Former bureaucrat and educationist Moosa Raza, Chairman, Southern India Education Trust (SIET) was on Saturday honoured at a function here for having been recently conferred the Padma Bhushan Award.
Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, who presided over the function, said that Mr.Raza was a great orator and poet and the award was a fine tribute from the government for years of civilian service.
Calling upon Muslims, he said they must strive towards the development of the country. Condemning any form of terrorism, he said that the Holy Quran preached peace and fraternity among all.
Former Chief Election Commissioner N.Gopalaswami said he was proud that an officer belonging to his own cadre, the Gujarat cadre, had received the award. He said that Mr. Raza was one of the best administrators that he had known. He also released a brochure containing a brief profile of Mr. Raza.
Man of principles
Justice K.N.Basha, Judge, Madras High Court, said Mr.Raza had never gone after any post or award and that he was a man of principles. During his career in the Civil Services he had rendered service to anyone in need irrespective of their caste or creed.
Former Advocate General, Tamil Nadu, Habibullah Badsha said Mr.Raza was a very good decision maker. As chairman of the SIET he was very responsive to the needs of students and teachers.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Raza thanked the 16 educational and social service organisations that had come together to conduct the function. He recalled how as a college student, he and a group of friends had started a tuition centre in the Big Mosque in Triplicane with the help of philanthrophists.
S.K.Khadri, Founder President, Murthuzaviya Foundation and U. Mohammed Khalilullah, President Anjuman-E-Himayath-E-Islam spoke.
