Hajibhai Muljibhai Bhanvadia

Hajibhai Muljibhai Bhanvadia was born in Chitravad in 1907. From a very young age, he became involved in community service. Around the age of 15, he migrated to Bombay. In 1933, he joined the Boys Scout volunteer group. In 1935, he became a member of the Mevawala Panjebhai Group. Members of this group used to send dry fruits free of charge on behalf of the Panjebhai Group to places where spiritual gatherings (Ruhani Majlis fairs) were held.

In 1935, he was appointed as a Council Member of the Momin Jamat, a position in which he served for 28 years until 1967.

In 1939, a large religious gathering (Majlis/Mela) was held in Junagadh, and the entire responsibility of the event was handled by the Volunteer Group. Hajibhai served twice as President of the Mevawala Panjebhai Group. Until 1973, he continued to serve as a volunteer at various community fairs and gatherings. In 1936, the Golden Jubilee was celebrated in Bombay, and the responsibility of arranging accommodation for the Kathiawad Momin Jamat was entrusted to Vazir Hajibhai.

Hajibhai immediately began preparations with his team. It was decided to arrange accommodation for the entire Jamat in an empty floor near Hasam Premji’s building. Across the building lived Meherali Harjibhai, who asked Valjibhai Mandan, the head of the volunteer group, how many days the Jamat would stay. Valjibhai replied 10 to 15 days, after which Meheralibhai arranged meals for everyone.

The Golden Jubilee of 1936 gave him valuable experience. In 1937, the Momin Panjebhai Club was established with the aim of creating awareness and promoting education within the Momin Jamat.

In 1938, the Malia Hatina Credit Society was established, in which Hajibhai played an important role. Alibhai Rana Dinani, President of the Credit Society, honored him with a letter of appreciation.

During the Partition of India and Pakistan, when fear and unrest prevailed in the Junagadh region, Mukhi Hajibhai, along with his team, met Abdullabhai Sumar Shivji, the President of the Ismailia Association for India, and expressed their desire to go to Junagadh to reassure the Jamat. They suggested that obtaining a letter from Morarji Desai would make the task easier. Through Fazalbhai, who had close relations with Morarji Desai, they visited Desai’s office and obtained a letter addressed to Minister Buch of Rajkot. From Rajkot another letter was written to Junagadh Minister Shree Shankar, and with these letters they reached Junagadh on 20 February 1947.

They presented the letters to the police authorities and visited all 28 villages where the Momin community lived, holding meetings to promote peace, cooperation, and brotherhood. This was a difficult mission but it greatly reassured the Jamat. In this effort, Kamabhai Nanji Parmar, who handled the correspondence and administration of the Panjebhai Club, also rendered valuable service.

He served as a member for 12 years until 1961, and was again appointed as a member from 1968 to 1971. During this period, when riots occurred in Ahmedabad, he also took part in relief and organizational work alongside leaders including Vazir President Ismailbhai Jafarbhai, Nur Mohammadbhai, Itmadi Akbar Alibhai, Vazir Isabhai, and Khanbhai Premji.

He was awarded the title of Rai in 1951 and the title of Itmadi in 1957.

From 1952 to 1983, he served as a member of the Girls’ Academy in Rajkot. He also served for 10 years (1957–1966) as a member of Platinum Jubilee Investment. Additionally, he served as Mukhi of the Walkeshwar Mevawala Jamat from 1954 to 1960.

In 1957, he was appointed President of the Malia Hatina Mela Committee for the visit of Mawlana Shah Karim al-Husayni. At that time Habib Keshavji was the Honorary Secretary of the Supreme Council Rajkot.

On 18 March 1958, the Imam visited the office of the Kathiawad Supreme Council Gujarat at Rajkot Junction Plot and also visited the Aga Khan Boys’ Hostel in Rajkot. The photograph taken at the time of his entry into the hostel shows Vazir Musabhai Daya, the Imam, Chief Captain Hajibhai Mulji holding the ceremonial umbrella, Vazir Chhaganbhai Nanji Bhadlawala, and Vazir Ismailbhai Tarmohamed Madhani. In the background, Missionary Jafarali Sufi can also be seen. (See Picture-2)

Upon the passing of Hazarat Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah (A.S.), Hajibhai was among those fortunate to travel to Aswan to attend the funeral rites. In 1957, he was also blessed with the opportunity to receive the Didar of Hazarat Imam Shah Karim al-Husayni in Pakistan.

