Bhatkal: Renowned businessman and former chairman of the Urban Cooperative Bank, Mohtisham Mohammed Saib Mande, passed away on Tuesday at a private hospital in Mangaluru. He was 77 years old.
According to family sources, he had slipped and fallen about five days ago, after which he was taken to a private hospital in Mangaluru for treatment. His condition remained stable, but he suddenly passed away on Tuesday morning. As the news of his demise spread, a wave of grief swept across Bhatkal, leaving his well-wishers in deep shock.
Mohammed Saib Mande was a devout, sociable, and philanthropic individual. His close associate, Mohammed Hussain Kharuri, recalled that when Mande joined the Urban Cooperative Bank in 1986, it was in a dire state. However, after being elected chairman, he worked diligently and competently to put the bank on the path to success.
During his tenure, the bank witnessed remarkable growth. Initially, it functioned as just a cooperative society, but he obtained approval from the Reserve Bank of India to transform it into a full-fledged bank. He also oversaw the construction of a permanent building for the bank, the establishment of multiple branches, and the overall strengthening of its foundation.
In the 1980s and 1990s, when the Janata Party emerged as a strong political force and Ramakrishna Hegde became Chief Minister in 1984, Mande had close ties with him. He also maintained strong relations with political leaders like R.V. Deshpande.
He was once offered a ticket to contest the Bhatkal Assembly constituency elections but declined to enter politics without the approval of the prominent Muslim community organization, Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem. He was also a close associate of the late political leader Hafizka Saheb.
Mohammed Saib Mande was one of the founding directors of Bhatkal’s renowned Shifa Nursing Home. He was actively involved in the Bhatkal Merchant Association and the National Highway Horata Samiti.
After completing his Second PUC, he initially pursued a career in the medical field, completing one year of studies before switching to the automobile business. He traveled to various cities to establish an automobile service and agency in Bhatkal, ultimately establishing himself as a successful businessman.
He owned a Hero Bike showroom on Bhatkal National Highway and a business complex on Marikatta Main Road. He also involved his four sons in the business, while his family includes his wife and two daughters.
According to his family, his body was brought to his residence in Usman Nagar, Bhatkal, around 1 PM from the hospital in Mangaluru. His funeral prayer was scheduled to take place at the Tanzeem Juma Masjid in Nawayath Colony after the Taraweeh prayers, followed by burial in the nearby cemetery.
Several members of social and educational organizations in Bhatkal extended their condolences to his family and prayed for his forgiveness.
State Minister and Uttara Kannada District In-Charge Minister Mankal Vaidya, along with former Karnataka Minister and Haliyal MLA R.V. Deshpande, also expressed deep sorrow over his demise.
In his condolence message, Deshpande said, "I am deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Mohammed Saib Mande. He served the underprivileged in various sectors and organized several medical camps. His political and social contributions are unforgettable."
May Allah grant the deceased a high place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give patience to his bereaved family.