Eminent Personalities

Eminent Personalities

The persons who moulded me are my Grand father, my father and my mother.

The eminent personalities Who have influenced my life during my studies and career are the following:

When I was studying for B.Tech Mr. Chandra Sekaran Nair who was hard working and committed. He secured rank in Engg and IAS joined IAS and retired as Chief  Seretary to Govt of Kerala. I used to have combined study with him.

When I joined TKM, the Principal Prof, Hameed Sir was a puntctual and dedicated leader who enforced high discipline in the college. Among the Faculty Dr. Gopalakrishna Iyer and Dr. F.V.Albin impressed me through their caliber and knowledge. Mr. K.P.Pillai and Ibrahim Kutty helped me a lot to pull on in difficulties. Dr. Gopinatha Pillai who was a Prof of Chemistry at CET and an expert  homeo physician with his psychological discussions and counseling has motivated me to face all difficult situations.  

When I joined IIT, Madras for M.Tech my guide Dr. Prithvi Raj exibited as a role model of a guide. Dr. Feirison of the University of Wiscoson  who came there as a guest faculty on an exchange program had shown wonderful way of teaching difficult subjects. Dr. Krishna Swamy and the German Professors Dr. Sheer and Prof. Krimsey handled classes in a different and pleasing way.

When I joined IIT, Bombay for PhD Mr. U.N.Gaitonde who was also doing his PhD and a very knowledgeable person  showed  model of a best friend helping all in a pleasant way. Dr. Sukatme who was HOD then was a role model to be an HOD giving proper advice and handling wonderful classes. My guide there Dr. Achuthan gave all moral support after suggesting the topic.

When I joined Muscat Technical and Industrial College Mr. Derrick Hewitt HOD there with his pleasing manners and loving nature impressed me. Mr. Rajendra Prasad and Rashid Al Qassim were of great help to me.

When I joined YCET as Principal I was very much impressed by the Chairman Dr. Younus Kunju who through his dedication and leadership qualities came up from a low level. He has proved that with hard work and commitment anything can be achieved. 

When I came to Kuwait Sheikh Yawar Baig through his eminent leadership and management qualities surprised me though I had only 5 days personal association with him. Mr. Abdul Aziz Duwaij a Kuwaitee showed remarkable friendship. Dr. Asha Menon requested me to make a blog to put postings on my life and experiences for the benefit of others and instrumental for this and I am thankful to her for making me open up.

I am still having contact through mail with Sheikh Yawar Baig, Dr. U.N.Gaitonde and Dr,F.V.Albin

Their association has greatly influenced my teaching and life. I am thankful to all of them

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

My Father Essa Ahamed Sait

My Father Essa Ahamed Sait 

My father, Essa Ahamed Sait was the first law graduate from our community in Kerala. He took his law degree from Madras law college in 1936 and started practicing in Cochin. He was having good income and we lived in a very royal way there. My schooling was in Hajee Essa Hajee Moosa Memorial School, Cochin.

My father is the founder member of Iqbal Library in Cochin and founder member of Muslim League in Travancore Cochin area. He became fully involved in Politics forgetting his job. He also stood in the Assembly Election from Cochin. Muslim League was in the infant stage and he has spent all his money for the election, but lost. He became depressed and left Cochin and went to Taliparamb were my uncle was there.

He started practicing there and he became very popular there. This was in 1954. We were following Hanafi Madhab and locals were Shafi. There was some differences in prayer which the muslims noticed and suspected us. One Hindu girl came for house job with us and we kept as we never felt any problem. But the orthodox Hindus could not tolerate that. Though we sent her, both muslims and hindus became angry and he lost most of his practice. My grand father then came and  took us to Kayamkulum where I was admitted in the Govt High School. 

This is the turning point in my life. One person motivated me there to study well and I became top in the class. My father though started practicing in Kayamkulum he could not succeed. My father is instrumental to start Muslim League in Quilon. But when Muslim league joined with others in the Vimochana Samaram to topple the first Communist Ministry which was doing very well, my father then resigned from the league as it was against his principle to topple a ministry doing well.

He is a person who spent all his money for the party and did not get any benefit from it. He became introvert and could not do any work and died in 1974 at Cochin at the age of 63, having not even a pie with him. Muslim League totally forgot my father who is responsible for sacrificing his life and money for establishing the party. He was however happy in his last days as all his children has come up by then through hard work.

After realising that he has cancer and it is in the last stage he called all to whom he was not happy requested for forgiveness and died peacefully at Cochin.

May Allah bless my father forgive all his sins and make him enter Jannath out of  His Mercy  Aameen 

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

My job and stay in Younus College of Engineering, Kollam

My job and stay in Younus College of Engineering, Kollam

In 2005 end Prof M.A.Rasheed, who was my student in NSS College and now Vice Principal of YCET brought Management representatives to my house in Ernakulum to request me to join as Principal. I went to the College motivated staff and students by remaining there for a week and returned. I then went to Kuwait with family for a 3 months visit.

When I returned from Kuwait I decided to join YCET as the management insisted. I went with family by Feb 2006. They provided furnished house. There were some financial problems in YCET then. I made frequent meetings with staff and students and discussed their problems with the management.

I was really surprised that management gave complete support to my advices and slowly the college atmosphere and condition changed. Students started opting YCET and all seats started filling. I tried to select good staff and provided to them reasonable salary and facilities. I conducted department staff meetings to study department problems and HOD meetings to study college condition. I went to each and every class motivating them and showing them the importance of studies and how to study.

All the staff and students gave me full support and management approved all my steps. I worked in TKM for about 25 years the management rarely comes and understands the real condition of the college and staff. But here the chairman and all directors are physically present for the students and staff to discuss their problems. They know each every staff and their whereabouts. I enjoyed the work and stay there. The image of the college has gone up and the results started raising.

My youngest sons marriage conducted at Cochin during that time. Chairman and one director and some staff attended the functions. I could also go for a Hajj with wife from there.

By 2009 my age was 67 and my remaining there will  affect the college as they will not get new courses so I selected a new Principal for them and left. The management and staff separately gave send off parties. The management, staff and students gave me momentos and we left Kollum contented and came back to Cochin and then to Kuwait to meet my sons and families. I am extremely  happy that I got full recognition from YCET and that I could do some improvements for the College with the Grace of Allah 

Three staff of the college headed by Nigil came to see me on 17th of Jan 2016 to my flat and had discussion with them for about an hour l am very happy that they have come all the way from Quilon to see me. I am honoured.

Dr.Mohamed Ali essa

My job and stay in N.S.S. College of Engg, Palghat

My job and stay in N.S.S. College of Engg, Palghat

My first job after B.Tech from CET in First Class, was in N.S.S College of Engineering, Palghat. I joined NSS by April 1964. My father dropped me in Palghat. Prof. V.S.Nair was the Principal and Prof. Padmanaban Nair was the head of Mech Engg. All the staff helped me to make my job easier. I was second to HOD as all others were Asst. lecturers. At that time candidates were not coming for teaching profession and only second class candidates were coming as Asst. lecturers.

Actually I was little upset as I have to handle final year classes and students were mostly elder to me. I went to see final years before going to class. They assured to cooperate. I had to Take Theory of Machines, the subject which I liked much since it was handled to me by the eminent Professor Dr. Ravikumar in CET. So I could take the subject very well and all liked me.

The climate was hot and sometime we used to put water in the room and sleep. In summer the timing was 7.30 am to 1.30 pm. The stay and the surrounding was good with Malampuza Dam near by. I was staying with some staff Preman, Chandran etc in Akathethara. Among the staff I liked Raru Menon for his humble and helping nature.

Since I got job in TKM College of Engg, Quilon.  I left NSS after 15 months of good , peaceful and satisfying job, as my father was particular. My marriage was fixed  with my father's sister's daughter from Kayamkulum. I joined TKM in July 20,1965 and I got married by Aug 22, 1965

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

My life and Studies in IIT, Madras

My life and Studies in IIT, Madras

In 1967 I got admission for a sequential summer school when I was working as Lecturer at TKM, for the summers of 1967,68 and 69 at IIT, Madras. This was the first of its kind conducted at IIT for Engineering College teachers. We got a warm welcome and they assured that one from  each group who comes top will be given direct admission to 2nd year M.Tech. All started to work sincerely. In my Turbo Machines group there were 6. Through exchange Program Experts from American Universities were coming and handling classes in addition to few Germans working in the IIT. Dr. Fierison of the University of Wisconson has handled Gas Dynamics and by the Grace of God I secured top marks. He even invited me to come to Wisconson for M.Tech. I was unable to go due to family problems. Classes of Dr. Prithvi Raj and Dr. Krishna Swamy were very impressive.

I then got direct admission to second year M.Tech and joined IIT in 1969.I was the only person selected from Kerala that year for the direct admission to the second year of M.Tech at IIT, Madras. It was really very interesting stay and life with absolutely no tension. Dr. Prithvi Raj, my guide there, who has just come from Liverpool University after his PhD was very friendly and helping. He is a role model for a good guide. After the dinner we used to go to the lab for work and remain till 12. My guide also will come to help and support.

I could bring my wife for a week and stayed in Taramani guest house. Some of my relatives who have never seen IIT came to visit me and were surprised to see the marvellous campus. Even now I wonder how I could complete the design, fabrication and testing of a Radial Blower with all instrumentation in just 6 months. I am really indebted to Dr. Prithvi Raj's motivation and support. For all the work including my defence I took only 10 months instead of one year and returned to T.K.M and also promoted as Asst Professor there.

I visited IIT Madras and my Turbo Machines Lab today on 1st Aug 2016. I am surprised to see my work still there after 46 years used for experiments and Research. I am really proud of this and thank Allah for this recognition. I have also seen my guide Dr. Prithviraj. He is very weak and desperate after the death of his wife. May God bless him with health and long life. I feel very sad when I got the news rhat My guide Dr. Prithviraj passed away in Jan 2017. May his soul rest in peace. I am highly indebted to him for all the help and support he gave in my studies and research at IIT, Madras 

Thus, in many occasions in my life, I have experienced the Grace of God. Surely God's help will come if you do your duties properly with prayers.

