Friday Forum Kuwait Alumni

Friday Forum, a socio cultural organization based in State of Kuwait, are actively engaged in various humanitarian activities including scholarship, medical care, charity, support of many Indian NGO’s apart from their socio-cultural activities. An organization started over three decade ago, by now have many of their members retired from Kuwait and/or relocated back to Kerala or elsewhere. To connect those like minded members who left Kuwait, an Alumni of Friday Forum, Friends of Friday Forum (FFF), was started 2 years back and a committee was initiated to foresee connecting the members across Kerela and elsewhere who have relocated from Kuwait.

FFF have planned a get together and finally it was materialized on the 9th and 10th of December 2023 in Sterling Resort, Alleppey which was attended by over 52 participants, constituting members and families, from Mahi to Trivandrum in Kerala and participants from Kuwait as well as Dubai. The get together program was organized under the leadership of Mansoor, Nabeer AK, Harris Aydeed who have done a wonderful job in the last two months setting up the team and venue making it a memorable gathering of those ex FF members. Senior members like Salim, Salam, Azeemuddin, PK Jamal, Abdul Salah, Mohammed Kutty, Hassan Thikkodi, Sirajudeen, Asharf Aydeed, EK Rafeeq, Mohd Hilal, Ali Matra, Saifudeen, Muddar Kannu, Shouwkath Cherupulashery attended fromaround Kerela while Dr Amir, Dr Thasneem, Dr Sajna, Afzal Ali attended from Kuwait as well as Dr Raoof from Dubai. I was also a guest to this get together with my son, and had a very nice and memorable time together 

The get together included some program including sharing the members and spouses Kuwait and post Kuwait experiences followed by some very noteworthy games organized by Nawaz Dawood and Ashraf AK with their wife’s, which made the overall get together a more unforgettable gathering. Saifudeen, after a gap of 15 years, sung a very nice song to keep all very engaged. FFF President Mohammed Kutty started the functions.

A house boat cruise with lunch was sponsored by Nishad Azeem from Qatar, son of Azeemuddeen which was an attraction of the overall get together. The programs concluded by a naseeha from PK Jamal, a regular event in any FF events without which the FF program is incomplete. This was followed by an evening tea/coffee in resort, organized by the mighty Dr Amir due to his great connection across the Globe. One thing missed to inform was the lunch on 9th December, which was arranged in Taaza Restaurant, co-owned by Nizam Siraj from Oman, son of Sirajudeen who offered a handsome discount. The success of this event have led to announcement of similar gathering with Kuwait crowd also, during August 3/4 which will be coordinated by Mohammed Hilal and Subair.

May Allah bless all those who helped to make this event enjoyable and memorable Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Esa 

European Travel

My son Mansoor was calling me many times when they visited European countries I was not interested mainly because my wife Subaida was not well . Now he is asking me to join with him and family to Ireland via UK. My grand son Yousuf and family settled in Ireland. My wife is no more so I decided to go and my son applied for visa to travel by end of Sept 2023. 

We all got visas for UK/Ireland and trying for tickets for 27th from Nedumbassery Cochin to UK and then to Ireland after 2 days in London 

Tickets reserved for 27th September 2023 to go to London and  after two days stay there to go to Dublin Ireland on 30th and return to Cochin on 6th October in Itihad Airways 

Left Cochin on 27th first to Aboodabi and then to London in London Yousuf was waiting and we all came to our temporary residence arranged by Yousuf

On 28th we had sight seeing including London Eye boating Cruise and other important places prayed magrib in a small Mosque nearby and dinner in an Indian restaurant Kishmish. On 29th we had good break fast in Popina Restaurant in Oxford street did some shopping. My brothers grand son Ahamed who is studying in UK joined us performed Juma namas  in Mayfare Islamic Centre and had lunch in Sofra restaurant in Bond street and returned tired to our residence . Ahamed left for his hostel

On 30th by 12 all left London to Dublin the capital of Ireland and arrived by 1.30 pm and taking a taxi we reached the temporary residence.  It was drizzling and temperature 16 .Accommodation arranged by Yousuf good all had lunch. We went for magrib to a neighbouring big Mosque met a relative there. Returned after food and purchases.

On 1st October we all went to the city by bus visited Musium castle exhibition and had boating cruise. Returned after food and purchases. South Indian Dinner arranged by Yousuf brought home. Ireland people called Irish are very good helpful and smiling. They keep the city clean and never cheat anyone. 

