MARAKKAR HAJI: RUNNING AN ORPHANAGE AT HOME
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| Marakkar Haji, Thennalathara, near Pookkipparambu, Malappuram |
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Marakkar Haji was fond of children even as a youngster. Yet he and his wife Chittamma were destined not to have their own children.
This
sadness tormented their hearts. They
read the Holy Quran where it says that if you fondle an orphan’s hair
desiring the love of God, you shall be rewarded in multiples even as there
are hairs on that head.
Thus
after much thought they decided to convert their home at Thennalathara,
near Pookkipparambu, Malappuram into an orphanage (Hasaneeya
Yatheemkhana).
Earlier,
Marakkar returned after years of business at Chennai and Andhra Pradesh,
with good savings, intending to start a jewellery shop.
However, he was persuaded to desist from this risky venture.
Again
he went on a traveling spree, this time for another 5 years.
This time when he returned he was ready to start the jewellery
shop. The venture was
successful.
But
emptiness haunted him and his wife. Then
despite good-natured opposition, he firmed up his decision to start the
Yatheemkhana.
It
was then that his shop was burgled. He
lost jewels worth Rs.4 lakhs at that time.
But
nothing deterred him. With 9
children, he and his wife started the orphanage.
For the initial 6 months, he ran it alone.
Later he entrusted the running of the unit to a people’s
committee, limiting his role to that of the treasurer.
Contributions
from well wishers and the profit from the shop help run the orphanage.
He and his wife have bequeathed their assets worth Rs. 40 lakhs to
the Yatheemkhana, which now houses 50 children.
“We
do not desire anything in this world”, says Marakkar.
Haji and Chittamma with the children
Courtesy: V.R.Jyothish, Vanitha, April 1-14, 2002
Contributed by: Administrator
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