Dr. Mohamed ali esa

My Studies and life in IIT, Bombay

My Studies and life in IIT, Bombay

I joined IIT, Bombay for doing PhD by Oct 1974 under the QIP Scheme of the Government of India on deputation from TKM College of Engineering, Quilon. I selected Dr. Achutan as my Guide and selected a topic on Combustion Characteristics of Cyclone Furnace. This created a problem as my M.Tech was on Turbo Machines from IIT, Madras and the present topic is on heat transfer and combustion. So I had to study thoroughly heat transfer, chemical kinetics and Computer programming. Also since the work on this topic is mainly done in Russia, I had to study Russian language to translate some of the Russian papers into English. So it was a herculean task.

Luckily for me there was Mr. U.N.Gaitonde who was an expert and sincere person doing his PhD and willing to help all. With his smiling features and hardworking and helping nature he has impressed me. Normally person doing PhD will be engrossed in his work and will not get anytime to help others. Gaitonde has really surprised me by his good will. Gaitonde has also helped me in making a mathematical model of my work.

All India Kutchi Memon Federation has released All India Kutchi Memon Directory and I attended representing Quilon in the Jamat Khana in 1975 where President Kabli released the Directory. It was a big function 

By march 1975 I went and brought my wife and children, admitted children in the Central School in the Campus. Subsequently I was allotted QIP furnished quarter. The life then has become pleasant with good climate, good food. My wife took the complete responsibility of house and children and I was completely in my studies. I took up a course on Heat Transfer by Dr. Sukatme who was also HOD. His sincerity in teaching and dedication is a model thing for all teachers. He was available for help in the evenings. Gaitonde has become our family friend and spent few sunday with us. So I never felt any difficulty in studies.

We also had relatives in Masjid Bunder and Gauregaum. we visit them and they also visit us. We did not even go for my younger brothers marriage in Cochin as it will distract the study. I had to go to Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for my Computer work frequently as IIT computer was not sufficient for my work. All expenses were met by IIT.

I was trying all methods to solve my problem but I could not get any solid result even after 2 years. I then became panic as I am having only 3 year leave to complete my work . One day I met HOD Dr. Sukatme in the evening and explained my problem. He assured me that if I can prove that the problem can not be solved by any existing method that itself is sufficient for PhD. This gave me courage, I put more effort and by God's grace I could start getting results in another 6 months. By April 1977 I took back my family to Quilon and returned to IIT. Then I stayed in Hostel and completed my work and got the thesis typed out. I wanted only 2 months extension for submission of my thesis.

Me along with some other students visited poor houses outside the campus and helped them to get some earnings and also assisted their children in studies. I am very pleased to know that that work still continues there in a larger scale. May Allah accept that deed Aameen 

I am thankful to my guide and greatly indebted to Gaitonde and Dr. Sukatme for all the support given. I could also associate with some of my friends for doing social work by helping poor people outside the campus. I left IIT, Bombay by Jan 1978 fully contended. I am still having contact with Dr. Gaitonde and he has also visited us in Quilon and Cochin.

2 years back I went with my son to Trissur to see my guide Dr. Achutan. He was very happy to see me. He is staying with his sister as his wife passed away and only son in America. 

I am thankful to God for enabling me to take PhD though I was an average person. I thank my wife and children who helped and supported me in my stay in Bombay
Dr.Mohamed ali essa

Character and Conduct

Character and Conduct

All religion and groups stresses the importance of having a good character and conduct. The purpose of religion is to realise the creator and to be good to His creations. Irrespective of which religion you follow you should love and help each other. Prayers without good conduct has no value to God. In that way the purpose of religion is lost.

Our attitude towards our parents, wife, children, relatives, teachers and public should be good if we are religious. Terrorism has no place in religion. War is permitted in religion only for defense or when you are not permitted to follow your religion and live peacefully.

India was famous for communal harmony. But lately some narrow minded people provoked communal violence for their benefit. We should all realise this and fight against these plans to create an atmosphere of harmony.

In my childhood and younger ages there was absolute harmony and peace. People were respecting and helping each other joining each other for festivals and happy occasions and doing all the help when some body in distress irrespective of cast and creed. But the influence of some criminal minded persons provoked hatred among different religion and sects crushing the peace and harmony prevailing. We can be religious but should never be communal. Our religious and political leaders are in some way responsible for the conflict. These spoiled the situation and people started fearing, fighting and killing each other.

We all should now make an earnest attempt to come closer forgetting the religious differences for the uplift of humanity and to have a peaceful life in this world. Or else the world will come to an end due to war and fights. May God help mankind to lead a peaceful life by providing good and dedicated religious and political leaders

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

 

Politicians

Politicians

India had great politicians during independence and after words. They were dedicated, committed and sincere. They sacrificed their life, money, pleasures and positions for our independence and to form a stable country and toiled for the uplift of its people. They all had National feeling and struggled hard to maintain unity and discipline.

