Family History

Haji Seyad Casseem Maraikayar ( 5.11.1895 to 11.7.1962)

He was born to Abdur Razack Maraikayar and Rahmath Zulaiha in Udangudi Village formerly a part of Thirunelveli district presently located Tuticorin dist, on 5.11.1895, in a very simple agricultural family.

His Siblings:

1. Abdul Kader
2. Kithir Beevi
3. Syed Fathima
4. Yahya Ummal
5. Halima Ummal

His Wife : Ummu Kuldum Asma Beevi

His Children

1. Haji S.C.M.Shiek Mohamed. 1.08.1923 to 28.07.2010.
2. Haji S.C.Abdur Razack. 05.10.1926 to 04.12.2002
3. Hajiani Jamila Beevi. 27.08.1928
4. Hajiani Latheefa Beevi. 24.01.1930
5. Haji S.C.M. Haniffa. 14.08.1931 to 09.11.1996.
6. Haji S.C.M.Zakeriya. 02.07.1933 to 09.05.1999
7. Haji S.C.M.Jamaldeen. 23.12. 1940 to 17.09.2014.

Early Life

In the early 1900’s when India and Srilanka were ruled by the British Raj it was the norm for aspiring youngsters and their parents in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India to send their children to the Island of Sri Lanka to earn a living, due to this practice many people had travelled by boat via Mandapam camp to the island. When Haji Seyad Casseem attained a mature age his mother sent him to Sri Lanka through some elder member of the village, he initially worked in many places and later started a small trading business in Colombo, Sri Lanka then known as Serendib and Ceylon, which along with India was a part of the British empire. He established a small shop in Puthu kadai which was also known as “Beedi Shop” dealing in Iron scrap.

During this time he had his residence in Peer Sahib Street. Later on he moved his business to Prince street where it is said as per his youngest son Janab S.C.M Jamaldeen, The well known Shuaib Alim from Kilakarai had worked under him.

Business

During this time the business was growing in size and profitability, by Allah(swt)’s grace and by his sheer will power & hard work, he was dealing in scrap from machineries bought from the tea and rubber estates owned by British & exporting it to Japan and the Far east.

At this time one T.P Abdur Rahman from Puduvayal near Trichy was invited by Haji Seyad Casseem to become a Director in company , it is to be noted that T.P. Abdur Rahman was a cook in K.N.Abdul Cader Rawther & Company, Haji Seyad Casseem seeing his sincerity and sensing his talent in business had given him this offer.

Under Haji Seyad Casseem’s able leadership the company started growing and K.N.Abdul Ckader Rawther & Co,Became the sole distribution agents in the Island for many European and American brands such as Caterpillar, Brooke motors UK, Kirloskar Engines India, Listerpetter generators, Nichlson & Files, Willy’s engines, Puttallam cement, Kankesanthurai Cement, Crown Paints, Srilankan Steel corporation, in addition to this the company also had a machine tools division. Later after the group merged with Hameed and Ahamed & co and ventured into construction, Srilani mosquito nets and asbestos.

During 1946 - 1947 the later to be President of Pakistan Janab Liaqath Ali Khan had visited Pettai, in Tirunelveli district for a programme wherein he gave a lecture which was translated by one Sheik Ibrahim, who was working at the post office and had happened to know English and Urdu. Haji Seyad Casseem employed him as his secretary, since he had to deal with many foreigners and unfortunately he did not know English. His partner T.P.Abdur Rahman had to part ways due some issues with Haji Seyad Casseem’s Brother Abdul Kade, Haji Seyad Casseem was saddened by his departure since he was not only a partner in addition, he was a good friend. He helped him establish a company at the very next door by the name “T.P.Abdur Rahman and Company”, which became a competitor to K.N.Abdul Cader Rawther and Company, the competition between them was healthy and they remained good friends. When T.P.Abdur Rahman passed away Haji Seyad Casseem was in Tirunelveli, he was very much in grief. This shows the true character of a Muslim to be honest, transparent and to trust each other.

Hajj

He performed his Hajj in the year 1947 along with his wife Ummu Kuldhum Asma Beevi, his sister Yahya Ummal, his friend Shavan Muna, along with his secretary Janab Sheik Ibrahim and Shajahan who was a cook to accompany him during his pilgrimage all of whom he had sponsored to accompany him. In the year 1952 his wife Asma Beevi fell ill and was diagnosed with cancer, she was taken to Madras for treatment but eventually succumbed to illness and passed away on 17.03.1953, she was buried in Ameerunisa Burial Ground, Royapettah.

Nellai Lodge

During the year 1951 Nellai Lodge was established in Tirunelveli Junction in a 1.7 acre land , this was a paddy field and was converted into a lodging and residential complex, Nellai Coffee and Casseem’s Stores.

