financial assistance for marriages of the community’s needy and deserving women. A Medical Aid Fund has been set apart each year for providing free medical aid to the financially weaker sections of the community. A Cutchi Memon Zakath Fund was also established with a view to providing aid and relief to poor members of the Jamath. With the help and cooperation of members of the community, the Jamath hopes to implement many new schemes to benefit Cutchi Memons of Cochin. May Allah bless our Jamath to continue its good work. Let us pray to the Almighty to help and guide us in the right path enabling us to bring back the glory and prosperity of pour past days. Aa-meen!

History of Cutchi Memon Jamath, Kochi....Page under construction...Estimated completion end August 2009.

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

2010-01-18T19:12:00.001-08:00

CUTCHI MEMON JAMATH, CHENNAI (FORMERLY KNOWN AS MADRAS),

TAMIL NADU, INDIA

The history of Cutchi Memons of Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is more than 150 years old. [We will intermittently use both names, Chennai and Madras – Editor] There is no authentic record of the first migration of Cutchi Memons to Madras. It is, however, known that a Cutchi Memon, Mr. Abdul Rahim Patel was deputed from Karachi as the “Patel of Madras” sometime before 1870. He is known to have conducted business in Madras after his arrival. Records show that his son, Mr. Zackaria Abdul Rahim Sait “Mateen”, who became a prolific writer, was born in 1884 in Madras. Early records also show that, in 1880, the Corporation of Madras allotted land for Cutchi Memons to use as their cemetery.

During this period, many Cutchi Memon families settled in Madras. For reasons of convenience, they resided in Anderson Street and Chinna Thambi Street of Georgetown area. By the turn of the 20^th century, it is on record that the first President of the Cutchi Memon Jamath was Janab Hajee Ebrahim Sait followed by Janab Hajee Jounus Abba Sait. Both had their hearts and souls for the betterment and welfare of the community. To safeguard the interests of the community, the Cutchi Memon Jamath was registered under the Society Act, and included in it a clause (numbered 4) defining a Cutchi Memon as one whose father and mother were both Cutchi Memons. Twenty five years ago, this clause was challenged in a court of law. Our Jamath’s lawyer offered, in support of his arguments, a well known legal treatise written by the famous jurist, Mr. Justice Mulla of the Bombay High Court; the treatise contains a reference to Cutchi Memons as being one of many Muslim communities. [It is believed that this treatise was Mulla's "Mohamedan Law", which contains references to Cutchi Memons, and the two Acts concerning their identity as Muslims to be governed by the Mohamedan Law in India - Editor] Our Jamath won the case on the ground that Cutchi Memons are not a religious body or representatives of any particular religious group but a community with full faith in Islam and having an identity of its own, promoting the education, economical and social interest of its members. There has been smooth sailing ever since, as we have followed our legal counsel’s advice, “Maintain your identity or get lost”.

The grandeur of our community with flourishing textile trade continued, and by the turn of the century, the new generation began taking up higher studies with diversification of interests. Following are the names of a few illustrious names of Cutchi Memons of yesteryears who are remembered and revered to this day:

Hajee Essa Abba Sait was a businessman and respected philanthropist. During 1917, he gifted a property in Chinna Thambi Street in Georgetown to be used as a Jamath Khana for Cutchi Memons, and a few other properties to meet the social needs of the poorer of our members. He created a Trust in 1919 to establish a Madrassa to impart religious teachings and to donate books to all deserving Cutchi Memon children. He also established a Musafirkhana for all Muslim visitors to Madras, and took an active interest in the construction of a Masjid in Anderson Street; this Masjid is today called the “Memon Masjid”.

An illustrious Cutchi Memon, Adam Hajee Mohammed Sait arrived in Madras in 1902 from Cochin (now known as Kochi). He started dealing in tobacco and in general merchandise. He was the first Cutchi Memon of Madras to be conferred the title of Khan Bahadur by the British. Already the President of the South India Chamber of Commerce, he became the Sheriff of Madras. During the last days of the British Empire in India, when Sir James Taylor was the Governor of the Reserve Bank at Delhi, Mr. Adam Hajee Mohammed Sait was made the Reserve Bank Director of Madras Province.

