Abu Bhai Javery

He was one of the very well-known Memons in India. He started life under very humble conditions. But rose to become one of the noted jewellers of India, being the personal courtier of famous Ranjitsinghjee (Ranji), the international cricketer, who was the ruler of Jamnagar state. Resultantly, he remained in England and Europe for six months of a year and due to his closeness to Ranji, he came in contact with the top most Nawabs and Maharajas of India and became personal jeweller to some of them. The Maharaja of Jamnagar provided special facility to him including use of special train through the railway owned by the State. During one of his visits to England, he married an English lady and he adopted a life to suit his status and position though personally he was a man of simple and frugal habits. He took keen interest in the welfare activities of Muslims of Kathiawar and accompanied the Quaid-e-Azam throughout Kathiawar in the Quaid's fund collection tour.

He was the Chain-nan of the reception committee of the fourth All India Memon Conference held at Jamnagar. In Karachi he led a semi-retired life.

<Top>

Abdul Ghani Dadabhoy Junani

His career started with his first political activity of joining the Home Rule League in 1917 and also joining the Khilafat Movement. The Ruler of Madia had shut down a mosque situated near his palace. It was impossible for anyone to protest against this unlawful act. Mr. Junani undertook the incredible assignment and launched a strong movement against this injustice and the ruler was forced to reopen the mosque for prayers.

He was one of the leadinc, figures amongst the less educated Memon youths in Calcutta, Bombay, Rajkot. With a passion for spreading education and welfare in the Memon and Muslim communities, he dedicated most of his life to achieving the goal. There were occasions when he had to go without meals for a couple of days, with little money he would buy channa (peas) fill his stomach and then drink a lot of water at the municipal tap. He never compromised on principles and was one of the Chief Lieutenants of Sir Adamjec Haji Dawood in holding the First Memon Educational Conference at Rajkot. Later, Memon Educational and Welfare Society was set up at Calcutta. He migrated to Karachi with total assets of Rs. 3501-. After some time he became founder Chairman of Millat Group, the manufacturers of famous Millat fans..He dedicated his time as an aaive member of an educational society. He was instrumental in starting and running the Memon Hospital in Arambagh. He was a refonner and together with his friends, Suleman Bhoora and others, successfully propagated application of Muslim laws of inheritance fighting against the big and mighty who insisted on following Hindu Law of inheritance through which they could deprive the females of their right to property.

<Top>

Abdullah Kamdar

Born in 1927, he devoted his life to social welfare services through Jetpur Memon Association, Memon Educational and Welfare Society and many other associations in the fields of education, health and rehabilitation. Amiable and accommodative, he worked in alliance with other social workers. With late Mr. Ebrahim Bawani, the late Mr. Kamdar was very active worker of All Memon Federation. He died early.

<Top>

A.D. Kareem

He started his business and commercial journal in Gujrati which became very popular amongst Gujrati speaking business community. Its publication ceased after his death. However, one of his sons, Omar Kareem, started publishing one of the leading monthlies in Gujrati by the name of 'Memon Alam'. This periodical has become very popular and a great source of information about the Memons. Its circulation is wide and is read in USA, United Kingdom, South Africa, India and many other countries. 'Memon Alam' is now published in Gujrati, English, Urdu and Sindhi. The files of ' his periodical of about 40 years are a treasure trough for the researchers about Memons, particularly in Pakistan.

<Top>

A. Ghaffar Katia

He served as an honorary editor of Memon Samaj and is an active social worker.

<Top>

Abdul Aziz Kaya

While in Hyderabad Deccan, he joined Ittehadul Muslimeen under the leadership of Mr. Qasim Rizvi. He worked very actively for the victims of the Indian an-ny. In Karachi, on the advice of Pakistan Ambassador Haji A. Sattar Seth, he was asked to infomi all the Hujjaj about the aims and objects of the creation of Pakistan and as such Haji Aziz started his mission. Durino Haj he rendered noteworthy services to the Hujjaj.

He remained involved with his business for a couple of decades and again started his social service activities and established many institutions through which he served the people. During political turmoil when Karachi was under constant curfew for several days at a stretch, he stored consumer products and food products which he supplied at concessive rates without any profit. In some cases, even free supplies were made in areas like Khadda, Nayababad, Lyari, Baldia, etc.

He started an Organisation by the name of Memon Goods Stores in several areas of the city where items are sold on no-profit-no-loss basis. He has established a very spacious reading room and library which contains rare and useful books, magazines in all languages. For providing students in densely populated city centre a peaceful atmosphere to concentrate on their study and hard work, he established several large student centres where reference books were made available free of cost. No such facility was available to those students at home. He has been associated with various social welfare institutions also.

