Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 30: Harekala Hajabba, known as 'Akshara Santha' because of sacrifices he made in spite of poverty to educate the children of his area, lives in a house that was built out of largess from Christian leaders from the region. He therefore stands as a shining example for communal harmony in coastal Karnataka.

Hajabba confesses that because of ill health he is now unable to go out selling oranges. "My son does painting jobs, and my entire family rests on income he earns. Three years ago, Catholic leaders from here donated money and built a house for me to live in. I have been managing the family in spite of ill health," he explains.

Hajabba was conducting door to door visits in the city selling oranges till three to four years back. Because of age-related issues, he is unable to continue with his profession. Even at 68, Hajabba continues to dream about the school he has so carefully nurtured. He keeps visiting offices and people's representatives in an effort to improve conditions at school.

Hajabba lives in his house with wife and two daughters. His only son does painting work and feeds the family. Hajabba also gets support from pension he receives from the government, free rice, and some amount he gets from a person from Kolar by way of recharging his mobile phone. These small things are helping Hajabba to continue with life without too much of a struggle.

After an announcement was made that Hajabba was chosen for Padma Shri title, Yenepoya University, on Tuesday January 28, handed over to him a cheque amounting to one lac rupees. An organization also handed over Rs 10,000. Hajabba has dedicated these amounts for his school.