Deshabandu Jezima Ismail felicitated

by M.A. Phakurdeen - Addalaichenai Gr. Cor.

“Deshabandu Jezima Ismail is an exemplary character who created revolutionary changes in the education sector of the Muslim women in the East where she was born. Her invaluable services in the field of education and the encouragement given to the Muslim women folk in the field of education at a time when Muslim were found it difficult to follow their education have now paved the way for them to follow even higher education.

As a result the education of the women folk have now far above the men’s education. So, it’s very appropriate to felicitate such a distinguished, dynamic and resourceful personality”, said Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils A.L.M. Athaullah when he delivered a special address at a felicitation ceremony to Jezima Ismail. She is one of the 500 influential Muslims in the world 2010 organised by Inter Religious Federation of Ampara District, Council of Senior Citizens of Sainthamaruthu, Kalmunai Mahmood Ladies College and East Co-ordinator’s Office of MWRAF which was held at Sir Razik Fareed Hall, Mahmud Ladies College, Kalmunai recently.

The ceremony chaired by Dr. M.I.M. Jameel was attended by educationalists from all parts of the district, trustees of mosques, religious dignitaries, representatives of the local non governmental organisations and social services organisations of the district. Prof. Mahroof Ismail, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo was the guest of honour.

Continuing further Minister Athaullah said that Deshabandu Jezima Ismail who is a close relative of mine is an inspiring and resourceful personality in the Muslim Community. Her role in the aftermath of the tsunami devastation of this area was highly commendable and praiseworthy. It was solely because of her timely assistance, the people of the area specially women folk got enthusiasm and rebuilt their lives. Her services should be continued and may Almighty God give her long life, all strength and courage to continue her services, he said.

A special souvenir published to mark the ceremony was reviewed by Asst. Director of Education V.T. Sagadevrajah and was issued by Al-Haj M.C.A. Hameed, President of CSCS and Kalmunai to the celebrity, Jezima Ismail.

Municipal Council Mayor S.Z.M. Mashoor Moulana, Former MP for Digamadulla and Sammanthurai Pradeshiya Sabha A.M.M. Nashad, former additional secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, S.H.M. Jameel, MOH Shakeela Issadeen, Former President of the Kalmunai Rotary Club Dr. Pushpalatha, religious dignitaries also spoke.