The English Edition of ‘The I Within Me’-an Autobiography of B A Mohideen Released
Mangaluru : Even though the autobiography of the former Minister late B.A. Mohideen in Kannada “Nannolagina Naanu” was released on 21 July 2018, authored by Mohammed Kulai and B A Mohammed Ali, the same book translated into English by Prof B Surendra Rao- former professor at Mangaluru University titled “The I Within Me” was released by District-in-charge Minister U T Khader at Hotel Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru on Wednesday, 1 May 2019. The other dignitaries present during the book release were- MLC Ivan D’souza, B A Farooq- member of Vidhana Parishath, Sayed Mohammed Beary- President of Beary’s Group of Institutions; Abdul Salam Puthige- Publisher of Kannada Daily Vartha Bharathi; Abdullah Ibrahim- Managing Partner-P A Education Trust; Prof Surendra Rao- Retd Professor at Mangaluru University; Jayaprakash Hegde- former MP & State Minister, among others.
Prior to the formal function, Hussain Katipalla delivered couple of poems praising B A Mohideen, followed by a brief introduction of the English edition of the book “The I Within Me’ by its translator Prof B Surendra Rao. After the release of the book, in his speech minister U T Khader said, “Even though B A Mohideen was was born a Muslim, he earned the love and respect of all, thereby becoming a leader of all. No one makes an application to be born in a particular religion or caste. But whoever hangs on to the religion in which he or she is born and hates others is a communal”.
“Mohideen also suggested a movement on the lines of the Independence movement to eliminate communalism in society. He had also said politicians should always spread human values among the masses. Mohideen had always supported me in my political career, and I owe my success to him specially on this day. It’s nice to note that this autobiography book has been published in Kannada and English, so that every will now get an opportunity to read as per their language they prefer. I urge that everyone here buy a copy of the book, and cherish the life and achievements of B A Mohideen” added U T Khader.
MLC Ivan D’souza, Abdul Salam Puthige, Jayaprakash Hegde and many other dignitaries on the dais spoke about the life, morals and values of late B A Mohideen, and urged people in the audience to follow in the footsteps of B A Mohideen for peaceful and harmonious community. The dignitaries also remembered Moideen as a benevolent administrator who had compassion and love for the teaching community. It is learnt that it was during his tenure as Higher Education Minister the UGC scales of 1986 were implemented in the State, where he had strongly argued in favour of teachers saying that they, in fact, should be paid more, during a legislative debate on 15 % salary cut.
Abdullah Ibrahim, Prof Surendra Rao and Nagesh of Akrithi who printed the book were felicitated during the occasion by Minister Khader. The book releasing ceremony was attended a full hose gathering, which the organizing never expected such a large turnout- which showed the love and popularity of late B A Mohideen. The programme was compered by B A Mohammed Ali, a close friend of B A Mohideen, and also the co-author of the book in Kannada.
