Mangaluru: Harekala Hajabba, a fruit seller who was instrumental in setting up a school in Harekala about 20 km from Mangaluru, will finally get a house to stay in.
In a communally sensitive region like Mangaluru, Hajabba’s house will signify communal harmony as his house will be built with aid from Christian philanthropists at an approximate cost of Rs 15 lakh.
Hajabba who is about 60years is a well known social worker. Though illiterate, he worked to provide education for the locals of his village. His quest for public welfare resulted in lack of attention to his family. “Sometime back, the president of the United Christian Association (UCA) Alban Menezes received a call from Hajabba’s son saying his father was in hospital. When members of UCA visited him at the hospital, they learnt that he was getting into depression due to personal problems. His house was in a dilapidated condition and had developed cracks on the walls and he was unable to repair it due to his poor financial condition as all his earnings as an orange seller had been spent on the school – his dream project. That was when UCA promised to gift him a new house and help him come out of his depression,” he said.
Keeping their word, on September 13, a foundation stone was laid near his existing house. The project is expected to be completed within the next six months. Fr J B Saldanha of Permannur church, Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemaru Sandeepani Sadanaand Harekala Mosque Ulema Shareef Khazi Nandawara and minister for health and family welfare U T Khader were also present on the occasion.
Kemaru swamiji said that the house of Hajabba will signify communal harmony in the region. Though UCA has taken up this project relying on contributions from its members, they are also looking for contributions from others. Rosario said a bank account will be opened soon for donors to contribute.
An excited Hajabba said, “Last year, UCA felicitated me during Christmas and this year they are constructing a house for me. I am very happy that I will be getting an 800 sq feet house. The work has already begun and the materials have also arrived. However, the bigger dream is to upgrade my school to PU level.
Hajabba’s inspire ational life has found mention in the Kannada textbooks of Kuvempu University in Shivamogga as well as Davangere University.