TMMK presents awards

Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam presented ‘Manithaneya Virudhu’ awards on Tuesday to noted spiritual leader Bala Prajapati Adigalar, Human Rights activist Henry Tiphagne, noted educationist P.K. Shabbir Ahmed, journalist Veerapandian, environmental activist and chief coordinator of anti-Methane project movement T. Jayaraman, S. Ahmed Meeram, co-founder of Professional Couriers and K. Ansari, ST Courier founder.

The awards were presented to celebrate the TMMK stepping into its 31st year. Speaking at the event, TMMK founder M.H. Jawahirullah recounted TMMK’s service towards the society during the 2004 Tsunami, 2015 Chennai floods and most recently during the Covid-19 pandemic and the numerous blood donation camps.

“In October 1995, we conducted a public rally demanding separate reservation for Muslims within the Backward Classes quota. Many criticised us...many articles were written about it in magazines. But, the TMMK never let go of the demand. We conducted continuous protests - we couldn’t hold protests in 1996, 1997, 1998 and in 1999, we organised a ‘Muslim Valvurimai Maanadu’ focusing on reservation for Muslims. It is in this rally that former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said that she will never ally with the BJP again. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami should see that speech again,” he said. 

Mr. Jawahirullah recalled how the TMMK gave an ultimatum to the DMK during its 2006-11 tenure. “The then Chief Minister, K. Karunanidhi, announced that Muslims would be given 3.5% reservation in education and jobs in 2007. We should be proud of being a part of an organisation that is contributing to the social and economic development of Muslims in Tamil Nadu,” he said. 

“We have given people access to education, we have addressed social issues...but we have a long journey ahead in ensuring adequate representation in power. And our journey in that direction will continue,” he said.