In 1951, for the construction of a new building for the Aga Khan Hostel at Malia Hatina (See Picture-3), he travelled to Africa and collected a contribution of 26,000 shillings. Additionally, 30,000 rupees were sanctioned through the Platinum Jubilee Investment. With these funds, the construction of the new hostel building began. In this project, N. J. Hadwani and Noorali Kanjibhai rendered significant service. He served as the President of the Aga Khan Hostel for 15 years and also worked as a member for more than 10 years.

Rajkot on 18-3-1958. Imam going to Visit from Supreme Council Gujarat office to Aga khan Boys Hostel Rajkot (L to R) Vazir Musabhai Dayabhai Velji, Imam Shah Karim, Vazir Chief Captain Hajibhai Mulji with Umbrella, Vazir Chhaganbhai Nanji Bhadlawala, Vazir Ismailbhai Tarmahamad Madhani, Back side Missionary Jafferali SufiRajkot on 18-3-1958.
Malia Hatina Agakhan Hostel

In 1971, when he retired as a member of the Supreme Council, Hasanali Ghulamhussein Nathani, the Honorary Secretary of the Kathiawad Council, wrote him a letter conveying congratulations and appreciation for his long and dedicated services.

In 1972, when the President of Uganda, Idi Amin, ordered Asians to leave the country, 97 Ismaili families comprising 294 individuals who had been living in Uganda arrived in Bombay, India by steamer. Arrangements for their accommodation and meals were made through the Ismaili Helping Society, and a full team of volunteers was deployed to serve them. This operation continued for more than three months.

In 1977, he was appointed Chief Captain in the Volunteer Group. At that time Ibrahim Moosa Patel was serving in the rank of Major (Major ODC). He presented him with an appointment letter accompanied by affectionate prayers and blessings, encouraging him to render greater service to Imam-e-Zaman.

In August 1978, when a dispute arose within the Amarapur Gir Jamat, the Kathiawad Council of Gujarat (Rajkot) requested him to travel to Amarapur to help resolve the conflict. Accompanied by Hasambhai Nanji, he stayed there for 15 days and, together with the officials of the Regional Council, successfully mediated and brought about a peaceful settlement.

In 1982, the Silver Jubilee Felicitation Committee was formed for the forthcoming visit of Hazarat Imam Shah Karim al-Husayni Salwatullah Alaihi to Malia Hatina. Upon his appointment, he took charge of organizing the work with a team of volunteers. At that time, the Convenor of the Malia Visit Committee was N. J. Hadwani. On 11 July 1983, in recognition of his services, the Imam conferred upon him the title of Vazir. Letters of congratulations were sent to him by Vazir Isabhai Nurmohamed, Honorary Secretary of the Girls’ Academy Rajkot, by Mukhi Abbas Kanji and Kamadia Jamal Kanji of the Sangodra Jamat, and by Mukhi Amirali Jamal and Kamadia Mamadbhai Jiva of Chitravad. These letters have remained cherished mementos of appreciation.

He also supported the Aga Khan Girls’ Hostel in Rajkot by donating Life Patronship contributions in the names of his parents, Muljibhai Valabhai Bhanvadia and Ladubai Muljibhai Bhanvadia. Throughout his service, he received continuous guidance and encouragement from Lieutenant Colonel Pir Muhammad V. Madhani and Major E. V. Patel. The President of the Supreme Council, Abdul Hamid Hasanali, and Honorary Secretary Ghulamhussein Amarshi also consistently encouraged the dedicated services of Vazir Hajibhai Muljibhai Bhanvadia.

In addition to the details included above in the book, further information was obtained from his nephew Alwaez Rai Saheb Chhotubhai Samanani, who currently resides in Delta Society, Mira Road, Bombay. According to him:

“Vazir Hajibhai Muljibhai Bhanvadia passed away in Wadi, Bombay, sometime between 1985 and 1995, although the exact year is not known. His wife was Vazir Banu Rajiben. After the passing of the late Vazir, the Imam graciously bestowed a Mubarak Talika for the eternal peace of his soul and granted special prayers and blessings. They had no children.

He had two brothers:

(1) Virjibhai, who lived in Wadi, Mumbai, and
(2) Kamruddinbhai, who lived in Pydhonie, Mumbai.

Both have since passed away by the grace of God.”

(Sources: Article and picture-1 and 2 collected from Book of “Vazir Hajibhai Muljibhai na jivan prasango” by Editor shree Nurdin G. Darediya first edition 1988 Total page 1 to 35) and Picture-3 are collected from Archives of Hostel Malia Hatina)