In 1958 his sons moved on to Madras in India due to citizenship issues in Sri Lanka created by the then Bandaranayake government’s policy of quit India, which was a Sinhala nationalistic policy. Seeing no future in the Island anymore. Under the leadership of his 3rd Son Haji S.C.M. Haniffa, United Trading Corporation was established in Langs Garden Road, Pudupet. Later on the company was moved to Sembudos Street in Broadway, Madras. The name of the company was changed to Kasim Trading Corporation popularly known and KTC, this was a partnership concern. KTC was trading in Iron, Steel, Tarpaulins etc. Madras Steel Trading Corporation was founded by his son S.C.M Jamaldeen in the year 1966.

It is to be noted that Haji Seyad Casseem was the single person who turned a otherwise simple agricultural family to an enterprising corporate, importing and exporting company, he had seen both world wars and seen the pains of it. He did not relish with his success and was not selfish in his ambitions but rather he was generous. He brought his entire family including his sibling’s families to Colombo where he educated them and gave them shares of the company and treated them like his own children in all respects hence made their families self-sufficient.

From the year 1950 to 1955 he had built houses in Udangudi his hometown, for all his sons and daughters, he also built the government hospital along with the maternity block in Udangudi. He was the founding President of the Madrasa Mohamedia which was also built by him for which he had founded a trust in his name to fund the Madrasa. A building was bought for this purpose in Thirunelveli town and later this was sold and another property was bought in Palayamcottai. The Tirunelveli Junction Mosque was renovated and expanded by him in the year 1953, later in the year 1963 after his demise, his sons extended the mosque further. Since the year 1950 onwards he gradually started losing his eyesight. All efforts to cure this in spite of taking treatment in Madras was in vain. As a result he had started withdrawing from active business since 1950 and his sons particularly Haji S.C.Abdur Razack was taking the major decisions from 1957 onwards.

In 1962 May, 5th his youngest and last son got married . By this time His health was deteriorating and he passed away on 11.7.1962. Thus, came to an end a life time of our Grand Father who has been an inspiration to many who knew him.

Get the whole profit and the sharing is entirely among themselves.

John Lewis

Prominent Individuals among his heirs

Haji S.C.M.Sheik Mohamed

His eldest son Haji S.C.M.Shiek Mohamed, was the Udangudi Panchayat Board Chairman from 1953 to 1957. He was also a member of the Tamil nadu Wakf Board from 1974-79 moreover he was the President of Mohideen Pallivasal, Kalangudiirrupu, Udangudi

Haji S.C.A.Razack

He was the President of the Thirunelveli Junction Mosque. He remained as Managing Director of K.N. Abdul Cader Rawther & Co until 1978, he also diversified to whole provisions by taking over O.S.M & Company, Mawatha Gama in 1976. He was an enterprising and an outspoken individual who also established Serendib Industries, Colombo which manufactured Umbrellas and Suitcases. Later in the year 1978 established Razack Garment Industries, Colombo. Which manufactured and exported garments to USA and Europe. He was pivotal in converting the Tirunelveli property to a well renowned Boarding and Lodging establishment which is still a landmark in Tirunelveli,Tamil nadu, India

In 1923 Spedan Lewis married Sarah Beatrice Hunter, a graduate of Somerville College, Oxford, and a buyer within the company from 1922. They had three children, John Hunter (1924-1932), Jill (1927-1968) and Edward Grosvener (1929-2008). Sarah Lewis became deputy chairman of the company, and remained so until her death in 1953.

Haji S.C.M Haniffa

Sri Lanka became independent in 04.02.1948, with the coming to power of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headed by S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike government In 1956, with its Sinhala nationalistic agenda which pushed the quit India policy, the situation was not very encouraging to continue business as normal in Sri Lanka, with many people of Indian origin moving back to India, Haji Seyad Casseem's sons with the exception of Haji S.C.A. Razack moved back to India, Seeing no future in the Island anymore. Under the able leadership of his 3rd Son Haji S.C.M. Haniffa, United Trading Corporation was established in Langs Garden Road, Pudupet, Madras. Later on the company moved to Sembudos Street in Broadway, Madras. The name of the company was changed to Kasim Trading Corporation popularly known and KTC, this was a partnership concern. KTC was trading in Iron, Steel, Tarpaulins etc. It also diversified into manufacturing of Electrodes under the name ARC Electrodes, and also ventured into the cable business and founded Omega Cables. He also established a stationery and toys business under the name of "Children’s Corner" in Mount Road and was instrumental in establishing Hajee A.M. Abdul Cader & Co, in Kotwal Chavadi, in Chennai. a Whole sale trading company in provisions.