Two other Cutchi Memons of Madras were honored with the title of Khan Bahadur by the British: Mr. Moosa Hajee Ebrahim Sait and Hajee Yousuff Hajee Joonus Sait.

We then have Mr. Joonus Abba Sait (brother-in-law of Hajee Essa Abba Sait) from Bellary in 1904 in Madras taking to the textile business. Another family in the same line of business was that of Hajee Aboobacker & sons. The eldest son was Mr.Ebrahim Sait, whose daughter Aansa acquired literary fame. Her literary contributions appeared in reputed Urdu periodicals such as Asmath, Hareem, Naye-Range Khayaal, etc.

A Cutchi Memon graduate from Aligarh, Mr.Hameed Hassan, migrated to Madras in 1920 or so, and practiced law in the Madras High Court. He was responsible for framing the Rules and Regulations of Hajee Essa Abba Sait Trust. His eldest son, Mr. Mahmood Hassan, was connected with the Deccan Times before the partition of India. He migrated to Pakistan, and becoming a favorite of Mr. Mohamed Ali Jinnah, joined the Dawn of Karachi, where he worked with distinction. It is interesting to note that Mr. Mahmood Hassan brought to Hajee Essa Abba Sait’s Madrassa an Englishman by the name of Mr. Marmaduke Pickthall to address its students. This gentleman, a convert to Islam, is well known for his academic work, particularly his translation of the Holy Koran into English.

Mr. Yacoob Hassan Sait was another noteworthy Cutchi Memon who entered politics and was a member of the Madras Legislative council in 1916. He was later a member of the Rajaji Cabinet in 1941.

Cutchi Memons did not lag behind in the literary field. Mr. Ismail Sait Maghmoom was a poet in Urdu and Persian (Farsi) languages. His collection of poems, the Kuziyat-e-Maghmoom, was published in 1929. A journalist, Mr. Md. Ismail Sait was the owner and editor of an Urdu magazine, the Dilchasp.

It would not be out of place to list the names of the following Cutchi Memons who have done our community proud in several fields:

Dr. Abdul Khader Yousuff Sait, now a leading neurosurgeon in Saudi Arabia

Muneer Sait, hockey Olympian in 1968 (Mexico), and now a member in the committee of the International Hockey Federation

Zackria & Sons, lading auctioneers and real estate agents

Aijaz Ahmed Sait, coach of the Tamil Nadu basketball team.

Today, there are about 250 Cutchi Memon families in Madras, pursuing various interests. The Jamath is functioning well and serving its members in all spheres: looking after the needy and the ailing, extending interest-free loans to deserving young men who wish to be employed abroad and become self-reliant and giving scholarships to male and female students for pursing their education.

Our Jamath has also constructed a beautiful Masjid at our Kabrastan. This Masjid is well maintained. Our dedicated team of young Cutchi Memons collects funds in the holy month of Ramadan for distribution to the needy and deserving.

The above report by Mr.Moosa Sattar Sait, M.A., President, Cutchi Memon Jamath, Madras, appeared in the 1993 Souvenir of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation’s World Conference. I am sure much has changed since then, all for the better. I am attempting to obtain latest information from the Cutchi Memon Jamath, Chennai

–Arif G. Kadwani May 2009

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamat, Bhuj, Cutch, Gujarat, India

2010-01-18T19:08:00.001-08:00

Al hamdo lillah, all of us are well conversant, directly or indirectly, with regard to the existence of Cutchi Memon Jamat, Bhuj. The report below will shed light on our activities and their betterment.

It is a pleasure to note that Cutchi Memon brethren visiting Cutchi Memons for their social activities and using our Jamatkhana are pleased with and appreciative of our services and facilities.