On 2nd October we went to St. Stephens green park and shopping centre purchased certain items and had food. The park is very clean and amazingly greenish. Public transport buses and trams are very regular. Many use bicycle here. All are highly disciplined and truthful 

Being tired I didn't go out on 3rd. I remained in our temporary flat and Yousuf wife Sadiya prepared lunch and kept. All went to the neighbouring gardens. Here even our flat is surrounded by nice trees. Went for magrib in the neighbouring big Mosque 

We had a wonderful experience on 4th October in Powerscote Estate with beautiful gardens, lakes, water falls and castle. We have never seen such a big garden with lots of trees and flowers. We were wondering how nice will be the garden in Heaven in that case. May Allah bless us all  to enjoy Heaven with gardens Aameen. We left after lunch from AVOCA CAFE inside the park

Our relative Nias and family visited us and had dinner 6thwith us 

On 5th October we all assembled in Yousuf house had lunch and then visited the biggest Mall Blancherst Town centre did some purchases and returned. Dinner ordered from outside 

We left Dublin on 6th October and reached Cochin after a transit in Aboodabi by early morning on 7th. That was a tiresome travel and all were exhausted so took rest

Though I have gone to many Gulf countries ,This was my first visit to European countries. Among the countries I visited I liked Dublin with self disciplined people good environment and discipline 

Alhamdulillah I am thankful to Allah to make me see the blessings of Allah in two European countries also through Mansoor. May Allah give more barkat and health to Mansoor and his family Aameen 

About me

Some of the blessings that Allah gave me with his Mercy.  I am thankful to Allah for all His blessings 

Got admission to Mechanical Engineering in College of Engineering Trivandrum in the Merit seat in 1959

Received Govt of India Merit cum means Scholarship for 4 years of Engg study

Dr. Fierison of the University of Wisconson invited me to USA when I secureed 1st in Gas Dynamics which he handled on an exchange program. I could not go due to some family problems. 

But I then Got direct admission to 2nd year of M.Tech in IIT Madras  in 1969. Completed M.Tech in 1970

The project I did was design Fabrication and testing of a Radial Blower. It is still working there for Research 

Got  admission to PhD in IIT Bombay in the Quality improvement Programme of the Govt of India with salary stipent and subsidised furnished flat and completed defence in March 1979. My family also with me then.

Could guide students for making a Robot with the assistance of ISRO in 1987

Became expert member for selecting Engineers for Kerala Public Service commission and Kerala Minerals and Metals

Became member of Board of studies in Engineering and Faculty of Engineering of Kerala University 

Became Board of Studies member ib Engineering of MG University 

Was member of the Governing body of TKMCE for one year

I was one among the 5 members who set up computer lab in TKMCE 

Though I never went to foreign countries for studies, I was taught by following foreigners in IITs on exchange program 

Germans

Americans

Australian 

Russian  and

British   Alhamdulillah

Handled introduction of computers and Computer Programming for the faculty including Principal of TKMCE and faculty of Muscat Technical Industrial College Oman 

My son got admission in merit seat for Engineering 

My daughter got married in a good place 

Got senior faculty in Muscat Technical Industrial College for 5 years

My HOD Dr. Derrick Hewitt and office Head Valeed came to Airport to receive me

Derrick personally helped to get visa for my daughter . Derricks wife used to visit our house and remain with my daughter 

My son got a job in Muscat

I could perform well in teaching Arabs in Muscat 

I visited with family Muscat soudi Dubai Kuwait Qatar and Aboodabi

Was guest faculty of Cochin University for Naval Architecture and Ship Technology course  for 2 years

Could work for 2 years in National College Tvm as Dean Academic Affairs

Enjoyed my job as Principal Younus College of Engineering Kollum for 3 years. I got wonderful support and encouragement from students staff and management there

My grand son got employed in Sweden 

Another grand son in Ireland now

I have 12 grand children and 8 great grand children 

Alhamdulillah I could perform 3 Hajj and an Umra with my wife one Umra alone and another with my son Farook

In Kuwait I could do some dawa and consultation

Alhamdulillah I could make a visit to 2 European countries London and Ireland with the help and support of my son Mansoor during Sept/Oct 2023. My grand son Yousuf and family who are in Ireland were with us throughout 

I could do some social service in Bombay while doing my PhD, in Quilon when I was working and in Cochin after retirement 

Alhamdulillah I am fully satisfied in my life

May Allah make my ending good Aameen

Dr. Mohamed Ali Esa 

Food habits in Islam

Islam permits us to take halal food and drinks but it shouldn't be excessive. The earning should be halal and food should be halal and pure. Sura Aaraf instructs this. According to a hadees Rasool SA instructs to take 1/3 of our stomach with food 1/3 with water and remaining empty for easy digestion. Overeating and wasting prohibited. 

Before we start eating wash our hands and gargle. Start eating by sitting and telling Bismillah. Eat slowly looking at the food and when we finish say Alhamdulillah. Plate should be cleaned with fingers and lick the fingers. Wash our hands and gargle.

Rasool SA used to take light dinner after magrib and avoid talking after Isha

Do not take opposite food when we go for parties or otherwise. Always realise that there are many who have no food. Feeding poor is an act of ibadaa. May Allah bless us to be moderate in eating halal food and share our blessings with others  Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Esa 

Umra with Farook in Nov 2019

My son Farook wanted me to accompany them for an Umra. Initially I thought I will not be able to do it in this age. Then he said we will go by flight and will stay near to Haram. So I agreed.  He arranged visa , flight tickets and booked Zam Zam Pullman near to Haram for accommodation. Mansoor gave me some Saudi Rials for use and charity there.