Haji S.C.M.Jamaldeen

His youngest son established Madras Steel Trading Corporation in 1966 trading in Iron Steel in Madras which is one of the leading supplier of Iron and Steel in Chennai to this date, he further on diversified into real estate and construction in the 1978 and established Jamal’s which is one of the oldest and leading firm in the indusrty, please refer website www.jamals.co.in for further info. He was the secretary of Measi (Muslim Educational Association Of South India) from 1996 to 2004. MEASI is the parent body which operates The New College, Measi institute of Management, Measi institute of Architecture and Measi Matriculation School all of which are renowned educational estabishments in Chennai. He was also the secretary and correspondent for The New College, Chennai. It is to be noted that during his tenure the MEASI celebrated its 100 years centenary, a new block called the “MEASI Centenary block was built at the cost of 5 crores, The Measi institute of Hotel management and Catering Technology was established, which was later converted into Measi Institute of Architecture due to Shariah Compliance, also the Measi institute of Management was established, he is presently the executive committee member. He is also the Governing body member of Anjuman –e-Himayat –e-Islam and Trustee in Tamil Nadu Haj Service Society. He is also the President of the South India Iron and hardware association for the past 20 years. Founding President of Tamil Nadu Muslim Graduates Association (TAMGRADS). Vice President CREDAI, Chennai. Founding Treasurer, United Economic Forum.

Haji M.H.Jiffry Kasim

His grandson through S.C.M.Haniffa, diversified into leather and established Asiatic Trading Company in 1989 which is a trading and a buying office for finished leather, Garments and Shoes for European and Chinese customers from the Far east. He also diversified into Fast Moving Consumer Goods(FMCG) under Axeon marketing India in 2007 and is the importer and distributor for Lueng kai Fook’s “Axe Brand Universal Oil” and other products in India. Please refer www.asiatictradingcompany.in and www.axeonindia.com. He is also the Founding Secretary of Indian Islamic Mission, established in 1996, asst secretary of Indian Welfare & Educational Trust , the founding Managing Trustee of Professional Education and Research Foundation (PERF) which is the parent organization of Preston International College and Al-Fajr International School established in 2008. He is also the founding member of “Peace Vision of Islam” exhibitions and was the active member in its founding years from 2003-2008. He is also the Chairman of Al Hasanath Trust, Chennai and Udangudi and secretary Udangudi Welfare Association Trust.

Mahboob Ali

His Grandson Mahoob Ali through Hajiani Jameela Beevi, was the legal advisor to Tamil Nadu Industrial Investments Corporation (TIIC) and retired as the Asst General Manager.

Mohamed Yousuf

His grand son Mohamed Yousuf through Hajiani Latheefa Beevi was the Former Joint Director of DRUGS CONTROL, Govt of Tamil Nadu, In charge of manufacturing of Drugs – Quality Control and Quality assurance of Drugs available to General public. He is also the Managing Partner of Kammy Expo Links, M/S. Concern Pharma, CEO of K&Y consultancy. He was the founder & technical director of Grandix Pharmaceutical Ltd and the Indian Pharmaceuticals Association (TN) President.
His Accolades include

1. 1. Tamilnadu Pharmaceuticals Science Welfare Trust-Joint Secretary
2. 2. TANIPA TRUST – Secretary
3. 3. Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Graduate Trust –Secretary
4. 4. Non Academic Member in Madras University
5. 5. ANNA NAGAR ISLAMIC CENTRE –MASJID JAVEED –SECRETARY
6. 6. ANNA NAGAR BAITULMAL -SECRETARY
7. 7. TAMIL NADU MUSLIM GRADUATE ASSOCIATION -E.C MEMBER
8. 8. MASJID RAHMATH – KOLATHUR – PRESIDENT
9. 9. MASJID E. MADINA – RED HILLS – MANAGING TRUSTEE
10. 10. MASJID E. JANNATH - VYASARBADI - VICE PRESIDENT
11. 11. MASJID AL FALAH - RAZACK GARDEN - PRESIDENT
12. 12. RECEIPIANT OF “BEST PHARMACIST AWARDS” From HIS EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR OF TAMILNADU – SHRI. SUDHIR SINGH BARNALA.
13. 13. PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM HIS EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR CHATTISGARH– SHRI .K.SEKHAR DUTT –
14. 14. LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM Vels University pharmaceutical sciences Chennai.
15. 15.ISLAMIA ILAHIYA KAZHAKAM Award for Islamic writer from Justice G.M. Akbar Ali. Madras High court Chennai
17. 16 . President Udangudi Welfare Association Trust.

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

Thomas Jefferson

Throughout his life Lewis was a keen and active natural historian. From 1933 until his death he was a fellow of the Linnean Society, which awards its John Spedan Lewis Medal for contributions to conservation. In retirement, Spedan Lewis lived at Longstock Park, near the village of Longstock in Hampshire. Upon his death, in accordance with his wishes he was buried at sea.