Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) chief Panakkad Muhammadali Shihab Thangal (73) died. A central figure in Kerala politics for the last three decades. Thangal, son of Panakaad Sayed Ahammed Pookoya Thangal, was born on May 4, 1936. After completing school education from M.M. High School, Kozhikode, he did his higher studies from Egypt. He got his degree in arabic literature from Cairo University.
The Panakkad Thangal family, held in high esteem by the Mappila Muslims in Malabar, traces their ancestry to the family of Prophet Muhammad.
Thangal’s role in keeping religious and social harmony even at trying times like the post-Babri Masjid demolition had been recgonised by all sections in Kerala, including the Left and the BJP.
Cutting across political and religious lines, people from all walks of life expressed grief at the death of Thangal. An Islamic scholar who specialised in Arabic literature and philosophy in Cairo University in Egypt, Thangal was also well versed in English and French.Despite being a powerful political figure, Thangal had kept away from electoral contests and never occupied any government positions.
After his schooling and religious education in Kerala, he left for Egypt for higher studies in 1958. After studying at Al Azhar University for two years, he joined Cairo University for studies for the next five years.
He took his post graduation in Arabic literature and returned to Kerala in 1965. He also established good relations with world leaders during his stay in Egypt.
Though Thangal was offered jobs in Saudi Airlines and the Egyptian Embassy, he chose to work for the people of Kerala, especially for the social and educational advancement of his community.
Thangal’s domain was not restricted to politics alone. He played an equally important role in socio-cultural fields. He served as Qazi of numerous localities and patronised a number of charitable institutions in various parts of the state.
Published: November 25, 2007
Posted in: MERAWATAN