After certain period good and sincere people left politics and uneducated, selfish and cunning people took charge of politics. Those who are not capable to do anything else but could talk very well became the politicians and pushed out those sincere and good persons. Their main purpose was to grab money. They may bring big projects to fool ordinary people and take good commission from that.  They were not bothered about the outcome of those projects. They help only their relatives and those after them in undue manner. They also crushed capable people and cheated many for their survival. Corruption prevails in all field.

The situation in India is now catastrophic and public has become fed up and dont know what to do. If some start making a change he will be nowhere.

The Aam Admi Party formed  in Delhi is an eye opener to fight against corruption. But will they be able to come to National level and get power is to be seen. Also when they come to power will they exhibit a clean Government, can we change the mind of Indians to live without corruption are all to be seen. May God protect our country and provide for us good leaders who will raise the status of India

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

Alzheimer

Alzheimer

Alzheimer is a mental disorder happening to some individual who were otherwise active and intelligent. Earlier it was happening to those who have crossed 70. But now the smaller age group also are affected. 

It is a pity that some people loose memory in steps. They forget the route to different places, forget the reading and writing capacities, forget to close taps, shut gas vales, off the lights of bath room when they come out, forget the names and identity, become sad and start crying like children for small offenses. They will be unable to take bath or dress and even to pass urine and motion will be difficult and some will have to force or insist for these. Sometime they are afraid of putting their head in pillow forget how to lie in bed and how to rise and may become bedridden in due corse.

Doctors give some medicine but say that things will worsen further. According to them there is no medicine for Alzheimer and the medicine given is for making them quite. In Qur'an Allah says that for some He will remove memory and they will behave and do things like children and become completely dependent as time passes

People taking care of them will have to be extremely patient and may require some kind of training. Only very good and patient people will be able to manage them. It is better to take care of them in turn as same person doing this may cause exhaustion. 

My wife started showing the sign of Alzheimers in 2010 and by 2015 she became completely bed ridden and suffered a lot. Finally she died on 16th April 2019 at Cochin. May Allah give her magfirath and Jannatul Firdous for the sufferings and pains she had Aameen 

We have to pray to Allah for making us live without dependence and keep all parts of our body and the memory in tact till death. May Allah bless all not to have such diseases Aameen 

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

My study in College of Engineering Trivandrum and my stay in Trivandrum

My Life in Trivandrum

I joined old Intermediate college, Trivandrum for Pre University in 1958 after passing SSLC from Kayamkulum Govt School. As I did not get admission in the hostel we have taken a house for rent in Manacaud. My parents and others joined later. As I had the intension to become an Engineer I worked hard at the same time relaxing by walking in the evenings and sleeping well keeping a timing for all. My mother used to wake me up in the early morning and give me tea. I prefer to study mainly in the morning. Alhamdulillah I got high marks and secured admission in Engineering and joined for Pre Profession in the same college for one year then joined Engineering college. I got very good friends Kesavan Nair, Hurendra Rai and Chandra Sekharan Nair. We used to have combined study at times. It was a pleasant time. Though there was some financial difficulties we had good hope in Allah and worked without complaining. My elder brother joined for National Diploma in Commerce in Cooperative College and younger brother for Diploma in Electrical Engg in the Govt Polytechnic. We had to branch-out after 2 years and I was alloted Mechanical Engineering. Every day me and Kesavan Nair used to walk leisurely from Manacad to Palayam and back as there was no traffic at that time and we used to see almost every week a movie. I went to Cape with Hurendra Roy we sometime meet behind Metro Cycles and make Poori masala. That was a joyful time.  Among the faculty in CET I respect and love Dr. Ravikumar and Dr. P. J. George.

After passing out in 1964 I got job in NSS College of Engg, Palghat and so we all left Trivandrum except my younger brother who was in final year and he stayed in some private hostel.

Then I came with family in 1996 to Trivandrum after my Muscat assignment as my second son was working there. I was travelling to Quilon for my TKM job staying with my sister there and coming for the weekend to Trivandrum. We were staying then in a rented house near the Court. I retired from TKM in 1997 and then in Trivandrum.. We shifted to Kumarapurum, my second sons marriage conducted, I joined National College of Kamaludeen Hajee as Dean Academic Affairs also I was Director of Glob tech of the same management. My  son then started a business, I went with my wife for the second Hajj. Unfortunately my sons business collapsed with big loss as he has not managed it properly. Somehow we cleared all debts and left Trivandrum in 1999 and came to Cochin where I had a flat near Lissy Hospital.

It is in a way better to have ups and downs to make us stop and think our mistakes and learn from it and then proceed further. For the last 10 years I am mostly in Kuwait with my sons and families, frequently going to Cochin to see my daughter and family. Now I am in the last phase of my life and pray to Allah to make me die peacefully and with Eeman.
Aameen
Dr.Mohamed Ali essa

My Religious Exposure

My Religious Exposure

I was born in Cochin in 1942 Feb. At that time no play school, LKG or UKG. I was admitted in a Madrasa at the age of 4. Alhamdulillah I completed Quran recitation at the age of 5 and then only admitted to school. My mother taught me how to pray and my father used to take me to masjid sometimes. My uncle who was deaf and dumb was very pious and when I stay there he makes us wake up by fajar take us all to masjid and after prayer he used to buy tea and vada for those who went for prayer. This gave an incentive to get up and go for fajar.

In Kayamkulum and Trivandrum we prayed some time but not regular due to studies. There was communal harmony and we could live peacefully. We had fear of God and did whatever was possible at that time. When I came to Quilon prayers and fasting became little regular until I came to Bombay for PhD. Alhamdulillah, Allah has provided good people to guide me there. Our registrar Azeem Bai, my relatives Azeezba and Jeejam Bai gave us necessary preaching. One Khan Sahib of Indore checked my recitation of Quran and taught me little bit Arabic language and gramer. I thank all and pray to Allah for forgiving their sins and bless them all with all the goodness.

After coming back to Quilon in 1980 I met with an accident and had to remain at home for 2 months. I got a malayalum translation of Quran by Muttanissery and started reading. It was a wonderful experience opening my way to Allah. I  became  regular in prayer, fasting and charity. This really helped me to trust fully in Allah during my bad times from 1981 to 1991.

When I took up the job in Muscat in 1991 all my financial problems were over, I could Alhamdulillah go for my first Hajj with wife in 1993 from there. I thoroughly read Quran translation by Amani Moulavi which released me from all superstitions and taught me the inner meaning of Quran with hadees.

I could go for Hajj from Trivandrum and from Quilon (When I was Principal of YCET) with wife in 1998 and 2006. I also went for an Umra with family in 2001 from Kuwait. In 2014 I went for an Umra alone as my wife was not well.  I am thankful to Allah for all the blessings He has showered on me. 

I am thankful to Sheikh Yawar Baig for his emphasis on the importance of Tahajjath to become closer to Allah and his lectures on how to live and be a leader in the Islamic perspective. I was with him in Feb 2012 for 5 days and in contact with him through mail. He is the Chairman of the Standard Bearers Academy in Hyderabad and a religious and management expert. He is a source of inspiration for all who meet him or hear his lectures. May Allah bless the Sheikh with health and long life to fulfill his dreams Aameen

Alhamdulillah all my ambitions are  satisfied, all my children are well off. I pray to Allah to make me die peacefully with Eeman. May Allah, the Almighty God bless all to live in the right path and to die with Eeman Aameen. May Allah forgive my parents and admit them in Jannath and direct myself, my wife, children, grand children and in laws and all the humanity in the right path Aameen

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

My TKM Experience

T.K.M.College of Engineering, Kollam

I joined TKM College of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engg as lecturer in July 20  1965. The atmosphere of the college was very good with good and hardworking staff and nice cooperation. Principal was Hameed Sir a very efficient and eminent personality keeping high discipline in the college. I was sent for sequential summer school by the college during 1967,1968 and 1969 in IIT, Madras. As I obtained first rank in my group of Turbo Machines I was admitted directly to the second year M.Tech and I completed M.Tech from IIT, Madras in 1970 and promoted as Asst. Professor. I tried to work very sincerely and took classes with good preparations and confidence. I secured admission for PhD in IIT, Bombay under the Quality Improvement Scheme of the Government of India in 1974 and joined IIT, Bombay for three years. During that period I was given full salary from Kerala Govt and stipend from IIT. I finished my work on Prediction of the combustion characteristics of Cyclone furnace. For this I had to study Computer programming, Russian Language and Chemical kinetics in addition. By 1979 March PhD was awarded to me. Though I obtained job in Gulf, I could not go due to war in 1980. In 1981 I got a job in Soudi but I left it as the atmosphere was very bad.

 I worked hard handled subject like Cryogenics in PG level on the request of the HOD Albin Sir. I was one of the group of 5 staff who set up computer lab in TKM and handled few subjects on computer.

 I obtained a job in Muscat Technical Industrial College, Oman. I left TKM taking 5 years loss of pay leave in 1991. When I returned in 1996 there was a vacancy of Principal in TKM. Though I applied, I was not considered . I considered it as my fate and did not go after Management for the post. Eventually I retired in 1997 

I consider all what happened to me as my fate and so do not blame anyone. It will all be due to some mistakes I have done. May Allah bless all Aameen 

Dr.Mohamed Ali essa

My life and experiences in Oman

My  life in Oman

I came to Oman in April 1991 to join Muscat Technical Industrial College taking loss of pay leave for 5 years from TKM. The HOD Derrick Hewitt, Office Supt Waleed and my TKM Colleague Divakaran were there in the Airport to receive me. I liked the atmosphere of the college, the staff and students. I am allotted furnished flat but I stayed with Divakaran few days to get accustomed. Some of my relatives includin my brother in law Raheem, Rasheed(Babu), Shafi , Aktar, Zakir and Lukman were also there in Oman so weekends were wonderful. The climate in Oman is bearable and good with good rains and comfortable winter. No sand storm there as it is surrounded by hills. Khantaq beach is a marvelous sightseeing place . Our TKM student and a friend Jaffer Engg made the stay pleasant and fruitful. 

