Haji Abdulla Saheb documentary released

Siraj Ahmed (second from left), a relative of Haji Abdulla Saheb; Muralidhar Upadhya Hiriyadka, writer; P.V. Bhandary, pyschiatrist; and others at the release of the documentary on Haji Adbdulla Saheb, in Udupi on Monday.

A 58-minute documentary on the philanthropist, freedom fighter and founder of Corporation Bank, late Haji Abdulla Saheb (1882-1935), who lived in the temple-town of Udupi, was released here on Monday.

The documentary, which focuses on the life and achievements of Haji Abdulla Saheb has been produced by a youth organization called ‘Being Social.’

Speaking on the occasion, Siraj Ahmed, a relative of Haji Abdulla Saheb, said previous generations knew about Haji Abdulla. “It is essential that the present and the future generations know this too. Since the documentary will be uploaded on YouTube, people in other places too will know about him and his greatness,” he said.

P.V. Bhandary, psychiatrist, said that the State government should have tried to protect the District Government Maternity and Children’s Hospital, which had been constructed on the land donated by Haji Abdulla Saheb for the welfare of the people. A group of concerned citizens had already filed a case against this in the court against the move, he said.

Muralidhar Upadhya Hiriyadka, writer and author of a booklet on Haji Abdulla Saheb, Shrikanth Shetty and Avinash Kamath of ‘Being Social’ were present.