Bhuj has 180 Cutchi Memon families engaged in business activities such as sale of grain seeds, cloth, cutlery, vegetables, and wholesale of general merchandise, pan galla and bidi shops, etc.

Our Jamat’s revenue comes from rental income of shops, laagaa aavak, and donations. We are proud that a major portion of our income is expended for the benefit of our brethren. Our notable activities are:

Educational: Our Jamat provides tuition fees to college students, tuition fees and textbooks to higher secondary students and textbooks to primary education students. Our Jamat also has sewing classes (sewing and embroidery work) without any charge at our Jamatkhana. This naturally helps needy ladies, as they then become providers of financial support to their families.

Religious: Our Jamat conducts a Madrassa for our children’s Deeni Taalim. Regular sharifs of Baarvi and Agyarvi are arranged for all family members. This cultivates an unbelievably good harmony for all.

Our Jamat also invites a Hafiz Saheb to conduct Taraavih prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Our Jamat bears the expenses for this invitation. This is in fond memory of Late Sheth Haji Karim Mohmed Suleman, a well-known philanthropist of our community. On his death anniversary, our Jamat arranges Dini Takrir for the benefit of all Jamat members.

A dargah just 8 kilometers from Bhuj is that of Trambauwala Hajipur Saheb. To pay our respects and homage, it is whitewashed, painted, perfumed, and garlanded each year. An urs is also held. Food is served to needy persons.

Financial Assistance: Every month an amount of Rs. 75 each is given to 5 widows, and Rs. 60 each to physically handicapped persons. An amount of Rs. 2000 is loaned to our brethren free of interest for business purposes. This amount it so be repaid is 30 equal installments.

A major portion of our Jamat’s income is spent in the best interests of our brethren. Cutchi Memons from all over India and abroad visit Bhuj and are witness to our exemplary services.

Arrangements can be made at our Jamatkhana’s two halls to hold engagement ceremony as well as marriage events. We charge only a token amount, i.e. it is almost free of charge.

For ziyarat purpose, our Jamatkhana is allowed to be used without any charge.

Majlis Fund & Lawaris Fund:

Our Jamat has a Majlis Fund. A history of more than 100 years is behind this Majlis fund. Sabil is erected, and Majlis is held in holy month/s. Our brethren contribute towards this. From the funds collected, we also arrange Majlis for ladies in the holy month of Ramadan at the Jamatkhana at convenient times.

Lawaris Fund: Our Jamat arranges for the last rites of any destitute Muslim. All charges for kafan and dafan are borne by our Jamat. In 1974, a committee was formed on the initiative and under the Presidentship of Munshi Shahbuddin Bana for collecting donations in a closed box for the Lawaris Fund.

Our Jamat has very close relations with the All India Cutchi Memon Federation since its inception. Two delegates from our Jamat are on the Federation’s Managing Committee. One more member is to be co-opted. Our Jamat is proud of this as well as the fact that the Federation has an office in Bhuj. The Federation has conducted meetings at our Jamatkhana.

Our Jamat exists for our brethren, and we pray to Almighty Allah to bless us to perform better tasks and do more.

The above report, published in the 1993 Souvenir of the All India Cutchi Memon Federation’s World Conference, was issued by the President of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Bhuj, Mr. Abdul Shakoor Aboobakar Zariwala. The said Souvenir also contained names of the office bearers of the Cutchi Memon Jamats of Bhuj, Bharapur and Mandvi. Hopefully, information in the above Report has remained the same or enhanced by more activities; I am attempting to obtain more information from Abdul Kaderbhai Munshi, an active and eminent Cutchi Memon of Bhuj, who I had the pleasure of meeting in Bhuj in February 2009 at his Muslim Educational and Medical Relief Association’s Late Abdul Sattar Wahedna High School. Mr. Munshi is the President of the Association

