Mangaluru : social reformer and educationist Harekala Hajabba, as he moved to his new house at New Padpu in Harekala near Konaje on the outskirts of the City on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Hajabba – who is popularly known as Akshara Santha (the saint of alphabets) – thanked all the donors.

Guruvappa N T Balepuni, who reported about Hajabba for the first time, spoke on the occasion and said that Hajabba’s life story had become a part of the syllabus prescribed by three universities – Davanagere, Kuvempu and Mangalore. “His success story will be included in the Tulu textbook of Class 7 in future,” he added.

Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said Hajabba’s love and respect for his village was an inspiration to all. “His life shows how one can bring about positive change in the society,” he added.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said, “People have a general tendency to point their fingers at the government when it comes to development. But what one can contribute to the development of society is evident from the life of Hajabba. He is a real social worker and his service to the field of education is the service of God. His school is a model in the country.”

Hajabba felicitated Khader, Kateel, UCA President Alben Menezes, Contractor Piyush Monteiro and Balepuni on the occasion.

MUDA Commissioner B A Nazeer, UCA Vice President Francis D’Costa, Zilla Panchayat Member N S Karim, Taluk Panchayat Member Mohammed Musliar and Harekala Gram Panchayat President Anita D’Souza were present at the house warming ceremony. Tajuddin Madani performed the dua.

Hajabba, an orange vendor by profession, who did not have elementary education, has built a primary school at his village Harekala. The school has now been upgraded to a composite high school and is catering to the educational needs of hundreds of children.

He wandered from pillar to post – starting from the local Zilla Panchayat member – to make his dream come true. But, even when his dream was realised, Hajabba’s financial condition was not good. Apart from the Harekala school, the other possession Hajabba had was his house. But this house, which had a tiled roof and was not in good condition, also worried Hajabba.

In 2014, Hajabba, was admitted to a hospital as he was under psychological stress. This was when the United Christians Association (UCA) President Alben Menezes and other office-bearers met and assured him of doing the needful.

They also noted that the residence of Hajabba was in a dilapidated condition. The foundation stone of the new house was laid on September 15, 2015. The 760-square foot house is situated close to Hajabba’s old house, and has been constructed at a cost of about Rs 15 lakh.

The organisation managed to collect Rs 1.5 lakh from donors and the rest was borne by the UCA President Alben Menezes.