A Visionary Businessman, Philanthropist, and Social Luminary
Ummer Haji, revered as Paremmal Ummer Haji, was an illustrious businessman, philanthropist, and visionary social leader from Olavilam, situated in the Kannur district of Kerala, India. Born in 1946, he spent his formative years in the serene locality of Pallikuni, Olavilam, under the nurturing guidance of his parents, MB Kunhammed and Kunhamina, who instilled in him the values of integrity, compassion, and selfless service. His life’s journey stands as a monumental testament to perseverance, selfless contribution, and the relentless pursuit of societal betterment & various businesses. Through his expansive business ventures, political involvement, and philanthropic endeavors, Ummer Haji left an indelible imprint on the community he cherished and served. This narrative endeavors to delve into the profound life, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of a man who continually endeavored to uplift others.
A Visionary Businessman, Philanthropist, and Social Luminary
Born to MB Kunhammed Erool and Kunjalhamina Chidiyot, Paremmal Ummer Hajee was a man of profound values-an embodiment of charity, leadership, and compassion. With an extraordinary commitment to philanthropy and community upliftment, he became a beacon of hope for countless individuals across religious, social, and economic backgrounds. Though he received only primary education, his vision for an educated and inclusive society became the cornerstone of his life’s mission.
Beyond his success in the business realm, Ummer Haji’s influence transcended into the political domain, where he emerged as a fervent advocate for public welfare and community development. His unwavering dedication to the betterment of society led him to assume key leadership roles that left an enduring impact on the lives of his constituents.
Ummer Haji’s political journey was deeply intertwined with his community’s needs. As a dedicated member of the Chokli Grama Panchayat, he actively worked to address the myriad challenges faced by the local population. His leadership was characterized by his focus on enhancing public services and infrastructure, contributing to the social and economic upliftment of the region.
Elevated to the esteemed position of Vice President of Chokli Panchayat, Ummer Haji utilized his influence to spearhead various developmental initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. His work was particularly focused on the domains of education, healthcare, and infrastructural development, and he worked diligently to ensure the effective implementation of social welfare schemes designed to alleviate poverty and improve access to essential services.
Umar Haji made a lasting impact on the development of panchayat activities, playing an active role in various initiatives, including the enhancement of government colleges, roads, water supply, and public health centers. His commitment to community welfare was truly inspiring, as he selflessly dedicated a significant portion of his income to charity, supporting the growth and progress of the community with both dedication and grace.
Ummer Haji’s political career reflected his unwavering commitment to public service and his relentless efforts to elevate his community through concrete and sustainable development.
Ummer Haji’s most profound legacy, however, lies in his philanthropic work, particularly in uplifting the marginalized and underprivileged segments of society. His humanitarian endeavors focused on providing support and care to the most vulnerable members of his community, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
In 1995, Ummer Haji founded the Rahmaniya Vanitha Yatheem Khana, an orphanage dedicated to providing education, care, and support for orphaned girls from minority communities. Located in Olavilam, this institution was established with a clear purpose: to enhance the socio-economic and educational status of these young girls by offering them a safe and nurturing environment. Under Ummer Haji’s leadership, the orphanage became a beacon of hope, with its initial leadership involving Sharafudheen Master as the president and Muhammed Master as the general secretary. The orphanage continues to serve as a vital institution in the region, embodying Ummer Haji’s commitment to social justice.
Ummer Haji’s philanthropic vision extended beyond orphanages to include education and social empowerment. His numerous initiatives were aimed at empowering communities through educational opportunities, breaking the chains of poverty, and helping individuals achieve financial independence and self-reliance. He understood that education was the key to social mobility and invested significantly in providing marginalized communities with access to quality education and skill development.
Ummer Hajee was a tireless social worker who dedicated his life to serving the underprivileged. Known for his efforts in fostering communal harmony, he supported people regardless of religion, caste, or political affiliation. He helped build homes for the needy and worked persistently to elevate public education and healthcare. As a respected leader, he served as Vice President of Chokli Panchayat in 1995, where he initiated and implemented numerous development projects. He collaborated across political lines, maintaining strong relations even with rival parties for the betterment of society. He founded the MBK Memorial Trust, named after his beloved father, and generously donated one of his most valuable properties to it. The trust is committed to social causes, particularly extending support to cancer patients and marginalized communities. He was a dedicated member of the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in spreading the party's ideals throughout the village. His balanced approach allowed him to maintain strong relationships across party lines while remaining committed to Congress principles.
