Symposium pays homage to Indian freedom fighter

Jeddah: Indian freedom fighter Abdulrahman Sahib was a visionary leader and a unique personality who devoted his life to the nation and people, opined participants of a symposium organized by a special committee in association with the Overseas Indian Cultural Congress.

Mohammed Raziq Abdul Vahid, chairman of the International Indian School Jeddah’s (IISJ) Management Committee, inaugurated the seminar highlighting Sahib’s towering personality as a religious reformer, political leader, educationist, writer, publisher and orator.

Mansoor Palloor, OICC global committee spokesman, gave the keynote speech on Sahib who was nicknamed “The Lion of Kerala,” and commended his contributions to the country and people. He was president of the Pradesh Congress Committee and died at the age of 47 on Nov. 23, 1945.

“Sahib’s life was replete with examples of how a true believer can become a staunch advocate of secularism and a national leader acceptable to all sections of India’s pluralist society,” Palloor said. K.C. Abdul Rahman, who presided over the event, said Sahib’s patriotism emanated from his religious faith, adding that he never compromised on his commitment to secular credentials. 

Gopi Nedungadi, a community leader, commended Sahib’s role in promoting communal harmony in the Malabar region of Kerala. Ismail Maritheri of King Abdulaziz University underscored Sahib’s honesty and transparency. 

“This made him a unique personality and a role model,” Maritheri said. VM Ibrahim, executive editor of Gulf Madhyamam, Hassan Cherupa of Saudi Gazette, CK Shakir of KMCC, KTA Muneer of OICC, VK A Rauf, Abdul Majeed Naha, Moideenkutty Chemban, Nazeer Vavakunhu and Abdul Rahman Kavungal also spoke on the occasion.