Prof KA Siddique Hassan, who played a key role in making Madhyamam - a turning point in Malayalam newspapers - possible, passed away on Tuesday. We gratefully acknowledge the immense strength and energy his presence gave us at every step of this newspaper. His departure is particularly painful to us. He always viewed Madhyamam like his own dear child, that inseparable bond sustained unscathed despite his ailing health. Even when he held several other positions of responsibility, he stood by Madhyamam, investing his time and effort, until it stood on its own feet. Even in the later days when he relocated out of Kerala in search of wider and newer fields of service, the growth of Madhyamam did not escape his constant attention. Madhyamam's indebtedness to him is beyond words.
However, Prof. Siddique Hassan's services cannot be viewed from Madhyamam's perspective alone. During1990-2005, Prof Siddique Hassan was the Ameer for Keralaof Jamaat-e-Islami. His role in earning a significant position for the organisation amidst the public through his vision and action in this period, is irrefutable. He succeeded in achieving acceptance for his working model not only within the organisation, but also outside. It was his notable contribution that he could form several public forums that cut across organisational biases, all aimed at the all-round progress of the community. . He was instrumental in the formation of CIGI (Centre for Information & Guidance India) and SAFI (Social Advancement Foundation of India) both of which aim at educational betterment and guidance. He was the inspiration for the formation of several projects, including Association for Protection of Civil Liberties (APCR), Society for Bright Future Medical Service Society, Alternate Investment and Credit Ltd. The IRW, aimed at providing relief work in natural calamities, is another of his many contributions.
Later, when moving to Delhi as the national Vice President of Jamaat Islami, his focus turned to the upliftment and liberation of the marginalised Muslim society in north India. The Vision 2016 plan of the Human Welfare Foundation was part of this. Under it, several schools, colleges, hospitals and professional training centres were established, in Delhi, and several other regions including Bengal and Assam. The foundation's activities are still ongoing, now under the newer, expanded 'Vision 2026'. It is only after enriching the society with multifaceted services, but without any fanfare that this illustrious personality leaves us. We share our grief with his family and followers while mourning his loss.