On three occasions he was elected honorary general secretary of All Pakistan Memon Federation. He became Municipal Councillor and belonged to Akhuwat Group of Mayor Abdul Sattar Afghani. He undertook several repair, renovation works, cleaning streets, roads, gutters, drainage lines in his constituency and was also a member of KMC's coordination council. As a member of the Punchayat Committee of Old Town he heard and settled family disputes. His hobbies are travelling, reading history books particularly about Memmonology. He has also written two informative books.

<Top>

A. Jabbar Khamisani

He is the chief organiser of a well-known cargo and travel agency. He attended Jamia Millia of Dehli and obtained his degree in commerce from Calcutta University. He rose to become President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

<Top>

A. Razzak Khanani

He was the Chief Editor of English monthly 'Cricket World'.

<Top>

Abdul Qadir Moosa Lakhani

Born in 1910, he was the first Memon to receive masters degree. He had to give up his studies sometimes before matriculation. Barrister Sattar Waii motivated him and persuaded his parents to allow the young boy to go for further studies. He thereafter, did M. A., LL.B. and became a very bold and selfless leader in social and charitable fields. He founded a branch of Muslim League in his native state Bahvnagar and opposed the autocratic rule of the state ministers. This is why after partition he was given 24 hours notice to quit Bhavnagar. After partition, forgetting politics, he concentrated on his legal profession and devoted his time and efforts in the field of social service. He was the General Secretary of the First Memon Relief Committee for rendering help to destitute r@fugees. For several years he was honorary General Secretary ol'All Pakistan Memon Federation and played active role in that position. He died in 1997.

<Top>

Abdul Kadir Lakhani

He was born in Bombay in 1932. He came to Pakistan in 1949 and settled in Hyderabad. In 195 1, he moved to Karachi. He rendered valuable services to the people of Karachi. Besides being associated with many Memon social welfare organisations, he remained associated with the Muslim League.

<Top>

Amin Lakhani (Cricketer)

In the history of cricket spread over more than a century, only six players were able to perform the feat of double hat trick in a single match and the sixth player is a Memon, Amin Lakhani. A left-arm spinner, who mostly played under the shadow of another great left-an-n spinner, lqbal Qasim, also a Memon, performed this feat at the age of 18 by taking three wickets on three consecutive deliveries in both the innings of a match against arch rivals India at Multan. For establishing a unique record, he received a handsome gift from Fateh Singh Gaekwad, the manager of the Indian cricket team and ex-ruler of Baroda State.

<Top>

Ashraf D. Lateef

He has command of Gujrati, Urdu and English languages. He worked for daily "Millat" Gujrati and has written articles on various subjects. Now he is associated with "Memon News", published by Mr. Polani. He has also earned a name as a translator.

<Top>

Abdul Majed

Known more as S.T. in business and social sectors Abdul Majeed is a well-known community and social worker. He has represented Karachi Chamber of Commerce on Karachi Port Trust as a trustee.

<Top>

Abdul Ghani Meghani

A selfless social worker, he was always available for the rights of Muslims. He was a lieutenant of Mr. Abdul Ghani Junani. He participated in the Gujrat-Kathiawar Muslim Educational Conference and also was one of the important members of the team which was responsible for holding First Memon Conference at Rajkot. After partition he migrated to Karachi and continued with his welfare services. He was amongst several respectable leaders of the Memon community who rendered great services to the people but remained unknown.

<Top>

Abdullah Memon

One of the popular government officials, he was Commissioner of Karachi, Hyderabad, Chittagong and many other cities. He was also Home Secretary of Government of Sindh. He is an enlightened person who was appointed caretaker Minister in the Federal Cabinet under caretaker Prime Minister Mairaj Khalid.

<Top>

Aqeel Memon

He played domestic cricket for Pakistan International Airlines. He also played for PIA against various visiting teams from Zimbabwe, England, Bangladesh and Kenya.

<Top>

Abdul Aziz Memon

He was born at Veraval in the Junagadh state. After matriculation, he joined banking as a career. During his service, he earned B. A. and LL.B. degrees. In 1977, he was elected President of United Bank Workers Union and as a result of this he came into limelight. In 1986, he was appointed Secretary General of the Labour Bureau of Pakistan Peoples Party. He has also served as Chair-man of the Federal Organisation for Banks and Financial Institutions Employees. In 1993, he was elected MNA (Member of National Assembly) on the ticket of Pakistan Peoples Party. He has done social work also. He has also remained President of All Pakistan Memon Federation.

<Top>

Ali Muhammad Abdullah Memon

Professionally, he was an architect and an engineer. He came to Karachi prior to partition in 1938 from Kucch. He was very much interested in social and welfare services from a very young age and was founder of Kucchi Memon Youth Services. In pre-partition days,he served in the Central PWD, Delhi.

