Forever young, with walking sticks

‘Vadi’ Majeed’s noble deed has helped over 8,000 aged and infirm people to be up and about.

P.P. Abdul Majeed with a bundle of walking sticksthat he carries in his car for free distribution to the needy.

He is fondly called ‘Vadi’ Majeed in his family circles. The people of his village call him ‘Vadi’ Kakka. His friends jokingly advise him to give umbrellas to the poor instead of walking sticks. But for P.P. Abdul Majeed (Bichu), donating walking sticks to the aged is a passion and a hobby. He carries bundles of cane walking sticks in his car, wherever he goes.

Mr. Majeed has distributed over 8,000 walking sticks to the needy in almost all districts in the State. Individuals and organisations seek his help for the purpose. Mr. Majeed embarked on his mission about 20 years ago after he saw his neighbour, M.V. Kuttiapu, struggling with a weak tapioca stick.

“I thought lending a helping hand to the aged would be a noble deed before God. Today, I’m happy that I could help more than 8,000 aged people across the State,” he beamed.

Mr. Majeed lives at Neeradu, near Kondotty. Some of the beneficiaries told him that they got something that their grown-up children had never cared to offer. .

Mr. Majeed has donated sticks to large groups at functions as well. He was honoured by District Police Superintendent K. Sethuraman at a function organised by the Janamaitri Police over a year ago. He received the Rashtra Jyoti award from jurist V.R. Krishna Iyer a few months ago. Mr. Majeed buys cane sticks in bulk from a shop at Manjeri.

Mr. Majeed’s social activities don’t stop here. He takes home mentally and physically challenged people found wandering on the roads and cares for them by give them a bath, feeding them and offering clothes.

He clears carcasses found on the road. Some people even call him to bury carcasses of cats and dogs, an act he does with pride and passion.

He cleans public wells and clears garbage heaps in public places — often to the chagrin of the civic authorities. Twice a year, he serves food to the people in bazaars of his choice.

Mr. Majjed, manager of A.M.L.P. School, Neeradu, says he is ably supported and encouraged in his work by his wife and children. “No amount of money can give me the satisfaction I enjoy when I do things like these. God has been merciful to me for my deeds,” he said.

Mr. Majeed can be contacted on phone: 9745500259.