- Arif G. Kadwani, May 2009

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Alleppey

2010-01-18T18:29:00.001-08:00

Cutchi Memon Jamath, Alleppey, (NOW KNOWN AS ALAPPUZHA), Kerala, India

A few Cutchi Memon families from Cutch and Bombay (now Mumbai) came to Alleppey in the early part of the 19th century. The illustrious and famous Dewan of Travancore State, Raja Kesava Dasa, invited them to establish trade and business in Alleppey, then a developing port. A few Gujarati and Parsi families were also invited. Traditionally a business community, Cutchi Memons found Alleppey to have all facilities for conducting proper business, and migrated in large numbers. Prospering in business and making good fortunes, Cutchi Memons helped the public and earned good revenue for the state. They soon became respectable owing to their honesty and integrity in their business dealings. Even the Maharajas of Travancore noticed the Cutchi Memons’ business acumen and honesty, and granted interviews to prominent Cutchi Memons whenever they visited Alleppey. The two canals connecting the backwater lake and the sea were constructed for the sake of these merchants so that they could bring their merchandise into the town economically. Thus, Alleppey soon developed into a major port, and became a big commercial center, earning the name, "Venice of the East".

Just as Cutchi Memons elsewhere excelled in charitable and philanthropic deeds, the Cutchi Memons in Alleppey utilized their surplus wealth in constructing masjids and establishing charitable trusts. The Cutchi Memon Noorani Masjid in Alleppey, a most beautiful structure in this part of Kerala constructed by the famous Noorani family of Bombay, is a shining example of Cutchi Memons’ deep sense of generosity and religiosity. The Juma Hashim Masjid, the Abba Nakhuda Masjid and the Nathani Masjid are some of the other masjids constructed by Cutchi Memons in Alleppey during that period. A Trust created by Janab Abdulla Arab and later expanded by Haji Hasham Haji Esa Sait by dedicating some of his own properties and named “Hashmia Madrassa Wakf” is also an example of their philanthropy and generosity. From 1972, this Trust was under the management of the Kerala Wakf Board, and in 1993 the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Alleppey was trying to gain control. [It is not known whether it was successful. We are making efforts to ascertain this fact from the Jamath - Editor]

Some Cutchi Memon families, who came to Travancore, finally settled in Kayamkulam and Arattupuzha, a few miles south of Alleppey. These were smaller ports and were centers of coir and other coconut products. When Alleppey developed as a major port and big commercial center, some of these families moved back to Alleppey. Later, a few from Alleppey moved to Quilon and Trivandrum (now known as Thiruvananthapuram). They became exporters in Trivandrum, and also undertook contracts to supply food grains, provisions and other consumer goods to private individuals and government offices.

We have authentic information of the early settlers in Alleppey. In the Noorani Masjid at Alleppey, the sahan has graves of the following members of the Noorani family:

Haji Suleman Haji Ebrahim
passed away on Friday, the21st of Jamadil Avval 1262 (corresponding to approximately 1841 A.D.)

Haji Yousuf Haji Noormohammed
passed away Friday, the 20th of Zul-khad 1264 (corresponding to approximately 1843 A.D.)

Haji Jacob Haji Yousuf Noormohammed
passed away Wednesday, the 12th of Ramadan 1290 (corresponding to approximately 1869 A.D.)

Haji Elias Haji Yousuf Noormohammed
passed away Thursday, the 18th of Zul Haj 1297 (corresponding to approximately 1876 A.D.)

Mariam Bai binte Haji Yousuf Noormohammed
passed away Friday, the 20th of Rabiul Akhar 1310 (corresponding to approximately 1854 A.D.)

Haji Mohammed Haji Jacob
passed away Monday, the 11th of Rabiul Avval 1315 (corresponding to approximately 1859 A.D.)

Khadija Bai binte Haji Mohamed Haji Jacob
passed away 17th of Rabiul Akhar 1317 (corresponding to approximately 1861 A.D.)

Haji Dawood Haji Mohammed
passed away 22nd Shaban 1317 (corresponding to approximately 1861 A.D.)

