Maliku Development Society Minicoy

Late Janab. Ali Ismail Umeri, Founder & First Chairman, Maliku Development Society (MDS)

Late Janab. Ali Ismail Umeri was a visionary community leader, eminent religious scholar, distinguished academic, and cultural contributor whose foresight laid the foundation for the Maliku Development Society (MDS) in 1997. His life was devoted to education, faith, language, and the collective upliftment of the Maliku/Minicoy community.

Academic Excellence and Scholarly Distinction
The Late Janab. M. Ali Ismail Umeri held the prestigious degree of Afzalul Ulama from Madras and Maulvi degree from Darussalaam,Umerabad, reflecting his deep scholarship in religious and academic disciplines. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to education, he was honored with the Best Teacher Award by the President of India, a rare and distinguished achievement that testified to his dedication, discipline, and influence as an educator.
An academic and poet, Janab. Umeri used education and literature as instruments to shape values, inspire thought, and strengthen cultural identity.

Service as Religious Scholar and Educator
As a respected religious scholar, Janab. Umeri served the Maliku community with distinction as the Khateeb of Juma Masjid and as the Principal of Madarasa Mifthah Ul Ulhoom from 25 May 1984 to 8 April 1999. Prior to his appointment as Khateeb of Juma Masjid, he also served as Principal of Madarasa Darussalaam, contributing significantly to religious education and moral guidance within the community. Through these roles, he played a pivotal part in shaping generations with knowledge, faith, and ethical values.

Contribution to Language, Literature, and Media
A proud son of Minicoy, Janab. Umeri made notable and lasting contributions to his mother tongue, known as Mahl in Minicoy and Divehi-Bas in the Maldives. He strongly believed that language is the soul of a community and worked tirelessly to preserve and promote linguistic heritage.
He also served as a script writer as well as announcer for Akashvani, Calicut (Mahal Section), further extending the reach of Mahal language and culture. Janab. Umeri authored numerous songs and poems for the community and contributed poetry to Mahal language text books.

Among his most famous and remarkable literary works are:

“Nana: Nidha Nidha Loabi Magay Vaa Dhariya” --- written on 9 September 1966
“Fathihuge Mudhima Bangidhineema” --- written on 3 July 1968
“Hamdhaa Sanaayi Sukuraa, La Hikuve vodivellavva” --- written on .................
“A afaa Hindhu Muslim Akhunnay” --- written on .........................
These works continue to hold cultural and emotional significance within the community.

Vision & Founding of MDS
Janab. Umeri envisioned a structured and inclusive platform to address the social, educational, and cultural needs of the community. This vision led to the establishment of the Maliku Development Society in 1997, bringing together committed individuals to work collectively for community development.

Role as Founder and Leader
As the Founder and first Chairman of MDS, he established the Society’s guiding principles:
Education as the foundation of progress
Service before self
Transparency and integrity in leadership
Preservation of cultural and linguistic identity alongside development
Under his leadership, MDS earned trust and respect as a people-centered institution.

Legacy
Though no longer with us, Late Janab. Ali Ismail Umeri’s legacy continues to guide the Maliku Development Society. His vision, scholarship, and service laid a strong institutional and moral foundation, enabling MDS to continue its mission under subsequent leadership.