It was a delight to meet and catch-up with Mohamed Bhai Bhanapatel of Eklera on his recent visit to the UK. Although he may not be fully aware of the indelible impression that he has left on many people over so many years, either as a result of his educational aspirations as a young man, or his diverse entrepreneurship and hard work ethics, or his leadership and lifelong contribution in relation to important issues affecting Muslims in surrounding hamlets and across the districts of Gujarat. The balance with which Mohamed Bhai has operated in both the religious aspects as well as civic aspects is an exemplary tribute to his maturity, wisdom and strength of character.

I remember vividly as a 7 or 8 years old when Mohamed Bhai went from Eklera to study in nearby Sachin. As a foreigner living in Eklera in those days, having recently arrived from Tanzania, it was a breath of fresh air to witness a native with educational hopes and ambitions. For some of us he was clearly a role model, inspiring us to do well in our Eklera primary school. Having completed 5 chopdis, my family emigrated to UK, where later on in life I was able to further study Gujarati and achieve a Diploma, awarded by the Institute of Linguists in London. Yes my combined dictionary, Gujarati – English: English to Gujarati remains a close friend!

Even though some of the young people of Eklera have not quite appreciated the value of higher education and have perhaps fallen short of being academically stimulated, I wish to urge Mohamed Bhai and all his colleagues not to despair in their noble endeavours through the Suratee Sunni Vohra Muslim Education Society (SSVMES) as sooner or later their sincerity and goodwill will make a profound impression on those people who are receptive to good advice and guidance. The well-known phrase to remember is, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it to drink”.

It is necessary to maintain and improve our collective support for fellow brethren who are in desperate need due to serious poverty, terminal health conditions or tragic family bereavement. At the same time no stone should be left unturned in relation to supporting our young people, boys and girls, so that they may realise their dreams and acquire educational and vocational skills that may benefit our communities long term, Insha’Allah.

Having browsed the SSVMES website and examined some key areas of work, I am filled with joy with your achievements over such a long period. May Allah Ta’ala reward you all and the global contributors abundantly in this world and the hereafter, Ameen.Bearing in mind, “chota munh barhi baat”, I would like to share the following observations: