Port Blair, 28 March 2022
Andaman Moplah Service Organization organised a historic event marking the 100th Year of Moplah existence in the A & N Islands with a Mega Cultural Rally that commenced from Chatham Island and a befitting Cultural extravaganza in front of the Cellular Jail.
The event was conducted as a symbolic testimony of the deportation of the Moplah Freedom Fighters involved in the Khilafat movement across the Malabar area of Kerala from 1922 onwards. The first batch of prisoners reached the Islands via SS Maharaja on 6th March 1922 and were imprisoned in the Cellular Jail. More Moplah convicts were brought during the course of time.
The Commemorative Event began with a Daffu program followed by a brief prayer led by Andaman Qazi, Mr. Sulaiman Faizi at Chatham Island. The Cultural Rally was flagged off by Mr. N. Yusuf, President, AMSO and Mr. Abdul Siddique, General Secretary, AMSO. The rally saw participation from a large number of community members. The rally was well managed with the active deployment of AMSO Volunteers for the event and traversed along Chatham – Haddo – Delanipur – Phoenix Bay – Aberdeen Bazar – Clock Tower and Marina Park.
The participants in the rally were welcomed with refreshing drinks at Delanipur by Bava Stores, Phoenix Bay, Mr. TSG Bhaskar and at Aberdeen Bazar by Majestic Cool Bar.
A Foot Rally commenced from Marina Park to Cellular Jail led by community elders dressed up in the distinguished Malabar Mappila attire.
The event culminated with a befitting Cultural Extravaganza event at the Veer Savarkar Park, Opp. Cellular Jail. In the programme, Mr. Mujeeb Rehman delivered the Qirat after which Mr. N. Yusuf, President, AMSO delivered the welcome address appreciating the spirit of the Moplah unity and esteem. Mr. MB. Rasheed delivered key note address and threw light on the historic Moplah Rebellion and the contributions of Malabar Moplah in the Indian Freedom struggle. He reminisced the struggles of the great freedom fighters especially the sacrifice of the Moplahs in the historic Wagon Wheel tragedy. The event was also graced by the entire team of Local Born Association under the leadership of Mr. Rakesh Pal Govind, President, LBA and various political party representatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rakesh Pal Govind underlined the essence of cultural brotherhood and unity in the Islands and congratulated the Moplah community for its 100th year in the Islands. He outlined that AMSO and LBA will stand together to voice the issues of the Islanders and will stay united to uphold its rights and virtues.
Mr. Abdul Rehman in his address stressed upon the joint brotherhood shared with the Local Born Association and outlined the contribution of noted personalities of Moplahs for the betterment and development of the Islands.
Mr. Abdul Siddique, General Secretary, AMSO speaking on the occasion exhorted that the 100 Years of Moplah existence in the Islands is a matter of pride, prestige and emotions for the entire community. He thanked the Local Born Association for its active support and cooperation. Mr. Abdul Siddique also felicitated the Local Born Association with a Momento. On the occasion, AMSO also felicitated Mr. Jag Jeevan Ram, an Islander who designed the 100 Years Commemorative LOGO.
The crowning stroke of the event was the Cultural Extravaganza put forth by the teams of Oppana, Daffu and Kolkali. Young girls of the Moplahs tuned to the soothing Mappila Pattu with their Oppana steps enthralling the audience. The Daffu and Kolkali programmes showcased the cultural identities of the Moplahs, the coordinated beats to the Mappila music captivated the gathering.
The programme ended with vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Abdul Waheed, Convenor of the 100th Year programme.