Unfortunately within 3 weeks of reaching there I lost my mother in Madras and I could not go as there was no direct flight to Madras then. Divakaran, my colleagues and my relatives there consoled me. One of the Omani staff Rashid Al Qassim and Karunan were very helpful throughout my stay there.

Students liked my classes. They were very poor in understanding, I took extra pain to develop new techniques to make things easier for them so they felt happy. I tried to clear their doubts and explained in simple English.

Derrick helped me to get visa for my wife daughter and youngest son. I came to Cochin by June mid and took my family to Oman. They also liked the flat in the campus and I admitted my son in the Indian School in the 8th std. My old student in TKM, Rajendra Prasad helped me to get a job for my son who was a Civil Engg and he arrived by Nov 1991. Then in 1992 Apr 1st we got the happy news of birth of a daughter for my son and named her Rukaiya which was my mothers name. We shifted to a larger house in Alkwair then. My son brought his family also by Dec 1992. My second son who was doing B.Com in Quilon also came for vaccation.

In 1993 Alhamdulillah I could go with my wife for first Hajj leaving my other children with eldest son and family. HOD Derrick left and an Omanee Nasser Kharusi became the HOD. Including him all staff were good to me especially Karunan. Rajendra Prasad used to take us for sight seeing. There are beautiful villages like Ibri, Rustak, Niswa, Kasab etc. We could not go to Salala as it was more than 1200 Km away. We could also conduct few deeni classes in our house with the help of Ummer Sahib who was a dedicated person. After I left it is continued in Jaffer Engg house

Alhamdulillah I could buy a flat near Lissy Hospital and could help my brothers and sisters for their daughters marriages and do some charity from Oman money in addition to performing Hajj with wife.

After a wonderful and satisfied life for 5 years myself and family except my Engg son Mansoor and fly returned to Trivandrum. The college wanted me to stay further but as my dream of a Hajj and a flat is full filled I decided to leave as I was not interested in making big money. I am thankful to Allah and all those who made our life in Oman very nice. I also liked the Sultan Qaboos whose sincere efforts bring the country on top of all Gulf Countries. Recently he passedaway. May his soul rest in peace. 

Karunan expired at Bangalore. May his soul rest in peace. I am sad that I am not able to contact the Omanee Rashid Al Qassim who was of great help to me in Oman. I wish him all the best. 

Dr.Mohamed Ali Essa

Foolish deeds

Foolish deeds

We some times do good deeds thinking that we will get rewards, but actually we get punishment as the method and mind set are wrong. Some of them are listed here

1.    Prayers done carelessly and to show off
2.    Fasting while telling lies and backbiting
3.    Charity to show off and troubling the person receiving
4.    Pilgrimage creating big noise, quarreling and contacting      opposite sex 
5.   Prayers of a wife disobeying and humiliating the husband     while he is providing shelter, food and cloths
6.   Troubling your wife unnecessarily
7.   Prayers of children while disobeying the parents
8.   Eating while neighbors are starving
9.   Ablution and bath wasting water
10.   Eating and drinking beyond a limit
11.   Making judgement without justice
12.   Making unwanted travels
13.   Killing people or animal without just reason
14.   People with knowledge not imparting it to others and not     living according to knowledge
15.   Breaking the trust and cheating
16.   Cheating in measurements and dealings
17.   Doing malpractice in the examination
18.   Enjoyments exceeding the limits
19.   Over spending and over sleeping
20.   Talking unnecessarily and humiliating others

Dr.Mohamed Ali essa

My Kuwait Life

My Kuwait Life

I came to Kuwait with family first in 2001 on the request of my son who was working there and doing his M.Tech in Kuwait University as a part time student. He wanted my help in completing his project thesis. That was in March and the climate was pleasant. We enjoyed the stay assisted for the completion of his thesis, did some translation, gave some talks in various occasions, did an Umra and returned after 3 months.

Then I went to Kuwait in 2003 and 2004 alone for short visit for personal purposes. In 2005 Nov we came again with family for a visit. It was very cool and getting cooler temperature approaching zero and becoming unbearable for our age. Then we decided not to be in Kuwait in extreme climates and left by Dec. As I took up Principal post in Yoonus College of Engineering, Kollam on 2006 Feb and my youngest son's marriage was also during this time, I did not go to Kuwait till 2009. When I left YCET in 2009 we went again to Kuwait. My second son was also there with family staying nearby. It was a nice stay but my wife started showing some signs of memory loss but we returned after 3 months.

