Indian expat in Dubai writes book on Kerala scholar Kanthapuram central to Nimisha Priya case

Dubai: An Indian expat in Dubai has authored a tribute to a religious and humanitarian leader who is now at the centre of global attention for his role in the high-profile case in Yemen of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya.

Salam Kolikkal, a 52-year-old entrepreneur hailing from the south Indian state of Kerala, has written a 300-page book chronicling the life and work of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India, popularly known as Kanthapuram AP Abubakr Musliar.

The 96-year-old scholar is reportedly playing a vital role in negotiations to save Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse sentenced to death in Yemen on charges of murdering a Yemeni citizen whom she alleges harassed her. His mediation in the case, involving Yemeni scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz and tribal leaders, reportedly helped delay her execution, which was scheduled for July 16.

Roots of gratitude

Salam, who was orphaned at a young age and educated under Kanthapuram’s guidance in an orphanage in Kerala, told Gulf News the book is his way of expressing gratitude to the man who gave him and thousands of others a second chance at life.

“He didn’t just raise us. He didn’t let us know the lack of a guardian. He gave us dignity, education, and hope,” said Salam, now a successful businessman in Dubai.

It was when he was nine years old that Salam landed in Thurkiya orphanage run by Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya, popularly known as Markaz, established in 1978 in Kerala's Kozhikode by Kanthapuram. He went on to study in technical institutes run by the organisation.

“Ustad, that is how we, his followers, address him, sent me to the UAE 30 years ago,” recalled Salam. He said he began working at a typing centre. Later, he rose through roles in administration and HR in major companies, and eventually started his own businesses, including partnerships in some Amer centres and own ventures such as Al Arab Sweets, Bake Point and Medovic Honey Cake in the UAE. He also runs companies in India, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Peace through education 

“I’ve witnessed how Ustad struggled to raise many orphan children and later provided education to hundreds of thousands of students of different religions, with support from generous donors, including many from the UAE. Today, so many of us, including doctors, teachers, other professionals and religious scholars living in different parts of the world, owe our lives to Ustad’s vision of peace through education.”

The 300-page English book, titled “One Time One Life”, includes a foreword by Indian MP and writer Dr Shashi Tharoor. It traces Kanthapuram’s influence from the early days of the orphanage (now known as Markaz Rayhan Valley for Boys and Markaz Green Valley for Girls) to the creation of Markaz Knowledge City, a multidisciplinary township in Kaithapoyil, Kerala, and various other humanitarian initiatives.

“Ustad’s outreach extends beyond religion. He welcomes students and teachers from all faiths. My own teachers were of different faiths. Several outstanding students belonging to different religions have studied at Markaz institutes,” said Salam.

Markaz also runs a centre in Dubai, through which Kanthapuram’s followers conduct various volunteering activities in the UAE.

Serving as the president of Markaz Alumni UAE, Salam has been at the forefront of community service in Dubai and back home, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and when floods and landslides hit Kerala.

The UAE connection

The book also recounts Kanthapuram’s deep ties with the UAE, dating back to the 1970s, and his participation in initiatives such as the Sheikh Zayed International Peace Forum. Under his chairmanship, the forum commemorates the contributions of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and hosts an annual international peace summit in different countries.

Salam’s narrative highlights Kanthapuram’s long-standing humanitarian work, including projects supported by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC)—such as an educational centre for Kashmiri children, borewell installations across India, and COVID-19 food relief efforts that served more than 100,000 people daily.

“The first block of the Markaz Thurkiya orphanage was donated by a prominent Emirati citizen. Another supported the first English medium school, and a senior Emirati official donated the Quran Centre. ERC has been a consistent supporter of various initiatives of Markaz, including building several mosques and Islamic educational institutes,” explained Salam.

The book includes several photos that document Kanthapuram’s longstanding ties with global leaders, ministers, and dignitaries and the beneficiaries of his philanthropic activities.

Legacy of unity, service

“Ustad is known as an Indo-Arab cultural ambassador. He is fluent in Arabic. He even presented a welcome song during a reception for His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, during a visit to Kerala,” said Salam.

In 2021, the educationist, social worker and philanthropist was honoured with the UAE's prestigious Golden Visa.

Salam hopes the book will inspire future generations to value education, service, and cultural harmony, just as Kanthapuram has influenced him. "It is also a testament to the strong ties between India and the UAE, and I thank the UAE leaders and donors who have supported Ustad's initiatives."

Salam began working on the book five years ago, compiling the first draft in Malayalam before translating it to English with the help of his children. A Delhi University professor edited the final manuscript.

“Writing this was my opportunity to tell the world about someone truly extraordinary. The world needs to know who Ustad is,” said Salam, who is hopeful of releasing the book next month.