On 21st my sons Mansoor and Jakharia took us to Airport. Myself, Farook and Fathima took off in Kuwait Airways to Madeena. Reached Madeena on time and in taxi arrived the hotel. Then we proceeded to Masjidu Nabawi did ziarat and could pray in Roudha Shereef. Magrib to Isha we remained in Mosque in zikar and reciting Quran and then slept in the hotel. 22nd morning could go for Tahajjat and fajar. Then we went for Juma early for Salatu Dhuha and Juma prayer . After Juma we came to room and got ready to leave Madeena. By 2 left Madeena to Mecca in Ihram cloth. Stopped in Meeqat prayed 2 rakat and made the Niyya for Umra for the sake of Subaida and proceeded to Mecca with Talbiat. Alhamdulillah reached Mecca after Isha time checked in the hotel and came to Haram by 8. Stopped Talbiah after seeing Kaba. Rush was not that much. Made duas near Kaba and went to Hajarul Aswad and started Tawaf. During Tawaf after 3rd round small rain started. We didn't stop and completed 7 rounds of Tawaf. It was a great experience. After praying 2 rakat behind Maqame Ibraheem and drinking Zum Zum water started Sahee from Safa to Marwa and then Marwa to Safa and in 7 walking and duas finished at Marwa. Made lots of dua and myself and Farook shaved our head and returned to hotel by 11. Alhamdulillah everything went on well and Farook and Fathima assisted me.

On 23rd prayers duas and Quran recitation and rest. On 24th after Asar we said wida to Kaba with duas and left for Jeddah in taxi. In Kuwait Airways left for Kuwait. Reached Kuwait in time. Mansoor and Jakharia were there in the Airport to receive us. Reached home by 11.30

Alhamdulillah it was a great experience and I am thankful to Farook and Fathima for taking the responsibility of caring and supporting me to do this Umra peacefully and correctly. May Allah accept our Umra and all ibadaa and duas Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

Witnessing death of important relations

                         

                                             

I have witnessed death of 3 important relatives. First was my grand father Ahamed Hajee Essa Sait who lead a very simple life spending almost entirely his income for us as my father had no income from 1953. My grand father was sick in 1961 at Malikayil home in Kayamkulum. One day suddenly he said he is worried why his vehicle has not reached to take him may be there is a breakdown. People there took it as a joke and asked whether they could also go. He said no, now it is only for him and they can come later. Then he wanted to pass urine and two people took him for that. Then he returned lied down and said Lailaha Illalla and breathed his last. Even now when I remember this I am surprised how he could predict his death and died so peacefully.

Then I witnessed death of my father Essa Ahamed Sait.  He was diagnosed as having throat cancer in 1974 beginning. My brother took him to Madras Cancer institute. It was in the last stage and the doctors asked to take him back. He came to Cochin knowing fully well that his last time has come. He was prepared for death. I reached Cochin. He was not in good terms with few. He asked me to call them and he has asked forgiveness from them. Then whoever comes he used to ask whether  it is Friday and whether time is 3. He was in Gauthom hospital and the owner Dr. Jayachandran was his friend. He permitted all the vacant rooms to be occupied by our family. My father breathed his last on a Friday early Morning at 3 on 20th Sept 1974 in the presence of all relatives and reciting Allah slowly. I am still surprised how he could exactly predict his day and time.

The third is my mother in law Suleka Bai.  In 1978 she was in my brother in law house in Quilon.  I was staying this side of 3rd mile stone bridge and they were on the other side. 2nd day of Eid I brought her to my house. Unusually this time she said not to close our door and keep a glass of water nearby. By mid night I heard her repeatedly telling Allah and also I felt she has breathing problem. I called my wife to make hot water. My mother in law held my wife's hand and made her sit nearby and put her head in her daughter's lap. I felt the sound stopping and jumped out of my bed dipped my finger in water and put one drop of water in her mouth. She breathed her last then.

All the three knew their time of departure and got prepared. None had any money or possessions with them and that may be the reason they could go peacefully. May Allah forgive all their sins and give them highest place in Jannah Aameen

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

QATAR TRIP

Visit to DOHA QATAR

Me and my son Mansoor decided to go to Qatar from Kuwait to see the place and visit some of our relatives there  on 26th Sept 2019 for 2 days. Visa will be available on arrival at Qatar. My 2nd son Farook gave few Qatri Rial for expenses there. We have booked tickets in Kuwait Air and stay in Golden Tulip.

My 3rd son Jakharia dropped us to the Airport. Flight was on time and person from Hotel took us to the hotel and we were given accommodation in room 1201 in the Executive Launge . We took rest. One of our relatives Haneef  had a heart attack few days back in Qatar.

On 27th the next day son of Haneef  Izhar came and  took us to show his father in the hospital. He was happy to see us. He is improving and will be discharged soon. Izhar then took us for Juma and lunch and then dropped us to another relative Altaf's house. Altaf is the gr son of my direct uncle.The full family greeted us with great pleasure and after discussions and tea took us to another relative Najeeb house where they were also very  happy to see us. Najeebs daughter and son in law  where also there. Then we returned with Altaf to his house and had a great dinner and then he dropped us to the hotel.

Next day 28th Morning Altaf came and took us to the National Science Museum. It is a lotus shaped big Museum worth seeing . Many visitors were there. We went round and took many pics. Then Altaf took us for lunch and dropped us to the hotel. We took some rest. Altaf and wife then came to the hotel with some sweets and left. The hotel person dropped us to the Airport. Flight on time and arrived Kuwait by 8.30. Mansoor's son Yousuf came to Airport to receive us.

The trip was wonderful with visiting relatives and sight seeing. But Doha was very humid. I am thankful to Allah to make me see one more country in Gulf. I am thankful to my son Mansoor who took me in spite of his busy schedule. He came exclusively for me and may Allah give him barkat Aameen

Near Death Experience

I had a near death experience. It was in 1966 January after a trip to Delhi. I returned to Kayamkulum my wife house. Next day I had fever and it was identified as chicken pox. It became serious and all my relatives including my wife were all around me. My hands became stiff and eyes became rolling. I sensed death.

Suddenly I thought of my past and I realised that I have not done anything to please Allah. I was upset what will be my hereafter. Suddenly someone brought Dr. Damodara Panicker a Homeo doctor who put some medicine in my tongue. Stiffness in my hand released. The doctor remained there and put medicine evey 10 minutes for half an hour. I became almost normal. The doctor left giving some medicines.
It took 22 days for becoming complete normal stage and could go for job.

Now after 54 years of of that incident I look back. Though I could do some good deeds but I am ashamed I have done more of bad deeds. My wife passed away on 16th April 2019.  I have hope in the Mercy of Allah
May Allah safeguard me and forgive all my mistakes and give me Jannatul  Firdous out of His Mercy and unite me with my wife there Aameen

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Abudabi

My son Mansoor used to call me whenever he goes abroad for business or pleasure trips to various places like Singapore, Malaysia, Sreelanka, Hong-Kong etc but I used to refuse. Last month he said we will go to Abudabi in February. As I wanted to just please him I agreed. Also some of our relatives and friends are there and Abudabi is just more than one hour flight from Kuwait.
So we left Kuwait for Abudabi in Kuwait Air flight on 12th February 2017 and reached Abudabi by noon. I was surprised to see the hospitality of Airport staff and when we came out new taxi was there. We drove to Hilton Abudabi near Corniche. Roads were very neat and greenish.
I informed my niece staying there about our arrival. My neice's husband Mr. Ishack a Mechanical Engg working in oil field and they are staying near Soudi border 250 km away. They all agreed to come to Hilton next day. In the evening one of Mansoors friend from Kollum Mr. Andrews came took us round and we had Kerala food from Calicut Notebook Restaurant.
Next day my niece and family came when my son gone for official meeting. They took me to Grand Mosque and other places and we had Kerala lunch from Ruchi Restaurant. By evening Mansoor also joined us and we had a walk to neighbouring places. They left by 7 as they have to drive 3 hours. Meantime another relative Mr. Nadeem sent car to take us to his Villa. Till 10 we were with his family and had homely food. They dropped us back to Hilton.
On 14th I went out for a walk in the sea shore Corniche. It is kept beautiful and neat and also attitude of all officials are really prize worthy. By evening one of my relative Mr. Yaccob came to see me all the way from Dubai. Meeting  was very interesting though only for a small while. By evening Andrews came and took me and son out had veg dinner in Sangeetha Restaurant and returned to Hilton after seeing his office. 
On 15th I had a walk in Corniche and evening  two Ethiopian friends of Mansoor came and we had dinner from an Arabic Restaurant and had discussions .
On 16th we did packing and left Hilton by 12.30 for Airport. Reached Kuwait by evening as scheduled. 

I never thought that in Gulf there will be such a wonderful place with excellent hospitality. 
The trip was very pleasant and I enjoyed the stay and the environment and I am thankful to Mansoor for arranging the trip

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Taqwa and Iqlas

The general concept of Taqwa is fear of Allah. But to be more precise Taqwa comes in loving Allah more than anything else and fearing to displease Allah by doing things prohibited by Him. Together with our fear of Allah we should also have hope of His Mercy
Iqlas is the sincerity in all our actions. Our Ibadaa and deeds should not be for show off or fearing some one else
Only when we do Ibadaa and deeds with Taqwa and Iqlas it will be accepted by Allah
Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Religion and Character

If a person is truly religious he or she cannot be rude and cannot misbehave with others especially elders. If a person not respecting elders and not showing mercy to younger are not religious. If any one kills an innocent person he cannot be religious. Only in war we can kill a person. We are not supposed to kill or do any harm even to an enemy if they are good to you.
But now in all religion people are not truly religious but communal and that makes enmity even to good people.
Purpose of religion is to realise our creator and to be good to all. If we do strong prayers and behave bad to others that means we are fooling God. If you are good to all including animals and if you do only little prayers, God will accept that
In the present time mostly people do not want to hear what elders say thinking that they know better. The experience of elders is not there with them.
In the present way of life all are engrossed in their mobile that they do not hear if someone tells something. Children know that when parents take the mobile they will be absent minded so it gives opportunity to the children to do what they want without even the parents realising what is happening.
Religion should inculcate all to respect elders and give some thought to their sayings
When people disobey their parents in the presence of their children they are actually giving a message to the children that elders need not be respected or obeyed. They will eventually get the effect of this by their children disobeying them

Kuwait

I came with family to Kuwait in 2001 first as my eldest son Mansoor was working there. He has joined for M.Tech in Kuwait University as a part time student. His project work was over and he wanted my help in completing the report. After doing that we returned after doing an Umra arranged by my son. Then we came many times and now my 3 sons are living in Kuwait with family. Due to my wives illness we are now forced to stay here mostly.

