The 100th birth anniversary of the late Al-Haj A. R. M. Thassim, OBE, and former Mayor of Galle, fell on September 26, 2009.
Al-Haj Thassim was a well-known philanthropist from Galle. He was born on September 26, 1909 to a respectable family from Katugoda, Galle. He was the youngest in a family of four brothers - A. R. Mohamed, A. R. Abdul Hameed, A. R. Abdul Careem, A. R. M. Haniffa and three sisters, Fathima Umma, Ravia Umma and Saudia Umma. He was affectionately called “Baba Thassim” by his family and neighbours.
Al-Haj Thassim is still remembered with great love and respect. During his short life of 54 years, he rendered great service to the people of Sri Lanka, and the people of Galle in particular.
Al-Haj Thassim was the longest serving mayor of Galle. Popularly known as Mayor Thassim, he is a legend among all communities. He was a great and wise leader. Mayor Thassim regarded the people of all communities as his brothers and sisters. He entered politics to serve his fellowmen better.
Al-Haj Thassim was elected to the Galle Municipal Council in 1947 and served as Mayor of Galle from 1950 to 1951 and from 1954 to 1962.
Mayor Thassim worked hard for the development of Galle. He will be remembered for generations.
His philanthropy embraced persons of all castes, creeds and other considerations
Al-Haj Thassim was managing partner in the business firm A.R. Abdul Hameed & Bros. His elder brother A. R. Abdul Hameed Hadjiar was the senior partner.
It was Abdul Hameed Hadjiar who encouraged Al-Haj Thassim to practise philanthropy. Al-Haj Thassim married a simple girl from a respectable middle class family. His wife Mariam Beebi was the other livewire behind his philanthropy. No woman who sought her help went away disappointed.
Al-Haj Thassim took to philanthropy when he was a small but prosperous businessman. His philanthropy first extended to his needy relatives and he met their needs to their fullest satisfaction. His good works then extended to his neighbours and the people of Galle.
Al-Haj Thassim became a multi-millionaire, and he was one of Sri Lanka’s leading businessmen.
His business was in milling and the export of traditional Sri Lankan produce such as rubber, copra and coconut oil. These businesses continue today under modified names. Al-Haj Thassim’s honesty and courtesy to customers were the secret of his success in business.
While doing much for the welfare of the people of Galle, Al-Haj Thassim’s generosity went the length and breadth of Sri Lanka.
The magnificent Thassim Chest Clinic in Galle is testimony to his good deeds, regardless of race or religion.
Mayor Thassim helped numerous needy children pursue their education. Many of today’s graduates and professionals owe their success to Al-Haj Thassim’s generosity.
Mayor Thassim passed away in 1963 at the age of 54. His nephew, A. H. M. Anver, son of Mayor Thassim’s elder brother, A.R. Abdul Hameed Hadjiar, followed in his footsteps and became Mayor of Galle. Mr. Anver was also President of the All Island Sinhala-Muslim Goodwill Foundation.
Thimsy Fahim |
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