Mangaluru: Charmadi Hasanabba, a selfless social worker known for his tireless efforts in saving lives, has been honored with the Kannada Rajyotsava award by the state government for his remarkable 38 years of service to the community. 

Hasanabba, born in 1951 to Ijjabba and Bifatima in Lala near Ujire in Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, displayed exceptional dedication to social service, especially in saving lives, irrespective of caste and creed.

Despite facing early challenges and limited educational opportunities, Hasanabba exhibited extraordinary resilience. At the age of eight, he moved to Balehonnuri and worked as a dishwasher in a small hotel, mastering the art of the hotel industry. At 18, he returned to his hometown, opened a small hotel, and built a home nearby.

Hasanabba's journey in social service began in 1985 when he learned about daily accidents on the route frequented by truck drivers. Motivated to make a difference, he and his friends would rush to accident sites in his Maruti 800 car, providing immediate assistance and transporting the injured to hospitals. His dedication saved numerous lives, including a father-son duo from Chikkamagalur who were critically injured at Charmadi Ghat. Their recovery and gratitude inspired Hasanabba to continue his mission.

Beyond saving lives, Hasanabba actively participated in clearing roads after landslides, fearlessly navigating treacherous terrains to ensure safety for travelers. He also assisted the police as a witness in various cases, including murder and robbery.

Hasanabba's contributions extended to community leadership as well. He served as the President of Juma Masjid from 1984 to 2015 and played a pivotal role in founding organizations like Belthangadi Taluk Muslim Union and the Muslim Unity Forum. His involvement in the Dakshina Kannada District Waqf Advisory Committee showcased his commitment to social causes.

Recognizing his outstanding service, Hasanabba received several awards, including the Beltangady Taluk and DK Zilla Kannada Rajyotsava Award, 'Sarathy No. 1' from the All India Drivers Association in Bangalore, the Person of the Year Award from Beary’s Welfare Association in Bangalore, the A Shyamarao Memorial Award, and the Alwas Nudisiri Awards from Beary Sahitya Academy, among others.

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Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.

In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.

Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.

In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.

The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.

Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.

It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".

"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.

It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.

The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.

On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.

Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.