The above gravesites establish that the Nooranis settled in Alleppey some 175 years ago. They constructed another masjid in Tellicherry, which is being looked after by a local committee. For the maintenance of the Noorani Masjid at Alleppey, the Nooranis bequeathed landed properties in Alleppey, as well as a sum of Rs. 300 annually from their Trust in Bombay. Their document recorded with the Charity Commissioner of Maharashtra in Bombay states, "Rs. 300/- per year for the upkeep of the Masjid at Alpada". This amount is received from Bombay each year.

Toward the end of the 19th century, Haji Hasham Haji Essa Sait was the "Sait" (President) of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Alleppey as well as the Muthavally of the Noorani Masjid. At that time, the post of the "Sait" (President) was hereditary in nature per the norm followed by almost all Jamats in India. The position of Muthavally of the Masjid became hereditary too. After the death of Haji Hasham Haji Essa Sait, his son, Haji Esmail Haji Hasham Sait automatically became the President of the Cutch Memon Jamat of Alleppey as well as the Muthavally of the Noorani Masjid. On his demise in 1940, his eldest son, Haji Ebrahim Haji Esmail Sait assumed charge as President of the Jamath but he assigned the duties of the Muthavally of the Noorani Masjid to his younger brother, Mr. H.E. Abdulkarim Sait. It is interesting to note that the position of the Sait (President) was considered exalted by all. All honored the President’s words. There was strict discipline in the Jamath. The President attended all marriages and other events of the Jamath members, and he was always offered guidance, when asked. The laga was the only source of income for the Jamath, and there was no need for any other social activities.

At that time, the affluent, generous and philanthropic in the Jamath attended individually to the social and economic needs of the community members. In 1930, Haji Hassan Haji Haroon Sait, a philanthropist, constructed two pay ward rooms in the then Government Hospital Compound (presently the W &
C Hospital) and donated it to the community. This ward was inaugurated by Sir Habibullah, the then Dewan of Travancore State, and it was later named the "Habibullah Ward". The rooms in this ward are rent-free for members of the Cutchi Memon community per the desire of the donor. Later, his son, Mohamed Jaffer Hassan Sait constructed a masjid in the heart of the town; this masjid is now known as Jaffer Masjid. He is also the founder of the Young Memon Muslim Association as well as the present "Y.M.M.A. L.P. School n Zackaria Bazaar, Alleppey. He donated the entire sum of money for the construction of this school building. He managed the school until his demise, when his son, Mr. M.J. Abdul Rahim Sait took over the management.

After 1960, Jamaths all over India gradually abolished the system of hereditary Presidentship, allowing first for installation of a President by the General Body, and later by democratic means through a General Body election. Rules and regulations were framed according to the needs of the Jamath's Working Committee. A Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer were also elected to assist the President. This welcome change helped the Jamath in many ways, paving the way for social activities such as starting madrassas, tailoring schools, K.G. schools, hostels, hospitals, clinics and other relief activities.

The Jamath also adopted a Byelaw of its own on April 26, 1970, for the first time. Haji Ebrahim Haji Esmail Sait, our President, moved to Cochin in 1969. In his place, Mr. A.R.Sulaiman Sait became the first elected President of our Jamath, and continued until his demise in 1972. The Vice President at that time, Mr. A. Ismail Sait became the acting President, and continued until January 13,1973 when Haji Esmail Haji Gulmohamed Sait was elected President. He continued in this position until March 28, 1974 when Mr. S. Abdul Rahman Sait was elected President.

As stated earlier, our Jamath also manages the Cutchi Memon Noorani Masjid. It has a separate Committee and the Jamath’s General Body elects a Muthavally.

September 5, 1975 was a golden day for our Jamath. That day marked the registration of the Deed for the purchase of the present Jamatkhana building and compound. Ours is the first Jamath in Kerala to acquire a property of its own. After the purchase of this Jamatkhana, our activities increased, and we diverted out attention to other social activities such as establishing a Deeni Madrassa, a tailoring school for girls, a Relief Fund, a Mayyath fund, scholarships for students, distribution of textbooks, etc.

