Suleiman Sait, a champion of India’s weaker sections

Several prominent figures from the Keralite community in Jeddah paid tribute to the late world-renowned Indian Muslim leader and veteran parliamentarian, Ibrahim Suleiman Sait. They said Sait, as a champion of India’s weaker sections and minorities, especially Muslims, fought selflessly and tirelessly to protect their rights. While highlighting Sait’s unblemished public life and his conviction that to serve people is to worship your God, the speakers called on the younger generation to make him a role model. They described Sait as a true believer and at the same time a staunch advocate of India’s secularist and democratic ideals. They made the remarks while addressing a function organized by the Indian Muslim Cultural Center (IMCC) Jeddah Chapter at Chennai Darbar Restaurant auditorium in Sharafiyyah on the occasion of the seventh death anniversary of Suleiman Sait.
Prominent media figure and editor-in-chief of Gulf Madhymam daily Hamza Abbas delivered the Sait memorial speech. He also released a book titled “Suleiman Sait: Life and philosophy,” written by Prof. A.P Abdul Wahab, general secretary of Indian National League, Kerala state. Prof. Reynold (King Abdulaziz University) received a copy of the book.
Speakers at the function included Prof. Reynold, T.M.A. Rauf, secretary general of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Center, Saudi national committee, V.K.A. Rauf, patron of Navodaya Literary Forum, Sakeer Hussein Edavanna, general secretary of Overseas Indian Cultural Congress Jeddah, Siraj Kollam (Kerala Islamic Group), PP Rahim (New Age India), Kasim Irikkur, Hassan Cheruppa, Dileep Thamarakkulam (Peoples Voice of India), Adv. Muneer, PA Muhammad and
Safarali. IMCC Jeddah President KP Abubakar welcomed the gathering and AP Abdul Ghafour gave a vote of thanks.
Noted singer from Kerala Abdul Rahman Kottakal impressed the audience with melodious songs highlighting the life and contributions of Suleiman Sait, who served the Indian Parliament for a period of 35 years. Sait was a towering Indian leader, who served the community of 160 million Muslims in various capacities. He was president of the Indian Union Muslim League and the Indian National League, and was one among the founders of major Indian Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Majlise Mushawara, All India Milli Council and Babri Masjid Movement Coordination Committee.