In 2010 when we came the feeling was to take permanent visa as I will not be able to manage my wife alone. In the mean time my youngest son also came to Kuwait with family. I obtained permanent visa in 2011 we returned with middle son and eventually got visa of my wife and daughter also in 2013 Jan. The idea was to remain in Kuwait 3 months and India  3 months and so on. But the condition of my wife became very bad and we had to remain in Kuwait most of the time. I come alone for a month or so to India and return.I was trying always to have a fixed diet but as different types of good food and fruits available I also sometimes had to overeat against my principle. I am anyway trying to get some engagement to occupy myself so that I will be useful to some body

The most remarkable thing during that time is my association with Mr. Yawar Baig who is a management and religious expert. I was with him for 5 days and I am really happy and thankful to Allah and my eldest son for giving this opportunity. I realized the meaning of this life and learned many things. We are still keeping contact through mail. He emphasized the importance of taking care of my wife in-spite of bad weather and other hazards. Of course here I do not have any other activities now and I am missing marriages and deaths of important family members in India. But Alhamdulilah I am accepting the will of Allah and pray Him to give the reward in the hereafter. I request all to pray for us.

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

My Saudi Life

Saudi Life

I got Job in Saudi Arabia in 1981 as Chief Mechanical Engineer in Mohamed Al Zahid Establishment. Three sons and father were the owners of the Company. I was surprised that all the 4 are having different opinion and each one insists that only his opinion should be heard. Each one is telling that the other is mad and I should not hear them.

They wanted to computerize everything and I went for 2 weeks in Zahid Tractors to study their setup. I gave the report but as it involves big money, they asked me to wait. I was given accommodation and office in Alkobar and their workshop in old Dammam road. It was fasting time and one day one of them came and said people from Aramco will come to inspect our workshop to give some job to us. There was a Srilankan foreman, I asked him to be with me. They came and asked various machinery not available I kept quite as we do not have that. But the foreman said it is in some other site. They took him to that place and as those machinery were not there we lost that.

Next week one of the owners came to the workshop and asked me to watch what he does. When he saw a worker taking juice he cut one week salary for him and said that I should do same. I said it is too hot and taking juice will be required and improves his efficiency and I will not do such crime.

Then one day I was called and  informed that 3 of our workers died and I should give a certificate that they have not died during working time. I inquired and found that they were going for official work and died in an accident. I made a report showing the facts and said that compensation has to be given for the family. After seeing the report they were very angry. I said that there is one more paper below that which is my resignation. I said I will not work for them further, they can kill me, put me in jail or send me back. Though I said that I was afraid as they will do anything. They said if I remain they will send me for Hajj in their cost. I said I do not want to go for such Hajj and if Allah helps I will go for Hajj with pure money. After a weeks suspense they left me as I have gone through Govt of Kerala. I returned to Cochin within 2 months of my Soudi trip. Of course I was depressed as my family and colleagues were humiliating me as one who left highly paid job. I came to know that within 6 months the company is blacklisted and closed. I am thankful to Allah that I could also go for Hajj 3 times with Halal money after going to Muscat in 1993, 1998 and 2006.

So if you live with principles Allah will eventually help you, though there will be some setbacks in the beginning 

Dr.Mohamed Ali esa

Irony of fate

Irony of fate

PhD was awarded to me in 1979 by IIT, Bombay. By 1980 I secured 3 jobs one in University of Basara, Iraq another in University of Maidugiri, Nigeria and third in University of Darrusalam, Tanzania. I selected Iraq job as it has come through the Foreign Assignment Section of Govt of India and I can get deputation from Govt of Kerala. I became little proud. 

I was coming back from Trivandrum in a bus after getting the deputation order from Govt of Kerala. I thought for a moment that no one can block my going to Iraq now. Bus was going very fast and all were complaining about the speed except a pious person near my seat, who was meditating. Bus suddenly collided with a lorry injuring all except the pious. My left hand bone broken. I told him to somehow take me to Quilon and admit. He agreed and took a taxi and we came to Quilon. Sankars Hospital denied admission as it was an accident case. Finally he took me to Govt Hospital admitted there and he disappeared. I do not know who he was and never seen him afterwards. I still pray for his betterment. I could not take any job due to plaster in hand. It was a blessing in disguise as war started between Iraq and Iran.

In 1981 I got a job in a private company in Soudi Arabia and went. But the atmosphere of the company was so bad that I left it within 2 months !

It was in 1991 that I next got a foreign job in Muscat Technical Industrial College in Oman. I joined there. I really enjoyed the job and life there. I worked for 5 years happily with family. I could even get a reasonably good Civil Engg job for my elder son also there. I left Oman in 1996 and my son got a better job in Kuwait and he went there and still continuing. 

We actually do not realise the plans of God. We should believe that everything will be for the good and be thankful to him in all situations

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

Religion

Religion

Religion is meant to realise your Creator, understand ourselves and think about the blessings He has given to us and to the universe to cater us. God will not accept our prayers if we are not good to our parents. It is also to make us good to ourselves and to others. Helping the downtrodden by way of money, food and services are the requirements. If we are good to God, then we will have to be good to people.

There is no place in religion for Terrorism. It is actually indented for peace to ourselves, to all human beings and to the universe. It also ask us to preserve the God given environment.

