G. Mohammed Haneef

G Mohammed Haneef is an entrepreneur, industrialist, and social worker. He is the chairman of Hajjaj Group of Industries.

Early life and Career

Mr. G. Mohammed Haneef was born on 19^th December 1959 to parents Haji G. Abdul Khader and Beefathima at Panemangaluru.  Having completed his school education at Government Primary school, Kalladka and Shri Sharadha High school, he pursued his pre-university education at Vivekanandha College, Puttur. In the year 1980 the young Haneef joined his father’s Beedi business. He moved to Mysore to work under his father’s company named Hajjaj Industries.

Back then, Hajjaj Industries was run by his father and Uncle Mr. Aboobacker and the company which dealt with Beedi marketing business was relatively small with few employees. Mr. Haneef worked in Coorg and Mysore for 3 whole years where he learnt the marketing methods, sales and other key points of the business. After 3 years or learning and experience, Mr. Haneef started working in the sales department. Ever since then, there was no looking back. Hajjaj industries evolved into a successful company. In the year 1985, the company started producing ‘Hajjaj washing soap’ followed by polythene bags in the year 1995. Mr. Haneef also owns a Nilgiris supermarket in Derlakatte.

Social contributions

As a kid, Mr. Haneef was very interested in sports. He used to play volleyball and shuttle during his college days. To promote sport, he established Hajjaj sports club at Golthamajal in the year 1988 focusing mainly on Kabaddi. Mr. G Mohammed Haneef serves as the president of the club which hosts several Kabaddi tournaments every year.

In the year 1985, he joined the Bantwal Lions club. In the year 1988, he became the Founder President of Jamiyathul Falah Bantwal Taluk.  He served as the district president of Jamiyathul Falah from 2004 to 2007. Presently, he is an active member of Jamiyathul Falah.

He joined the Hidayah Foundation in the year 2008. He actively participated in Aakrandhana movement. Mr. Haneef is the first president of the Mangalore headquarters of Hidayah Foundation and is still serving as the president of the foundation. He also serves as the president of the Al Wafa Charitable Trust which conducts mass marriages for the deserving. Furthermore, Mr. Haneef joined Mfriends (Mercy friends), a trust which consists of thinkers, journalists and other professionals who conduct surveys and research on the living conditions of people and provide them with help and other facilities. Mr. Haneef is the managing trustee of Gem Public school (Gem English medium school) which is run under his family trust providing facilities with skilled teachers and over 600 students.

Mr. G Mohammed Haneef serves as the president of the Rahmaniya Juma Masjid Golthamajal. He also serves as Welfare Committee President of the Government High school Golthamajal.  He is the patron of the DK district Amateur Kabaddi association.

His journey

“I still remember the incident that developed an urge in me to work for the society. It was in 1985 when a KMC health camp at Bantwal was set up. A green card was given to people which allowed people to get free medical assistance. One day I happened to meet a non-muslim man who was struggling to help his sick son. His son was told to get a surgery which was quite expensive. The man was totally devastated and asked me to help his son. I told him that I would look into it and try what I can do to help. But the medical condition of his got worse the very next day and the only remedy was the surgery. The man had neither a green card nor money. But the surgery was inevitable. The surgery was done and was successful. But the bill was 18,250 rupees which was a huge amount during 1980’s. The man started to cry and beg for money.  I decided to help the poor man. I along with a correspondent visited the medical superintendent and discussed the matter. At first he declined saying that green card is the only way but later on after few requests the kind man told us to pay only 250 rupees instead of 18250 rupees.  It was a small effort. It took only a little effort to help a needy person. It made me realize that a small effort can change a person’s life. It can add hope to their life. We can be the reason for their happiness. All it takes is a small genuine effort.  After two days, I was walking through the streets of Kalladka. Suddenly the man whose son received surgery started kneeling down in front of me with tears and started thanking me over and over again. My heart ached at that sight. I was deeply moved by the act. This is something which I can never forget. The feeling of relief, happiness, satisfaction and pain. This is when I decided to dedicate my life in social work. I wanted to help people. This is how I got into social service and I am truly grateful to be a part of it.” – Mr. G Mohammed Haneef