TK Pareekkutty Haji, businessman and philanthropist, passes away
Kozhikode: T K Pareekutty Haji (101), a prominent businessman and founding secretary of the Koduvally Muslim Yatheemkhana (Orphanage), has passed away. Known for his selfless service and contributions to his community, Haji served as president of the Koduvally Grama Panchayat for five years from 1960. He was also an executive member of the Samastha Kerala Islamic Educational Board.
Haji was born into a business family and, after completing his 10th grade at Zamorin’s School, followed in his father’s footsteps by entering the timber business. At one point, he owned 12 lorries. However, unforeseen setbacks led to the collapse of his business. With the help of friends P.I. Kunjamutty Haji and K.V. Moyinkutty Haji, who supplied him with timber, Haji managed to rebuild his business. He eventually diversified into buses, lorries, cement trading, and crushers.
Despite his business ventures, Haji became best known for his dedication to community service. In 1978, he took the initiative to establish the Koduvally Yatheemkhana, which he nurtured as its secretary for many years. He personally oversaw its activities every Sunday, dedicating his time from morning till evening. His innovative idea of placing coin boxes in 40,000 homes across the region to raise funds for the orphanage became a major success. In 1992, the orphanage received national recognition, winning an award for being the best child welfare institution in India.
Recognising his contribution to orphan care, the state government appointed Haji as chairman of the Orphanage Control Board.
Haji’s public service extended beyond the orphanage. During his tenure as president of the Koduvally Grama Panchayat, he played a pivotal role in developing infrastructure in the area, including the construction of key bridges and roads. He often used his own resources to travel to Thiruvananthapuram, meeting with ministers and officials to secure the panchayat’s development needs.
In addition to his work with the orphanage, Haji was deeply involved in various other organisations. He was long associated with the Malabar Chamber of Commerce, M.S.S., M.E.S., Jamia Nooriya Arabic College, and the Kerala Small Scale Industries Association. He also served as chairman of Associated Transport Company.
Haji’s efforts were instrumental in the development of the Kozhikode airport. He was part of a committee, led by Mathrubhumi’s founding editor K.P. Kesava Menon, that catalysed the establishment of the airport, a vital asset for the region.