Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 31: An hour-long documentary that focuses on his life and achievements of 'Haji Abdullah', a luminary from Udupi and founder of Corporation Bank was released on Monday, October 30, at the MGM College campus.
Guests, renowned senior writer and reviewer Muralidhar Upadhyaya, famous psychiatrist P V Bhandhary of AV Baliga hospital and Siraj Ahamad of Haji Abdullah Saheb family unveiled the historical documentary.
Siraj Ahmed addressing the gathering said, "The documentary was a well-done job. The documentary created by the efforts of the youth has touched many hearts. Haji Abdullah's story is revived and he now has a permanent place in our the memory. The documentary that will be consumed by future and present generations speak of his works of charity."
P V Bhanday said, "No one can match Haji Abdullah's personality. The documentary reveals how a society treats a person who has followed the 'charity-dharma principles' throughout his life. The life story of Haji has many twists by the conditions imposed on him. The government has taken the initiative towards spreading the word. The documentary will reach every household."
About the new upcoming private hospital in the name of Haji, he said, "The case now stands in court. There is no hidden agenda behind our fight against a PPP model and a high-tech hospital. Our fight is secular. The government should provide education, hospitals and basic infrastructure. All political parties are the same, while considering agenda. Common citizens should join their hands for not constructing a high-tech hospital."
Muralidhar Upadhyaya urged, "CMC must facilitate an air-conditioned stadium for the purpose of a public programme, at a low rent." He also brought to mind the days of Haji Abdullah.
The Documentary
The documentary is produced by team ‘Being Social’. The 56-minute documentary by the young youth from Udupi took many months to complete. The youth worked day and night on the project. Shrikanth Shetty wrote the script, Shashikanth Shetty managed the camera, Nithesh Rao was in charge of the editing, Guru Raj handled the graphics, and Avinash Kamath rendered the background voice.
Only two or three books are available on his achievements. This is the first documentary on Haji Abdullah. It focuses on his life and accomplishments. It is interesting to recall the life of the colourful man, who founded CorpBank on March 12, 1906.
The documentary screening followed the stage programme. The effort by the youths was appreciated by the gathering.