Thursday, October 15, 2009

A great loss

Humble beginning, great living, sudden end and that sums up the life of Mr S A Abdul Malik, a distinguished alumnus of Jamal Mohamed College, Trichirappalli, India.

With ordinary beginnings from a small village Rajaghiri of Thanjavur District to become one of the elite members of the NRI of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, his life is an example of optimism, hope and inspiration for everyone.

His journey started rolling from our very own Jamal Mohamed College. From a student of Economics of 1974 batch to a Member of the Higher Board of the International Indian Schools, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, his journey is truly inspiring. Selection into the Higher Board of the International Indian Schools, Saudi Arabia is truly the highest position and honor an Indian expatriate can hold on social front.

Beginning his career as a Manager, National Economic Forum, Chennai in 1974, as one of its sub-editors, he traveled widely across the country and contributed vital articles on various economic issues. Things took a turn in 1978, when his maiden overseas venture fetched him the post of Manager Publications – Saudi Advertising, Jeddah.

Later, he became a part of the award winning team of Sarawat Designers & Printers, Jeddah – the largest and reputed printing house in the Kingdom, as a Marketing Manager in 1986.

He had an extremely busy social life. He was the Founder President - Jeddah Tamil Sangam, Founder President - Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum, Jeddah, Founder Patron - Gulf Residents of Indian Tamils, Patron - JMC Alumni Jeddah Chapter, Advisor - Jamal Mohamed Institute of Management, Member – Muslim Tamil Writers Association of Tamilnadu. One thing that’s clearly obvious is Election or Selection - Mr. Malik was the unanimous choice.

Besides his professional and social stint, he has published more than 70 stories in leading Tamil Dailies and Weeklies on communal harmony, social and family issues. Apart from writing articles on different subjects, he has also published three volumes of his short stories. Four students chose his stories for research for their Ph.D., M.Phil and M.A. Degree programs.

His love and respect to his teachers and affection and attachment to his Alma Mater are to be emulated by every student. He never misses a visit to the college and a meet with his teachers and an interaction with students whenever he is on vacation. His contribution towards the growth and development of the college is immeasurable. His hospitality to the visitors to Jeddah in general and to the holy pilgrims in particular is well known and unparalleled.

When everything appeared to be normal, Mr Malik breathed his last at Sulaiman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah on Saturday the 10th October 2009 evening leaving behind his wife, two sons and scores of his friends and relatives in a state of great loss and shock. It is very hard to believe that he is no more with us.

The Management, Principal, Staff and Students past and present of JMC condole the demise of Mr Abdul Malik and pay their heartfelt homage to the departed soul.

May the Almighty Allah have abundant mercy on him and bring mercy and peace to the family and friends who are grieving.

Principal & President,
Alumni Association, Jamal Mohamed College

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