In Pakistan, he founded an institution of architects and engineering and became its VicePresident. He rendered honorary services to many schools. He also rendered honorary services to the Khori Garden Masjid, Badami Masjid, and Masjid-e-Khizra. His main interest was in education.

<Top>

A. Razzak Memon

At present, Dr. A. Razzak Memon is Principal of Dawood College for Engineering and Technology. In Japan and USA he worked on converting the Radar signals into clear vision pictures. He has command of Japanese language. He holds Bachelors' and Masters' Degree in Electronics from Japan.

Dr. Memon went to USA on a scholarship offered by National Science Foundation of USA where he was given a project oi'converting thermonuclear energy directly into electricity. His project was accepted in USA. He also worked as Principal of Sindh Sugar Technology Institution.

<Top>

Adam Memon

Dr. Adam served as editor of monthly magazine, Your Health which was published by Pakistan Medical Association. He was a psychiatrist and who served at Mental Hospital, Hyderabad. He was also a poet in Urdu and Gujrati.

<Top>

Allah Dino Memon

He was an honourable judge of Sindh High Court. He went to London for by-pass surgery in 1992 where he passed away.

<Top>

Abdul Hafeez Memon

Born in a village near Naushehro Feroze in the house of Muhammad Bachal Memon, Justice Abdul Hafeez Memon distinguished himself in the judicial circles as well as in the field of social welfare. He was the founder President of United Memon Jamaat, the main object of the Jamaat being to speed up the social services and to bring together all the scattered Memon Jamaats on one platform.

After graduating from S.M. Law College, he proceeded to England for Bar-at-Law from Lincoln's Inn. He became the Assistant Advocate General of West Pakistan and later became the Advocate General of Sindh. He was elevated to the Bench as a Judge of Sindh and Balochistan High Court. In 1989, he was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He was also appointed the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sindh. He retired as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

<Top>

Allah Bachayo Memon

He was Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sindh. He hails from District Hala. He has done M. A. in Journalism. He has worked in several positions in Information, Translation and I.ibrary Departments of the Government of Sindh. He remained Gen. Secretary of AlTauheed Anjuman, Hala, Vice President, Mujahid Adabi Sangat, General Secretary, Friends Club, Information Secretary, Sindh Graduates Association and many other literary associations.

<Top>

A. Karim Vaiyani

While his brothers settled in Africa, Mr. A. Karim Vayani opted to remain in Pakistan where he took active interest in social welfare activities. He associated himself with many public activities which aimed at promoting human welfare. His efforts to provide artificial legs to crippled persons are noteworthy. He was one of the founder Trustees among those who established Memon Marriage Bureau. He continued to be a member of the working committee of All Pakistan Memon Educational and Welfare Society throughout his life.

<Top>

Abdul Hameed Memon

He received his M.A. in Agricultural Economy and obtained law degree. He was awarded Diploma of Higher Educational Administration from Manchester. Besides serving in educational and legal fields, he also served twice as Director of College Education. He also held the position of Vice Chancellor of Sindh Agricultural University and Shah Latif University, Khairpur. For the meritorious services in the field of education, Professor Abdul Hameed Memon was awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Aizaz-e-Fazilat.

<Top>

Arshad Motiwala

He edited a magazine namely 'Qasid' from Karachi in 1950. He was a profound reader and an able writer from amongst the Memon community.

<Top>

Afshan Motiwala

She holds a Masters degree in journalism. She has rendered valuable service as Secretary of Pakistan Institute of Intellectuals and Culture and Wasim Bagh Gallery.

<Top>

Adam Haji Pir Muhammad

He was born in 1881. After finishing his primary education, he joined his father's business in food grains and textile. He first established his business firm outside Bantva in Hoogly, West Bengal, and from there he expanded his business activities to Akiyab, Mandley, and other cities of Burma, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Penang, Bangkok, Aden, Jeddah etc. By 1947, he had over 100 branches in different countries. He was one of the ten biggest importers and exporters of India. He was also very keen in the field of public service and donated generously to all causes of public welfare whether it be education or health care. He also contributed to the Khilafat movement and the Muslim League Press Fund. He was the Chairman of Reception Committee to receive the Quaid-e-Azam and delivered welcome speech when the Quaid-e-Azam visited Bantva. When the Quaid performed the opening ceremony of Bengal Oil Mills in Karachi, on seeing Haji Adam there, the Quaid in his speech mentioned the generosity of Haji Adam.

He died in 1957. His contribution in the field of education, health, and other spheres was monumental.

<Top>

Aziz Mukhtis

He has written and published a number of useful religious books. He published a monthly magazine, 'Mehtab'.

<Top>

Ahmed Haji Ishaq Nagaria

Belonging to a well-to-do family, originally from Dhoraji, has continued to explore several manufacturing and trading business and also established a textile mill. The family philanthropies continued with their progress in the field of trade and industry.

<Top>

A. Shakoor A. Sattar Navivala

Popularly known as Bapa Navivala, he has inherited the spirit of welfare and social services from his father the late Qaisar-e-Hind of Quetta and Bihar earth quake fame. For nearly 161 years the Navivala family has been in the lead in Dhoraji Memon Jamaat. Educated at Bahauddin College and Sydanham College of Commerce, Bombay, he is very fond of writing and travelling. A passionate traveller, he has written on his travel experiences in English and Gujrati. He has a large number of friends and colleagues in the literary and religious circles. Subscriber to about thirty religious journals from all over Pakistan and India, he has a large collection of books. He has also written a book on Allama lqbal in Gujrati. He has contributed regular letters and columns to newspapers. In 1951 he became the founder General Secretary of All Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association. He was associated with Dhoraji Cooperative Housing Society as well as Memon Educational and Welfare Society. He was included in the 8-man team of World Wild Life Board. He is fluent in Gujrati, Urdu, English, and Italian languages.

<Top>

Abdul Karim Naviwala

He maintained the history of Memons in Dhoraji. He remained in India and died there. Any information about the Memons of Dhoraji was available with him. He was fond of doing research on birds and wrote a lot about them.

<Top>

Adam Noor

Besides working for All India Memon Jamaat Federation and All India Memon Educational and Welfare Society, Adam Noor has also worked for the advancement of Muslims in the field of social welfare. He has been the General Secretary of the Society and Honorary Editor of its mouthpiece 'Memon Welfare'.

<Top>

Asif Noorani

Born in 1942 in Bombay, Asif Noorani received his Masters degree in English from the University of Karachi. He is a prolific writer and has written articles and columns for leading English journals, periodicals and newspapers. He continues to write on a wide variety of subjects: music, film, literature. He writes for Dawn, Herald, and Star.

<Top>

A. Karim Panwala

This gentleman was a philanthropist and a very active social worker. From teenage he started various social activities and remained fully involved in public service. He was the founder and main administrator of health services which were run by Dhoraji Khidmat Committee. He was mostly concerned with eye diseases and held many eye camps in the interior of Sindh. He arranged for specialists to remain available for diagnosis, operations and treatment of patients. These services continue to be available through his Organisation. Not only that he donated huge amounts for social services but also collected substantial amounts. He, in association with late Dr. Zaveri, carried out social welfare activities.

<Top>

A. Karim Panwaro

He enjoyed a leading position amongst prominent Memon social workers. He was expelled from the State of Gondal and Dhoraji for democratic movement against the State ruler. He settled in Calcutta and was one of the founder members of Memon Educational and Welfare Society. He helped a number of young Memons, who sought higher education, one of whom was the eminent heart specialist, the Late Dr. Kassim, who established the Cardiovascular Institute in Jinnah Hospital. He wrote a book in 1934 captioned 'Fifty Year's ( Rule of State Ruler Bhagvantsinghjee in the Opinion of the People'. The ruler was outraged with the candid writing of Mr. Panwaro and never allowed him to enter the territory of the State. He belonged to a middle class family. He never misused his close relationship with affluent people to his advantage. He led a very simple life. He was a member of the Memon Educational and Welfare Society while in Calcutta and continued to remain a member when he migrated to Karachi. He died after a long illness.

<Top>

A. Karim Parekh

A religious scholar, he is not a professional scholar nor attached to any Darul Uloom. He is running timber business in Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra State. He has full command of Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Gujrati, Hindi, Sanskirt, Marathi, Maimny and English languages. Not only can he speak in all these languages but also delivers speeches in these languages. He is author of a dictionary 'Lugatul Quran' (Quranic Dictionary) which has been translated into many Indian languages as well as in English and Turkish. Its Urdu edition has gone through many editions due to the demand of the book and has also been published in Pakistan. His other books also have been translated into other languages. He is connected with Nadvatul Ulema. He is also member of Muslim Personal Law Board and is also a member of All India Majlis-e-Mushawarat. He has acquired membership of the faculty of Theology from Aligarh Muslim University and is also a member of Majlis-eTatimul Quran, Nagpur, and Central India Institute of Medical Science. Originally, he is a Halari, born in a small village in the district of Jamnagar, which has now disappeared because of the river dam constructed there.

<Top>

A. Sattar Paryani

He has been associated with "Memon Alam" for more than 35 years and was looking after the English section of the monthly. He has served in different capacities in the Gujrati Service of Radio Pakistan. He became popular among the radio listeners. Interviews taken by him for 'Memon Alam' have also earned popularity. A collection of his articles has also been published. He died in early 1999.

<Top>