It teaches to respect elders and to be kind to youngsters. We are even to be good to animals, birds and to all creations. We have to be punctual and manage the time properly for the benefit of all.

We are not supposed to kill ladies, old and kids. When you have to kill for just reasons we have to be just. We have to control our lust by fasting and charity. We are not to be greedy and should not trouble or cheat others, instead we should help each other. We are to preserve the universe and utilise the blessings provided for the betterment of all.

According to a hadees 

If we do not promote good deeds and do not object bad deeds then Allah's punishment will come and our duas will not be accepted

If we become cruel we will be below the grade of animals and God will put calamities to punish us and eventually world will be destroyed if cruelties exceed a limit. 

So religion is meant for the overall good of this world.

Dr.mohamed ali essa

Teaching

Teaching

Teaching is an Art. But you can surely improve your teaching by putting little more effort and dedication. Main requirement of teaching is the thorough knowledge of the subject by good preparation. If you are confident on your subject, you will have control over the class. You should also have good communication skill to express what you know. You should have a pleasing nature for the stuents to feel free. You should never go to the class in a hurry. Take a few  minutes rest, make a planning of the class and handle the class with confidence.

Make the class interesting by live examples and some jokes. Be patient and allow the students to ask questions. If you are not sure about the answer don't bluff and tell them that it will be cleared in next week. Refer books and consult with colleagues and clear the doubt of the students in the next class. Do not be very strict nor be very lenient and take a middle path.

You can thus become a good teacher loved and respected by students. Students will never forget their good teachers and respect you even years after the course. Good luck

Dr.Mohamed Ali Essa

Guides

Guides

When you undergo masters or research programme there will be a guide who coordinate and guide you in your work. The success of the work depends on this guide. you can either do wonderful work or you totally fail or dejected in your work.

When I did my M.Tech from IIT, Madras my guide was Dr. D.Prithviraj who was a source of inspiration and absolute support. He has just arrived after his P.hD from Liverpool University. Throughout the project he guided all the students. We used to come after dinner by 8 to the Lab and he also comes. We all remain till 12 doing design, fabrication or testing. My Project was to design, fabricate and test a radial Blower with different implellers and deduce the effect of blade angle on efficiency. I still wonder how I could do such a big work in 1969 with all the instrumentation. It is still there in the lab. It was possible due to continuous follow up by the great guide. I am still proud of the work done

But when I went to do my PhD in IIT, Bombay after discussion with the guide I fixed up a problem on Prediction of the flow characteristics of Cyclone Furnace. Then the guide said " The ball is in your hand, play it or throw it". I was stunned. Luckily for me I got a friend there who was extremely intelligent and willing to help, U.N.Gaitonde. It was still a surprise how I could finish the work in time. For the work I had to study Computer Programming, Russian language and Chemical Engg. My wife and family were with me. I did not move out of IIT for more than 2 years. My wife took the responsibility of house and children. I had to also go to Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in the last 6 months for computer work and had to work from 9 am to 12 pm.The then HOD  Dr. Sukatme gave me moral support. When I went for the defence in 1979 my guide has chicken pox and normally it has to postponed. I met HOD and convinced that I can do the defence without guide. He wanted to give a mock defence before all staff. As they all were satisfied the defence conducted in time and I was awarded PhD

Dr.Mohamed ali essa

Islam Inside

by

 Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Alhamdulillah, compared to previous generation, now many muslims are praying, fasting, giving zakath and sadka and performing Hajj and Umra. Also most of the muslims are studying Quran, giving lectures on Quran and getting prizes in Islamic quiz competitions. But if we look at the attitude and behavior of muslims, we don't find any difference between muslims and others. About 10 years back I had an opportunity to talk to a Hindu intellectual from Kerala in the IPC, Kuwait. He said he has thoroughly studied Islam, Hinduism and Christianity and he is convinced that Islam is the best and most practical religion. But he is surprised that he could not see a single muslim now who lives fully according to Quran. When Aysha RA was asked about the behavior of Rasool SA, Aysha RA said His attitude and behavior is exactly as per Quran.Sahabahs went to various parts of the world including Kerala. They never forced anyone to change to Islam. But their humbleness, truthfulness, honesty in trading, behavior and attitude attracted people to change to Islam. That is how we are all muslims now. Will anyone change to Islam now, seeing the behavior and attitude of the present muslims.
The major problems which Islam is facing now is disunity. Muslims have divided into different groups and they are fighting each other. They waste their precious time in arguing in small matters, forgetting the major issues like Dawah. The grudge between groups is so much that they even hesitate to say Salams each other forgetting that it is ordered in Quran. Further the words and deeds of many muslims are different which gives a bad picture about muslims. Muslims are becoming bad in appearance, in time keeping, in manners, in promoting and advocating good deeds and preventing bad deeds. Even smiling faces are vanishing. Many muslims are engaged in amassing wealth and acquiring big positions by hook or crook. All these things adversely affect Dawah.

I therefore feel that the need of the day is to make a change in ourselves and be model muslims before we do Dawah. May Allah help all of us to live according to Quran and be successful  Aameen

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa