Can a Hindu become a president of the Muslim Jamaat? Yes in Kerala

How can a Hindu become the president of a Muslim Jamaat that oversees mosques and madrasas? The story of Radhagopi Menon from Kerala's Muttil in the Wayanad district exemplifies communal harmony and religious tolerance among followers of different faiths.

The narrative gained traction on social media following the recent passing of Radhagopi Menon's son, Kalathil Divakaran. Dr. Bava K Palakkunnu shared an incredible story on social media about a Hindu leading the Muttil Muslim Jamaat in Wayanad, with Radhagopi Menon being recognized as one of its earlier presidents.

Radhagopi Menon's life stands as a testament to religious harmony and communal integration. Despite being a devout Hindu, he made history by being elected as the president of the Muslim Jamaat by its members.

Menon's journey, transitioning from managing the Mahavishnu Temple as a devout Hindu to leading the Muslim community's mosque, highlights the harmonious coexistence of diverse faiths in the region.

His commitment to the community transcended religious boundaries. He founded the AUP School in Cherumuly, later donating it to the Wayanad Muslim Orphanage, showcasing his belief in entrusting the future to those who deserve it.

The social media post of Dr Bava K Palakkunnu reads below

“Will a Menon be the president of the mosque?

This is the question that many friends have been asking after seeing a death announcement in some WhatsApp groups and Facebook. The curiosity behind these inquiries was sparked when they saw the description "son of Radhagopi Menon, the first president of Muttil mosque" along with the obituary of Mr. Kalathil Divakaran, a native of Muttil.

The matter is true. Radhagopi Menon was not a native of Wayanad. He came to Wayanad from Anakara in Malappuram district. He arrived in 1936 as an accountant in an estate established by the Pierce Leslie Company in the mountains that include Chembra Peak near Meppadi. Later, he settled permanently in Muttil after becoming an employee in the Variyad estate, which was its sub-division.

He was born into a rich family in Anakara. He is the brother of A.V. Kuttimalu Amma, the wife of Kodipperuthara Madhavan Menon, who was a minister in the Madras Assembly and a prominent leader of the national movement in Kerala. It was from Kuttimalu Amma, who went to jail with a child during the freedom struggle, that Radhagopi Menon was inspired to join the national movement. He was a graduate, a moderate speaker, and a consensus builder. He came forward to protect the rights of workers and to propagate Gandhian ideas among the common people.

Radhagopi Menon was a devout Hindu who was also the leader of the Muttil Mahavishnu Temple and the Mahallu Committee. The Muslim community in the village unanimously elected him as the manager of their Juma Masjid. He was a man of peace and love, and he welcomed worshippers to the mosque with a smile on his face every Friday.

Menon managed the mosque's finances with care and precision. He was a fair and just arbiter of disputes between mosque residents. As his public responsibilities grew, he called a meeting of the mosque's leaders and handed over the administration to them.

Menon founded the AUP School at Cherumuly in Muttil. He later donated the school to the Wayanad Muslim Orphanage. When asked why he was doing this, he said, "I am entrusting my child to the hands of those who deserve it."

Radhagopi Menon died in 1989 at the age of 84. He was a truly remarkable man who showed that it is possible for people of different faiths to work together for the common good.

His son, Divakaran, who died recently, and his other son, Ramdasan, provided valuable support to the author of the book "Wayanad Villages" in his research on the history of Muttil. The author is grateful for their contributions.”

The election of Radhagopi Menon as the manager of the Juma Masjid in Muttil is a significant event in the history of Kerala. It shows that Muslims in Kerala were open to the participation of people from other religions in their religious affairs. This is a sign of the growing integration of Kerala's diverse communities.

Menon's legacy is one of tolerance and understanding. He showed that it is possible for people of different faiths to work together for the common good. His story is an inspiration to all of us who believe in the power of peace and love.