From 2009 we are mostly here as my 3 sons are here. In between we go to India and return within 3 months. This time I arrived Kuwait in Feb 2020 and unable to go to Cochin due in Corona and since all commercial flights cancelled 

Though Kuwait has lot of money I am surprised that no much progress is made here in the last 15 years. May be due to the fear of war.

Climate wise it is having extreme climate temp ranging from 50+ to 0 with sand storm in between. Salary here is very good so no one wants to return  !

Kuwait culture is that they do not normally entertain others in their homes. Mostly meeting others will be in office or coffee houses. Only their family members meet in Diwanya in the house or elsewhere

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Dr.U.N. Gaitonde

I joined IIT Bombay in Oct 1974. My guide there was Dr. Achutan and after discussion it is decided to work on Combustion Characteristics of Cyclone Furnace. My M.Tech was on Turbo Machines. I have to now study on Heat Transfer, Chemical kinetics, Mathematical modelling and Computer programming. It was a herculean task.

 Luckily for me one of the student who was also doing PhD during that time was Mr. U.N.Gaitonde. He was a gold medalist in B.Tech from IITB and doing PhD by direct admission. We became thick friends. He was a genius knowing many things and also willing to help all.

He was of great help to me in making the Mathematical model and making Computer program in Fortran. 

When my family came he joined us in the weekend taking us in the campus and taking pictures. Till the end of my PhD and presentation he was with me. I can not forget him and I wish him all the best. 

After PhD he joined IITB as a faculty and still continuing as Professor. He will retire by 2016. He is also consultant for different companies in India.

We are still in contact. He visited us in Quilon and Cochin. I am extremely indebted to him for his timely help without which it would have been difficult for me to complete. May God bless him always

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Hajj and Umra

Hajj and Umra

It is obligatory for a muslim having health and resources to go for Hajj and Umra atleast once in life time for the pleasure of Allah. We have the previlage of being the guests of Allah for this pilgrimage. Both these are performed in Mecca. Having gone to Mecca it is preferable to visit Madeena to have ziarath of the maqbara of Rasool SA. We have to sacrifice our time, money and pleasures for the pleasure of Allah.

Till 1991 I could not think of going due to financial difficulties. Fortunately I got a job in Muscat and Alhamdulillah my condition became stable. After clearing my debts and helping my sisters daughter's marriages, I went for Hajj in 1993 with my wife by road in special bus from Muscat. It took more than 2 days for going and similar time for return. We went first to Madeena for 2 days and after Ziarath of the maqbara of Rasool SA and praying in Masjid Nabawi went to Mecca. Seeing the Kaba for the first time was a wonderful experience of peace and satisfaction. We remained for 15 days in Mecca doing the rituals of Umra and then Hajj. Main thing which is tested in all these is whether you are submissive to Allah and obey the sayings of Rasool SA and whether you are patient in the difficulties faced.

Next time I again went with my wife for Umra and Hajj in 1998 when we were in Trivandrum. Then all the Hajj flights were from Madras. We first went to my brother in Madras and then to Mecca. One of our cousin sister who was an elderly member of our family accompanied us. This time we went first to Mecca and after finishing Umra and Hajj went to Madeena. My wife had little fever and giddiness there but it was OK after taking medicines. It took more than 40 days as we went in Hajj committee. 

In 2001 when we came to our sons house in Kuwait he arranged for an Umra for me, wife and elder daughter by bus. It was very pleasant as there was no rush in Rabial Awal (June). We returned after visiting the maqbara of Rasool SA at Madeena. 

In 2006 when I was Principal of Younus College, Quilon I again went for Umra and Hajj with wife. This time also it was through Hajj Committee and flight was from Calicut. We went first to Madeena and then to Mecca. Everytime you visit Mecca and Madeena you experience different feelings and the satisfaction you get is unimaginable. This time in Mecca I had chest pain. My wife took me to the clinic. Doctors frightened me. We just left the clinic gave a sadka and surprisingly I became ok. My mother used to say sadka will save you from all difficulties. 

In 2014 when we are in Kuwait my sons arranged to go for an Umra by bus. As my wife's health condition was not good I went alone. One advantage of being alone is that you need not worry about others and can do all rituals without anxiety. 

