Late Mr. M. Ali Ismail Umeri, an eminent scholar, visionary leader, and a gifted son of Minicoy, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Though his demise created a void that can never truly be filled, his life and ideals instilled courage, resilience, and hope among the people. His dream was to strengthen the Maliku Development Society (MDS) through the collective support of dedicated men and women willing to render selfless service by contributing their time, energy, and commitment for the betterment of the community.

During the first half of 1996, a group of like-minded individuals from Minicoy Island came together, setting aside political and other differences, united by a common purpose—the welfare and progress of the island and its people. Their sincere efforts culminated in the establishment of a new non-governmental organization, the Maliku Development Society (MDS), under the stewardship of Mr. M. Ali Ismail Umeri, marking the beginning of a new era in organized community development.

The Maliku Development Society was formally inaugurated on 8 February 1997 by the then Administrator Shri Rajive Talwar, IAS, in the august presence of renowned columnist Mr. Khushwant Singh, at a well-organized public function held at the Sports Complex, Minicoy, shortly after the sighting of the Hilal for Eid-ul-Fitr. The event was attended by village Moopans, the then Island Council Chairman Mr. A. E. Hussain Manikfan, members of the Island Council, and political leaders.

On the occasion, Shri D. Ali Manikfan, then Registrar of Cooperative Societies; Late Shri Moosa Manikfan Kallikagothi, former Councillor of the Pradesh Council; and Shri S. M. Ali, Deputy Collector, Minicoy, were felicitated. Messages and greetings from eminent leaders of Lakshadweep, including Late Shri P. M. Sayeed, then Hon’ble Union Minister, and Late Dr. K. K. Mohammed Koya, were read out during the function.

Following the demise of Shri M. Ali Ismail Umeri, Dr. K. K. Donthakuru assumed charge as Chairman of MDS and guided the Society to greater heights through active involvement in developmental and educational initiatives. It is noteworthy that the Kindergarten (LKG/UKG), which began in 1997 with just 10 students, grew steadily to a strength of more than 150 students as of 31 January 2020.

MDS is proud to record that during his visit to Minicoy, the former Administrator Shri Chamanlal, IAS, visited the Kindergarten, appreciated the institution’s functioning, and assured support for its further development.

Another significant milestone in the history of MDS is the establishment of the Natural Cultural Heritage Museum, which was inaugurated on 11 February 2012 by former Administrator Shri Amarnath, IAS, in the presence of Dr. Vineta Hoon, Sociology Field Representative for South Asia. Through her NGO, the Centre for Action Research on Environment Science (CARESS), a grant-in-aid was sanctioned to MDS in 2009, in recognition of the community’s commitment to conserving 2,471 acres of marine and mangrove protected areas for a period of 20 years.

The museum showcases valuable cultural and historical artifacts meticulously collected by Shri K. G. Mohammed, Retired Senior Publicity Officer, Lakshadweep, and stands as a testament to the Society’s commitment to preserving Maliku’s natural and cultural heritage.