Marhum Gulamali Damji was a prominent businessman and one of the oustanding personalities in Tanganyika during Colonial time. He was among the few educated businessmen and was a leading exporter and importer of various commodities. He was an agent of the leading shippers of London “Kay Brothers”.
During the Colonial time “Congo Bank” was very popular and Marhum was appointed its adviser and broker. Being one of the renowned personalities in Dar es Salaam, he was elected President of the then “Indian Association”, a post he held for very long time. His emphasis and priority was always on the education of the masses.
The President of the Indian National Congress of India and Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga khan III took keen interest in the welfare of Asian Community of Tanganyika and maintained contact with him. During his leadership he established several Indian Schools with assistance of the Government. He was the pioneer of establishing Dahya Punja Indian Public Library of Dar es Salaam on the corner of Makunganya and India Street, which still exists. Because of his popularity with good leadership skills, the Government nominated him for positions within Dar es Salaam Township Authority, Indian Education Board and in many public organizations.
Gulamalibhai was approached by many prominent members of K.S.I Jamaat to take the leadership of community in Dar es Salaam as there was no proper constitution and many legal matters were outstanding. An election was held and he was unanimously elected President of the Jamaat. He drafted the first Constitution of the Jamaat and was approved unanimously in 1937. This constitution was used by all successive committees until it was amended in eighties. Efforts were made thereafter to update it but were unsuccessful. During Marhum’s leadership many trust properties were acquired and many trust buildings were errected. Daya Walji Madressa by kind donation from Daya Walji family was also established during his time. The famous case of Ali Wali Trust Building was resolved by him through court. He always believed in acquiring properties for future development and future generations.
In early 1920, Marhum built his bungalow in Upanga which exists till today. In those days Upanga was just like forest with many wild beasts seen roaming during night time. Many meetings of the Jamaat were held at his premises. Many members as well as non members of the community visited his place as Picnic Spot on Sundays and were served with meals by Marhum.
In Muharram, Marhum Gulamalibhai recited “Nauhas” in the Imambargha and was seen in the kitchen serving from “Dheg” whenever there was Nyaz; such was his immense dedication and passion in religion.
He left this transient world for his eternal abode on 18th September 1943 (17th Ramadhan, 1362) at the age of 50 years. The leading “Gujarati Newspaper Tanganyika Herald” whose editor was Mr. V.R. Boal published Marhum’s life in the front page of the paper, describing him as the most outstanding Asian community leader of Tanganyika. Many leaders of other communities also paid tribute to him for his dedicated and honorary services he provided so diligently.
Marhum Gulamali Damji was the prestige of K.S.I Jamaat of Dar es Salaam. He is still fondly remembered by many old time residents of Dar es Salaam.
AKBERBHAI GULAMALI DAMJI
Akber Gulamali Damji was the second son of the late Marhum Gulamali Damji. He was born in Dar es Salaam and following the footsteps of his father, was an active social worker. He had his own business of electronics on India street, called “RadioVision” opposite the present day Sabodo Parking complex”.
He served as a member of the managing committee and trustee of Dar es Salaam Jamaat. His keen interest in politics saw him join TANU where he served the party in various capacities. He was elected as Chairman of Kisutu Branch of CCM and when Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere retired in 1984, he took a delegation of Veterans to the State House to greet the President Mwalimu treated the delegation with a sumptuous lunch. During “Economic Crackdown Period” he helped many residents of Dar es Salaam. During the same period Marhum was always available to assist whenever required by the Jamaat.
He helped many non-community members as well. Daudi Bohora Jamaat appreciated his services and presented him 3 times on different occasions the “Shawl”in their Mosque when their Head priest visited Dar es Salaam.
Marhum was popular among the business community and was elected member of the managing committee of Dar es Salaam Merchants Chamber. He passed away on 4th May 1988 (17th Ramadhan 1408). His date of death is the same as his father the only difference is the year.
HABIB BHAI GULAMALI DAMJI
Habib bhai Gulamali Damji, another son of Marhum Gulamali Damji was a qualified accountant and a retired Chief Accountant in the Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism. During his tenure as Chief Accountant in the Ministry of Health, he used to travel to regions to audit accounts.
He was an ardent social worker having served Ithna-Asheri Union for more than seven years as a Treasurer as well as Employment Section Secretary. After the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964, many Community members migrated to the mainland and Habib bhai assisted many of them in securing job placements. He was a soft-spoken and affable personality always seen prominently in many social events organized by Ithna-Asheri Union, Union Sports Club and the Jamaat.
He was nominated by Dar es Salaam Jamaat as member of the Medical Board in order to establish Ebrahim Haji Medical Health Centre from a Dispensary. He worked for five years in the Board until the centre was properly established. His services were appreciated by many members of our Community. Habib bhai passed away in Dar es Salaam on 8th October 2012.
May we request all our readers to remember Marhum Gulamali Bhai, Marhum Akber Bhai, Marhum Habib Bhai and all the Marhumeen who have served our community in various capacities in various sectors at different times with Sura-e-Fateha for maghferat of the departed souls, May Allah (SWT) grant them all Jaza-e-Kheir, Insha’allah.
Article Preparedby: Murtaza Jivraj (Kerbala)
PhotographsCourtesy: Murtaza Jivraj (Kerbala)
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION ARCHIVES SECTION
20th November 2020 (4th Rabiul Aakhar 1442 AH)