In 2019 Nov my son wanted me to accompany them for an Umra. Though I did not agree for it immediately later I thought it is better to go as a last Umra. Alhamdulillah tickets booked for 21st to go to Madeena first and then to Mecca for Umra and return insha Allah on 24th night. Alhamdulillah we performed Umra in the most peaceful way. May Allah accept our Umra and all duas Aameen 

May Allah accept all our Umra and Hajj, forgive all our sins and accept all our prayers for ourselves , our family, other relatives and the whole human beings Aameen. 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa

Absconding

Absconding

Two of my relatives were absconding, one from Alleppey and the other from Quilon. Both were married and having children.

My father went to Bombay to attend an All India Kutchi Memon Federation Meeting representing Cochin in 1971. In free time he was just wandering in the market he saw the person from Alleppey and talked to him. He was absconding for the last few years after having a son. His wife and son were staying in his brother in laws house in Cochin. My father informed his brother in law and he agreed to bring him. My father brought him.  After seeing his wife and son, he took them to Bangalore where his brother is there. He got some job and got one daughter after coming. The son became an Engineer and daughter became a doctor. He died in Bangalore. His family are all settled in Bangalore in good position.

When I went to Bhopal in 1972 for a summer school in Moulana Azad College of Technology, my aunt asked me to enquire her husband who was absconding. She gave an address there. I went and inquired, they said he was there but left and no information. Also they said he may be in Bombay. In 1973 I went for a summer school   in IIT, Bombay with my HOD Prof Razvi. His sister was staying near IIT, so we both went to see his sister and family. When we were talking there, the person absconding from Quilon came there for some purpose. I was really shocked to see him. I talked to him, he said he was not happy with his family and left. He inquired about his children, I said his son has a small business, his first daughter married and second daughter is studying. After my talk with him he showed willingness to return. I informed his wife and children about the incident after my return. His son went and brought him back. Whatever he earned he gave to his son. He was affected by Cancer, the son took proper care of him and he died in Quilon. His son is now a well settled  business person in Quilon and wife died recently. 

Both these persons are traced accidentally. My father died in 1974. I think we could do a noble thing by able to unite 2 families. May Allah accept our deeds and give proper reward in the hereafter Aameen

My Mother

My Mother

My mother, Rukaya Bai was beautiful but from a poor family of Cochin whereas my Father Essa Ahamed Sait, BA BL was from a reasonably rich family of Kayamkulum. It was a love marriage at that time in 1936. Marriage was conducted in Hajee Essa Hajee Moosa Memorial High School, Cochin. Till 1954 they had a luxurious life as my father was having good income. But afterwards due to loss of money and failure in assembly election he became depressed and could not concentrate in the work. After wandering in Malabar we were brought to Kayamkulum by my Gr father in 1955.

My mother had 13 children but 5 died in childhood. Due to the continuous delivery and tension my mother got Asthma which persisted till her death. My mother was good in cooking and she could even make Urdu poems and sing in our relatives marriages including that of my daughter.

My mother gave religious instructions and guidance to us all. She used to wake me up in the early morning for studies. My mother was very font of me but since most of our relatives were in Cochin, she preferred to stay in Cochin but visited me frequently at Quilon. Mostly my mother stayed with my second sister Noorjahan of Cochin. My sister's financial condition was bad and my mother used to give her a portion of whatever we sent monthly.

My father was affected by throat cancer in 1974 big and taken to Madras cancer institue by my brother who was there. My mother went and was fully with him in the hospital caring and consoling him. Doctors finally said nothing could be done and they are brought back to Cochin. Full family came to Cochin and my father died in the presence of all by 20 Sep 1974. My mother died 17 years after that.

My mother's life was full of silent sacrifices. When I went to Bombay I entrusted my first daughter to her. She then brought her to Poona where my elder brother was working. Then all came to Bombay stayed with us for some days and left my daughter with us.

My mother used to help all relatives and others to the extent possible and liked by all. My mother was afraid of going to my younger brother in Madras as she was telling that if she dies there, her poor relatives may not be able come.

My mother was with me for about 6 months in Quilon for my sons marriage and then to see me off to Muscat in 1991. My mother was sad when I was leaving, I consoled her. After I left my mother went to Madras for Cataract operation, but when they tested her blood sugar, it was very high. Eventually she went on a coma and died just 3 weeks after my departure. My brother arranged for most of the relatives to reach Madras. But I could not go and attend the burial. This is the most unlucky part of those working abroad.

May Allah, the Almighty God forgive whatever mistakes happened knowingly or unknowingly by her and admit my mother in Jannath Aameen. May Allah make us all to see her also in Jannath Aameen.


Dr.Mohamed Ali Essa

My Wife

My Wife

I am married to Subaida, my father's sister's daughter. During marriage my wife was only 16 and I was 23. Marriage was in Kayamkulum in Aug 22  1965. I was then working in TKM Quilon.

Due to her younger age she was childish and was not knowing any cooking. So she was with my parents in Cochin and I was in Quilon. Every Friday evening I used to go to Cochin and return to Quilon by Monday morning. I took a rented house in Mangad and took her and 2 children by 1968. My sister and family also with us to support her. My brother in law was draftsman in TKM. The house was very big and almost like haunted one. My wife became anemic and had to undergo treatment.

We shifted to another rented house in third mile stone and my sisters family shifted to another house near ours. As she was week we had to keep servants then. My wife slowly recovered and became smarter. She even supported me and gave me courage in my hard times. She was never greedy willing to help all physically and financially.

When I went to Bombay with family for PhD she rose to the occasion and took up the complete responsibility of the house and children so that I could complete my studies very  fast. I am really indebted to her for the support she gave.

After our return from Bombay my father in law and then my mother in law died. This made her sad but she withstood that. By 1979 we became parents of 5 children. Their upbringing and schooling expenses were big and salary during that time was small. With one income we were srtuggling, then she started stitching skirts to support family. Both my wife and children gave me complete  cooperation to lead simple life without asking any help from anyone. All praise to Allah My son got admission in Engineering in Merit seat without even going for any entrance coaching. My daughter's marriage in 1989 at Coxhin was a miracle. Alhamdulillah We managed without help from anyone. Of course we had to take debt from some which we cleared selling our house in Kadappakada. My son also got married in 1990.

By the Grace of Allah I got a job in Muscat by 1991 and our condition became good. My wife and 2 children with us there and again she managed everything. We could go for Hajj and buy a house in Ernakulum. My son also got job there and he brought his family. We enjoyed the life there. After returning I retired from TKM in 1997 and we lived till 1999 in Trivandrum.

We came to Cochin then took up Principal post in YCET in 2006 where I got full recognition and job satisfaction . We were  Back to Cochin in 2009. Unfortunately my wife started showing  symptoms of memory loss may be due to the tough times she had and the seclusion many years. Anyway it is a test to us and we pray to Allah to save her from humiliation and total dependance. Due to her we were  in Kuwait mostly as 3 of my sons are here with family. 

We completed 50 years of successful married life on 22nd Aug 2015

In 2015 doctors in Kuwait diagnosed  gall bladder stone of size 2.3 cm. My sons and daughter in laws are taking proper care of her. We are planning to shift her to Gems Hospital in Coimbatore for the gall bladder operation. On 2nd Dec 2015 she is admitted in Coimbatore Hospital and they have made various tests keeping in ICU. Alhamdulillah  Operation was conducted on 7th Dec and she is improving.  She is brought to Cochin by 12th Dec. She is still weak.

We decided to return to Kuwait as it is better to keep her where all sons and family are there. So we came back to Kuwait on 12th March 2016.

As my gr son was gettimg  married  at  Cochin we brougnt her back in July 2018 and decided to keep here 

Subaida has supported me in all my hard times, managed the house fully, inspired me to further studies and helped all who wanted help. She has even fought with family members for the welfare of others and given the right direction to our children. She is now in a critical condition. 

May Allah forgive all her mistakes and bless her to have a happy ending Aameen

All my sons and daughter in laws helped her for about 4 years when she was laid up. 

On Tuesday 16th April 2019 , 5.30 pm my wife breathed her last at home in Cochin in the presence of my  second daughter in law Fathima when I was attending burial of another relative. Allah has saved her from the torture she had for last 4 years. We lived together for about 54 years. All these years she tolerated me and served me to the extent possible. May Allah give her Jannatul Firdous Aameen 

Dr.Mohamed Ali Essa

UPS and DOWNS

UPS and DOWNS

My life is full of ups and downs. In a way it was good as when there was a down I used to relax think about my deeds, correct it and proceed further.

1942 to 1954 I was in Cochin leading a royal prestigious life doing schooling. My father was having good earning and things were all good

1954 to 1955 in Malabar wandering in different places like Taliparambu, Kannoor, Kuttipurum and Tirur as my father left Cochin and unable to settle down anywhere due to depression of loosing money and loosing in the assembly election from Cochin. This was the worst time. My grand father brought us to Kayamkulum.

1955 to 1958 in Kayamkulum under the protection of my grand father. Life was normal still my father failed to come up. A strong determination to study and come up grew.

1958 to 1960 in Trivandrum doing pre university and pre professional. As my grand father became sick, mainly my fathers sister helped. Life was tough

1960 to 1964 in Trivandrum studying Mechanical Engineering. Main income was my scholarships but could pull on as there was hope about future. My grand father expired.

1964 to 1965 in Palghat working and supporting parents and brothers and sisters in a normal way

1965 to 1969 in TKM, Quilon doing job. Got married to the daughter of my fathers sister. Salary was just sufficient to manage my family and supporting parents, brothers and sisters.

1969 to 1970 in IIT, Madras studying M.Tech getting direct admission to the second year. The scholarship received enabled  me to pull on. No fees for the study. The support of the guide gave an intuition to study further.

1970 to 1974 in TKM having an average life with children growing up. My father expired, before that he was happy that I got admission for PhD.

1974 to 1978 in IIT, Bombay doing PhD under the Quality improvement scheme . I was with family there could lead a decent life as I was getting Salary from Kerala Govt and stipend from IIT and no fees.