Though formally educated only till primary school, Ummer Hajee deeply understood the power of education. In 1979, he and his friends established Thrikkanapuram Nursery School, at a time when early childhood education was almost unheard of in the village. He played a key role in uplifting minority education in Olavilam-supporting schools like VKMLP School, Rahmaniya Madrasa, and contributing to the establishment of NAM School, Peringathur. Under his leadership, SUM English Medium School was formed in Olavilam. His vision extended to higher education for women. He led the effort to establish MTM Wafiyya College in Olavilam and MTM Wafi College in Chokly, creating spaces where girls and women could pursue their academic dreams with dignity and freedom. He also played a vital role in bringing the Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Memorial Government College to Olavilam, further enhancing higher education opportunities in the region.
Ummer Haji’s most profound legacy, however, lies in his philanthropic work, particularly in uplifting the marginalized and underprivileged segments of society. His humanitarian endeavors focused on providing support and care to the most vulnerable members of his community, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
In 1995, Ummer Haji founded the Rahmaniya Vanitha Yatheem Khana, an orphanage dedicated to providing education, care, and support for orphaned girls from minority communities. Located in Olavilam, this institution was established with a clear purpose: to enhance the socio-economic and educational status of these young girls by offering them a safe and nurturing environment. Under Ummer Haji’s leadership, the orphanage became a beacon of hope, with its initial leadership involving Sharafudheen Master as the president and Muhammed Master as the general secretary. The orphanage continues to serve as a vital institution in the region, embodying Ummer Haji’s commitment to social justice.
Ummer Haji’s philanthropic vision extended beyond orphanages to include education and social empowerment. His numerous initiatives were aimed at empowering communities through educational opportunities, breaking the chains of poverty, and helping individuals achieve financial independence and self-reliance. He understood that education was the key to social mobility and invested significantly in providing marginalized communities with access to quality education and skill development.
One of Ummer Hajee’s most impactful contributions was in founding the Rahmaniya Girls Orphanage. Realizing the plight of orphaned and impoverished girls, he gathered a dedicated team and established an institution that now stands tall in Kannur district, offering quality education, accommodation, and moral support to its residents. It is widely regarded as a model institution for holistic care and empowerment.
Ummer Hajee had a heartfelt dream-not of an old age home, but a daytime retreat for the elderly, where they could spend their golden years with companionship and dignity. He envisioned a space filled with joy-meals served with love, newspapers and television for engagement, and heartfelt conversations that revive nostalgic memories. Though he passed before seeing it come to life, his family and well-wishers fulfilled his dream in 2022 with the creation of "Pakal Veedu" (Day Home), in his loving memory. It was built along the serene banks of the Neltiyapurath Kulam (Neltiyapurath Pond), a historically significant site once part of a local ruler's fort. Ummer Hajee acquired this pond and later donated it to Chokli Grama Sabha, ensuring its conservation as a symbol of heritage and community. The Day Home now stands as a tranquil haven for the elderly, where golden memories find space to blossom once again.
A visit to his nephew's home became a turning point in Ummer Hajee's life. Witnessing the daily struggles of a mother caring for her 18-year-old son with special needs, he was deeply moved. Determined to create a solution, he envisioned a dedicated ability centre for such children and their families. With support from his family and under the MBK Memorial Trust, he initiated the construction of a specialized facility. Though he left this world before its completion, his family carried forward his vision by forming the Ummer Hajee Memorial Society. Today, that dream stands as the Ummaram Ability Centre, a nurturing space where children with disabilities receive care, training, and education to lead meaningful lives. It is not just an institution-but a living tribute to a man whose empathy knew no bounds.
Ummer Haji’s passing on June 5, 2019, left a void in the lives of many, yet his enduring legacy continues to inspire and impact the community he so profoundly loved. His family and the people of Olavilam have established numerous memorials and institutions to honor his memory, ensuring his mission of social upliftment endures.
As a tribute to his commitment to the elderly, the community established Pakalveedu, an old-age recreation center at Cheruvayil Mukku, under the auspices of the Ummer Haji Memorial Trust. This center serves as a sanctuary for senior citizens, offering them a space to socialize and live their final years with dignity and companionship.
Ummer Haji’s passing on June 5, 2019, left a void in the lives of many, yet his enduring legacy continues to inspire and impact the community he so profoundly loved. His family and the people of Olavilam have established numerous memorials and institutions to honor his memory, ensuring his mission of social upliftment endures.
As a tribute to his commitment to the elderly, the community established Pakalveedu, an old-age recreation center at Cheruvayil Mukku, under the auspices of the Ummer Haji Memorial Trust. This center serves as a sanctuary for senior citizens, offering them a space to socialize and live their final years with dignity and companionship.
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