Kassim Mitha Budhwani

Children

Kassam Mitha Budhwani's father Mithabhai Ratansi Budhwani was born in Dhoraji, British Indiain 1844.

Kamadia Mithabhai died on May 1, 1928 at 3.15 a.m. in Dhoraji.

Kamadia Mithabhai had three sons, Karmali, Kassam and Nuruddin, each of them were nicknamed Budhwani.

Kassam Budhwani was born in 1890 in Dhoraji, studied up to 5th grade and joined his father's business in the prime of life. He showed dedication since childhood. The Imam visited Rajkot for didar on February 20, 1910. He took a pot of flowers at the main gate of pendol to be presented.

His business was to toast grams, but then decided to open later on a grocery shop. The daily sale was Rs. 10/- only, but due to his hard work and honesty, the sale increased from Rs. 1500/- to Rs. 2000/-

He was fair with all of his customers, whether he sold them an item worth a penny or a thousand rupees. He never claimed excess profit on any item, and the influx of the customers was so high that the six weighing scales in his shop became insufficient.

He was noted in his city for his generosity and helped the destitute secretly. His treatment in any matter was alike with the Muslims and Hindus. He dispelled their social problems and there was not a single week passed without being becoming their mediator. He worked in arranging marriages of Muslims and Hindus and helped them financially. His behaviour with people was commonly fraternal and sweet, and he became so popular in the state that the renowned Maharajas called him, Khandwala Kassambhai recognizing sweetness in his speech.

When a flood devastated Dhoraji, the merchandise of the merchants washed away in the flood. In the catastrophe, he gave them goods on credit without profit motive and got their business flourished. He himself bore the loss of five thousand rupees, which could not be recovered. He also exempted another five thousand rupees to the shopkeepers who were unable to refund him. The local Hindus were so struck with his selfless services that they called him their Saviour. Sir Bhagatsingh Bahadur, the head of the Gondal State himself came to his shop with his family when he was helping the stricken people, and celebrated his valuable services.

The Imam said to Alijah N.M. Budhwani at the bungalow of Rai Kassamali Manji Nathoo that, 'I have claimed that your elder brother has become a Shahid, a martyred one. Now you put off the mourning clothes.'

In Junagadh, the Imam sent a written talika on February 13, 1939 and said to place a portrait of Alijah Shahid Kassim Budhwani in the Dhoraji Jamatkhana and in the hall of Supreme Council for Kathiawar, and bestowed the title of Alijah to Nuruddin, the son of Shahid Kassim.

Kassim Budhwani had three sons, who later on came to live in Dhaka and Barisal in Bangladesh, Aitmadi Nuruddin, Alijah Shamsuddin, Alijah Bahadurali and a daughter, Khatija.

Few words must be added for Nuruddin Mitha Budhwani, better known as N.M. Budhwani, whose meritorious services in Dhoraji in the field of journalism and education were inestimable.

The Imam appreciated his invaluable services, and became the recipient of the title Alijah in 1936 during the Golden Jubilee. He was also awarded a Gold Medal, a high distinction honour. He died in September 1944. His son took over the charge of the Ismaili Aftab as a next editor till 1946.