1978 to 1991 in TKM. With 5 children and only one income it was difficult. We lived simple life. My wife and children adjusted with the situation and helped me. My daughter got married to an Engineer in Cochin in1989 and my son got married in 1990.

1991 to 1996 in Muscat with family. Could lead a decent and respectful life. Could go for Hajj with wife in 1993 and made a house in Ernakulum. Students gave good respect to me.

1996 to 1997 in TKM. They could not honor me and give the vacant Principal post due to some misunderstanding . As my son was in Trivandrum I went there after retirement.

1997 to 1999 in Trivandrum with Kamaludeen Hajee. He gave good respect but as my second son had big loss in Business  left Trivandrum to Cochin since I had a house there. I went for Hajj with wife in 1998. My second son got married in 1997.

1999 to 2006 in Cochin helping many organisations but all discarded me after their use. My sons settled in Kuwait so frequently visited them. Performed an Umra with wife from Kuwait in 2001.

2006 to 2009 in Younus College as Principal. That was really the place where my capabilities were recognised and full respect was given. I did my best to improve the standard of teaching and the image of the college. I performed my third Hajj with wife from there.  As my age then became 67 it was  difficult for the college to get new courses. So I selected a new Principal and returned to Cochin. My third son got married in 2006 and the chairman of YCET attended the function.

2009 to 2011 in Cochin with sweet memories of YCET visiting two times a year Kuwait and staying for 3 months there. My wife then started to show symptoms of memory loss (Alzheimer disease) so we decided to live in Kuwait where 3 of my sons are living with family. In 2014 doctors of Kuwait diagnosed gall bladder stone of size 2.3 cm in her. This made her life miserable.

2011  till date mostly in Kuwait doing research in religion doing some translation and social work.

I am thankful to Allah for giving me good times and bad times as a test. I am extremely thankful to Allah for giving a settled life as my sons  with their families are taking proper care of us. My one daughter is in Cochin married and Alhamdulillah well settled.

We could not think of a Hajj before 1991 due to financial condition. But Alhamdulillah I could perfom 3 Hajj and an Umra with wife and later an Umra alone. My prayer to Allah now is to make my death peaceful with Eeman Aameen 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa 

Cutchi Memons

Cutchi Memons

We belong to Cutchi Memon Community in Kerala. Cutch is a place near Gujarat and we were business community. History tells that about 200 years back British Government invited Cutchees to spread to different parts of India for doing business. Some families came to Kerala. Our forefathers who came to Kayamkulum are Sahib Denna and Soan Bai. One of the son of Sahib Denna was Hajee Essa and his son Ahamed Hajee Essa and his son was my father Essa Ahamed. Cutchi Memons who came to Kerala never returned to Cutch and they lived peacefully with absolute harmony with other community doing business.

We speak Cutch language which has no script and our food habits are different. We all studied in local schools and can handle Malayalum fluently. Many of the Cutchees have married from locals. There is an All India Cutchi Memon Federation based in Bombay and each city like Cochin, Alleppey, Trivandrum etc has Cutchi Memon Association which take care of Cutchees for their education, marriage, medical and other issues.  
.

They were very pious people helping all financially and manually. They did good business without taking big profit or hoarding or adulteration. So people of Kerala accepted them and gave whatever help required. They did importing of Burma rice, cloth and other things and exported Masala, prawns, betel etc.

They employed many including locals and paid reasonably. My father was the first law graduate from our community who took his BA, BL from the Law college Madras before 1936. He decided to educate all of his sons. But still two of my brothers went for business, one exporting prawns and other fish items to Japan and other countries having base in Madras, whereas the other brother is having offset printing presses and shops. My elder brother after graduation entered into Bank of India as clerk and retired as manager. Another brother opted for Insurance Co and later took voluntary retirement and now doing free lanser for Insurance consultation.

Cutchees help each other. Though mainly we are business community now many are also educated and employed. So far none of my family members have visited Cutch


Dr.Mohamed Ali esa

My Major stay during 1942-2021

My Major stay during 1942-2021

Places I stayed mostly during 1942 to 2015

1942-1954 Cochin   childhood and schooling

1954-1955 Malabar wandering

1955-1958 Kayamkulum Schooling

1958-1964 Trivandrum Colleges

1964- 1965 Palghat job in NSS

1965-1991 Quilon job TKM

1991-1996 Muscat job MTIC

1996-1997 Quilon job TKM

1997-1999 Trivandrum job NC

1999-2006 Cochin Services & Consultancy

2006-2009 Quilon job YCET

2009- 2012 Cochin Services

2012-2019 Kuwait Translation & Religious Study

2019-2021 Cochin relaxed and retired life

1969-1970 Study M.Tech IIT, Madras direct admission to second year M.Tech on leave from TKM

1974-1978 Study PhD  IIT, Bombay on deputation from TKM

Hajj with wife 1993 from Muscat

                          1998 from Trivandrum

                          2006 from Quilon

Umra with wife 2001 from Kuwait

Umra alone 2014 from Kuwait 

Umra with son Farook 2019 from Kuwait 

Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa