The World Federation of KSIMC

Oral history is the collection and study of historical information about individuals, families, important events, or everyday life using audiotapes, videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews. The Khoja Heritage Team in Mumbai Dr. Sadiq Uttanwala, Dr. Nasreen and Asad Virani, have been interviewing seniors of the Khoja Shia as well as Ismaili communities over the past few months.

Video interviews of the below seniors have been recorded so far:

Dr Safia Mirza daughter of Late Abidali Jaffer (Dy. Labour Minister of India)

Mrs. Fatema Amanullah Merchant

Mr. Mehmood Rajabali Moloo Rangmal

Mrs. Sakkar

Mr. Abdullah Matin Khan

Mr. Jajal Irani of Khalu Community

Mr. Salim Datoobhai Hasham

Mr. Sohail Barkatali Virani (Befaam)

Mr. Tariq Karimbhoy

These videos have given lots of historical, cultural and religious insight. How the new ideas emerged, what difficulties were faced in those days of throbs and anxiety, what businesses were our community members into, what were the marriage customs, how were the houses of those days, Pre and Post-Independence scenarios, etc. are just a few questions which were generally asked.

Dr. Sadiq Uttanwala (on the left) and Mr. Mehmood Rajabali Moloo Rangmal (on the right) at The World Federation India Office

The interviews have been conducted at various places including The World Federation India office and the residence of a few interviewees as per their convenience.

  Dr. Sadiq Uttanwala (on the left) and Mrs. Sakkar (on the right)

Asad Virani, Manager of The World Federation India office says “ The seniors have appreciated the efforts of Khoja Heritage Project of The World Federation of KSIMC in recording oral history; which would otherwise fade away with time. These interviews are like a gold mine with lots of information being made available to us. May Allah (swt) bless our seniors with a long and healthy life, Ameen .”

Shaykh Kumail Rajani, Co-Head of Khoja Heritage Project and Head of Islamic Education Department says “ Our volunteers Dr. Sadiq and Dr. Nasreen have done a fantastic job in collecting some phenomenal pieces of history. Oral history plays a vital role in understanding the past. It always reminds me about Mishnah in Biblical studies.”

For more information kindly email: [email protected]