Our Jamath published a Souvenir in 1978. It was released by the then Honorable Minister for Education, Kerala, Janab U.A. Beeran Saheb on February 5, 1978. The proceeds of this souvenir were utilized for the construction of the C.M.J. Hostel building; Janab Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, MP, laid the foundation stone on May 17, 1978. This building was inaugurated by Haji Salehmohamed Ebrahim Sait, ex-MP on November 26, 1979. Good revenue is generated by the building’s rental income. There are some ambitious plans on the anvil.

A. C.M.J. Hall has been constructed. Mr. G.M. Banatwala, MP, laid the foundation stone.

We pray to Almighty Allah to bless our Jamath and guide us properly for the tasks ahead, and to bring back to us all glories of the past.

The above account of the Cutchi Memon Jamat of Alleppey or Alappuzha is taken from the 1993 “Souvenir” published by the All India Cutchi Memon Federation for its World Conference.

For your reference, “Jamat” and “Jamath” mean the same, a society or gathering; the former is the manner in which the word is pronounced in South India.

As city names in India have changed in recent years, Alleppey is now known as Alappuzha. This name is nearer to what the Nooranis mentioned in their Document registered with the Charity Commissioner of Bombay – they called it “Alpada” by which name it probably was known at that time – Arif G. Kadwani, May 2009

The Cutchi Memon Noorani Masjid, Alleppey

The Cutchi Memon Noorani Masjid in Alleppey was built by the Noorani family of Bombay some 175 years ago. A few members of the Noorani family settled in Alleppey at that time for conducting business, as that city was an important port of the then princely state of Travancore. They traded in rice and produces obtained from the surrounding hills.

The Nooranis were the sole contributors for this masjid’s construction and upkeep. We have no idea of the total investment but by comparing the cost and materials with today’s values we could deduce that the Nooranis contributed upwards of Rs.50,000 at that time. The masjid is a pucca two-storied building with a total area of 8000 square feet. Wood with beautiful engraved carvings for this masjid came from Bombay in large pathemaris (boats). The masjid derives rental income of Rs. 2000 per month. The building is valued at Rs. 5 lakhs but its income is not sufficient to meet current expenses. To augment revenue, the Masjid plans to construct shops in its vacant space. However, as there are no surplus funds, such construction is not possible at this time. InshaAllah, our desire will be fulfilled.

The Masjid is registered with the State Wakf Board under the Kerala Wakf Act of 1954. The Masjid is under the direct management of a Masjid Committee elected by the Cutchi Memon Jamath, Alleppey every three years with a Muthavally, Secretary and five members. The President of the Jamath is the ex-officio member of this committee, and has wide powers per the By-Laws of the Jamath in emergencies for the Masjid’s work.

At present, no member of the Noorani family lives in Alleppey or elsewhere in Kerala.

This article by Haji Kasim Ismail Sait, a former Muthavally of the Cutchi Memon Noorani Masjid in Alleppey appeared in the “Souvenir” published by the All India Cutchi Memon Federation on the occasion of its World Conference in 1993. I am attempting to obtain more information on the present status of the Masjid from its current caretakers.

The Noorani family is known for having constructed the Zakaria Masjid in Bombay and the Hashemiah High School. The Zakaria Masjid, a landmark masjid in south Mumbai, is indeed a beautiful edifice, and has given its name to a stop on the local bus system, the BEST or Bombay Electric Supply and Transport. The masjid occupies three streets, the Zakaria Masjid Street (Bhujwari Moholla), Kambekar Street (Memon Moholla) and Yusuf Meherally Road (Masjid Bunder Road). Members of the Noorani family are spread all over the globe: India, Pakistan, Middle East and the US

– Arif G. Kadwani, May 2009

Information courtesy: Arif G. Kadwani, Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America