Thumbay: A documentary and a book named “Abba” based on life and achievements of Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, the founder of B.A. Group and prominent social and religious leader, was on Wednesday released by his children as a tribute to their father. The book and documentary release ceremony was organised at Shabana Block of Thumbay Pre-University College on Wednesday morning.

The documentary was a tribute by B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s three sons Thumbay Moideen, B Abdul Salam and B M Ashraf and daughter Shabana Faizal. It was also the birthday of Shabana Faizal.

Born in 1933, Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen is the chairman of B A Group which he founded in 1957. He is also known for playing a key role in the development of Thumbay village from where he began his journey as an entrepreneur and founding many educational and religious institutions.  

The documentary was released by Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik. The book was released by Shimoga Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao. The first copy of the book was received by noted businessman P K Ahmed, Chairman, P K Group, Calicut.

The documentary which was also screened at the event has several people from the Thumbay family, Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s friends and other prominent personalities shedding light on the life and journey of B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen and his conduct towards various aspects of his life.

His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have also shared their experience with B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen over the years and how he has influenced them in their bringing up.

The documentary and the book were released on Wednesday that marks the birthday of Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s daughter and Vice-Chairperson of Faizal and Shabana Foundation, Shabana Faizal. An occasion that has over the years been celebrated every year by B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen.

Noted personalities of region including Former Karnataka Minister B Ramanath Rai, Mangaluru-Ullal MLA U T Khader, Teekay Umar, Basthi Vaman Shenoy, MLC Harish Kumar, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Yenepoya Mohammed Kunhi, and others were present as the guests at the event.

Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shivmoga in his address elaborated on the significance and importance the word “Abba” and spoke about the role of a father in the upbringing of children. MLA U T Khader also lauded the efforts of the children and son in law of B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen and added that such gestures are an inspiration for others on how to value parents.

B Ramanath Rai and Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik lauded the efforts and contributions of Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen in the development of Thumbay adding that his vision has revolutionized the village of Thumbay over the years and developed an atmosphere of harmony there.

Sophiya Faizal, the youngest CEO of KEF Holdings and daughter of Faizal and Shabana, briefed the guests and audience about the book and documentary.

Earlier, Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen himself welcomed the guests to the event. Shabana Faizal presented vote of thanks to conclude the event.

Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s wife Bi Fathima, sons B Abdul Salam, BM Ashraf, Grandchildren Zakariya, Akram Mohiudeen, Sophiya Faizal, and Son-in-law Faizal Kottikollan were also present on the dais during the event.

B A Group has a standing of over five decades in the wood industry and is a well-diversified conglomerate. From a fledgling company in the 1960s, B A Group is now on the threshold of rapid expansion into such areas as urban housing, education, real estate, healthcare and exports & imports.

B A Industrial Training and Technical Centre is sponsored and managed by Mohiudeen Educational Trust, of which Mohiudeen is the Chairman. The Trust also runs a Kannada and English Medium School, a Pre-University College a Nursery School, a Medium Primary School and Darul Uloom Mohiudeen Arabic College. There are more than 1500 students in these institutions. 

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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.