Port Blair, Apr 21: The yearlong celebrations of 100 Years of Moplah existence in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, concluded with a *first ever Great Grand Function – Jashn-e-shatbadi* organized on 29.04.2023 at Stewart Gunj stadium. The Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma graced the function as Chief Guest along with the Ex-Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray and Sh. MK Hussain, Pradhan, GP-Stewart Gunj as Special Guest. The programme was also attended by Smti. S Selvi, Chairperson, PBMC; Councillors, PRI representatives. Besides, political heads of various parties also attended the programme. The programme was also graced with the presence of Sh. Rangalal Halder, President, Pradesh Congress Committee and Sh. TSG Bhaskar, Chairman, Campaigning committee. Senior leader Smti. Shanta Lakshan inspite of her ailing health attended the programme. Veteran personalities of the Islands – Mr. Som Naidu, Retd DANICS officer, Sh. M Hamid Ali, Sh. Mukeshwar Lall and the representatives of Local Born Association, heads of NGOs also joined for the celebrations.
At the outset, Master Mohammed Ashfaque, RUAC student recited the Holy Quran. Jb. Abdul Siddique, General Secretary of Andaman Moplah Service Organization (AMSO) welcomed the august gathering. In his address, he briefed on the mandate of the Organization and the activities carried so far and plans in the pipeline for times ahead.
In the key note address, Jb. O. Abdul Rehman, Advisory Member, AMSO delved in detail on the rich history, culture and existence of the community in the Islands. Sh. MK Hussain, Pradhan, GP-Stewart Gunj and Sh. Bishnu Pada Ray also spoke on the occasion. Traditional Oppana dances and Skit Play by the students of IQRA Public School were also conducted during the inaugural session. In the inaugural address, the Member of Parliament congratulated the Moplah community for the completion of their 100 Years in the Islands. He reminisced about the veteren leaders of the community – Marhoom AP Abdulla Kutty, Marhoom AP Mohammed, Marhoom C Abdu and others on the occasion and their contribution to the development of the Islands and the community. He commended the community for giving thrust on education and running schools where elementary education is provided to all children irrespective of caste, creed, religion, community etc..
The MP also launched the first ever documented 100 Years Commemorative Souvenir – Malabar Makkal. Digital and physical copy of the souvenir was released by the MP and other delegates. The inaugural programme ended with vote of thanks delivered by Jb. Mohammed Rafi, Chairman, 100 Years Committee followed by National Anthem.
Inaugural Programme was followed by cultural extravaganza musical performances by Ishalin Nilaav Musical Troupe from Kerala led by Jb. Gafoor Kuttiyadi, Jb. Afeef and team. The team completely enthralled the audience with non-stop Mappilla pattu. Duff, Kolkali, Oppana and comedy skit play were also conducted during the event.
On the occasion, the Andaman Moplah Service Organization also launched its independent research and analysis wing named after Marhoom Zubair Ahmed. The President and Secretary, AMSO handedover the declaration to the Jb. MB Rasheed Sahib, Convenor, ZARAW in the presence of Jb. KP Mohammed Younus and Jb. Mohammed Yunus M designated as Assistant Convenors and JB. PK Farooque and Jb. PK Moosa, brother of Marhoom Zubair Ahmed.
During the grand function, AMSO also felicitated few individuals, organizations and groups for their accomplishments. The felicitation was extended to Marhoom C Abdu, Marhoom AP Mohammed; Jb. T Hamza, Founder President, AMSO; Marhoom Zubair Ahmed, JB. KP Mammu, Jb. Hajee Rasheed, Editorial Board – Jb. KP Mohammed Younus and Jb. Mohammed Yunus M, organization such as SKSSF, SSF, ISM, Humane Touch, Ration Rasheed Foundation, besides groups of cultural performers. The felicitation was also extended to F3 Ambience Mall and IMFC for supporting the event as Title Sponsors.
The programme was compeered by Shazia Aziz, Shifa Yousuf, Sehla Salam and Nawaz Rehman.
During the event, Shanta Madam extended her affection to the office bearers of AMSO and the community by presenting a Gift that she received from her grandmother. A commeorative indian rupee coin of 1919 was handed over to the President and General Secretary, AMSO. Sh. TSG Bhaskar also donated Rs. 50,000/- to the building fund of AMSO and extended his supporr to the organization. The programme was streamed live through YouTube and viewed by the community members across the various Islands, states and those settled in Gulf. Programme was videographed with state of the art technology, also using Drone obtaining birds eye view.
