Advocates of DK Who Made Unique Contributions to Society as Public Representatives: UT Fareed

Advocates of DK Who Made Unique Contributions to Society as Public Representatives: UT Fareed

A Biographical Series on Advocates of the Undivided Dakshina Kannada District Who Made Unique Contributions to Society as Public Representatives

Late U. T. Fareed, Advocate, Former MLA, Ullal Legislative Assembly Constituency

U. T. Fareed is remembered by the people of coastal Karnataka as a respected personality who rendered dedicated service for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden, and for his significant contributions to the political, social, religious, and educational fields.

Born on 15.07.1938, Fareed completed his primary education at SAT (Shrimad Anantheshwara Temple School), Manjeshwar; his graduation at Government College, Mangaluru, and St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru; and his legal education in Bengaluru.

He began his professional career as an advocate in Mangaluru in 1967. In the initial years, he practiced as a junior advocate in the office of the late U. R. Kini, a renowned advocate of Mangaluru.

Later, he entered politics and emerged as a prominent leader of the Youth Congress at the state level. He also held positions as Vice President of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) and the Youth Congress.

Recognizing his abilities, the Congress High Command gave him the opportunity to contest from the Ullal Legislative Assembly Constituency. In 1972, in his very first attempt, U. T. Fareed contested as the Indian National Congress candidate from Ullal—a constituency considered a stronghold of the Communists—and defeated former MLA late Comrade A. Krishna Shetty to get elected. He thus entered the Legislative Assembly as a young leader of the Beary Muslim community of coastal Karnataka.

U. T. Fareed earned the title of “a man without enemies” in the Ullal constituency. He served four terms as an MLA with firm commitment to the development of the constituency. Honoured as a “Sadan Veera” (a valiant member of the House) in the Legislative Assembly, he won the affection of the people in two consecutive terms in 1972 and 1978. Even though he was denied a party ticket in a later term, U. T. Fareed remained patient and continued to work tirelessly for both the constituency and the Congress party.

Whether in power or not, he remained dedicated to serving the people and loyal to the party. Throughout his life, by holding various positions in the State Congress, he made a substantial contribution to the growth of the Congress party.

After a gap of 21 years, he was again given a ticket in 1999 to contest from the Ullal constituency and emerged victorious. He continued his winning streak in the 2004 elections as well.

Beyond politics, U. T. Fareed was deeply involved in various dimensions of life in Mangaluru. He played a significant role in social, educational, religious, and banking spheres. He cared deeply for people from all sections of society and was known to be a calm and sensitive individual.

He never indulged in vilifying others in politics. Instead, he patiently listened to the problems of the people and helped find solutions.

He always acted with integrity and never misused his authority. He did not intervene to protect anyone who had committed wrongdoing and instructed police officers to perform their duties honestly.

U. T. Fareed humbly declined the offer of a ministerial position twice—in 1972 and 1978—made by then Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, thereby following the ideals of late Ullal Srinivas Mallya, former Member of Parliament and a pioneer of modern Mangaluru. He installed a statue of Ullal Srinivas Mallya at the Tokkottu highway circle, which was later removed during the widening of the National Highway.

U. T. Fareed’s public welfare initiatives can be seen in Harekal village, where he constructed houses for many poor and underprivileged families. In recognition of his generosity, the villagers named that locality “Fareed Nagar” in his memory.

Family:

U. T. Fareed was married to Naseema, daughter of Haji Abdul Khader Kadabakkar and Mariyamma of Mulimajalu, Kadaba. They had five children—four sons and one daughter.

His eldest son, U. T. Muhammad Ali Imtiyaz, is a medical doctor. His second son, U. T. Khader, is an advocate who, following in his father’s footsteps, served four consecutive terms as an MLA from Dakshina Kannada district, as a State Minister and District In-charge Minister, and is presently serving as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. His third son, Dr. U. T. Iftikhar, is a member of the Senate of Rajiv Gandhi University. His youngest son, U. T. Zulfiqar, serves as the Chairman of the Naseema Fareed Institute of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

All four sons, along with their only daughter Zeenath, are actively engaged in social service through the “UT Fareed Foundation, Mangaluru.”

Demise:

Tragically, U. T. Fareed passed away on 6 February 2007 at the age of 68 due to a brief illness, before completing his final legislative term.

✍️ Prakash Nayak, Senior Shirasthedar, Judicial Department, D.K.