Abdul Azeez Manjiyil, deeply rooted in Tirunellur, Mullassery, Thrissur, Kerala, has made a lasting impact on Qatar over four decades. Starting my professional journey in 1980 with Tamima Traders, a subsidiary of Mafco, I played a pivotal role in establishing a thriving trading division, significantly contributing to the success of Tamima Footwear, now with 12 branches in Doha.
My artistic journey began at the age of 17 in 1977, seizing the opportunity to compose songs for a play with scientific musical significance, featuring talents from my village and nearby areas. Initially writing for Gulf Malayali in the 1980s, my literary contributions evolved, extending to various online magazines and periodicals. I am honored to serve as an advisory board member of the Qatar Indian Authors Forum, deeply invested in promoting literary endeavors within the expatriate community.
In 1993, Pradeekha Thrissur published my poetry collection, "Ente Manikyachep" and 2024,Vachanam Publishing house published another poetry collection "Manjuthullikal". Throughout the 1990s, my creative prowess enriched plays, including those centered around historical hero Umarubnu Abdul Aziz and the works of expatriate dramatist Adv.Khalid Arakkal.
Venturing into technology in the 1990s, I acquired computer expertise in Doha, completing a web development course. By the end of 1999, I entered the internet realm, launching the first bilingual website from Central Asia, featuring content in Malayalam and English.
During the same period, my collaboration with the CIC art wing introduced Kerala arts, such as Vill Patt, Uduk Patt, Vanchipatt, Ottum Thullal, etc., for the first time in Qatar. Recognized with numerous awards and acknowledgments in the 1980s and 1990s for my literary and social contributions, I had the privilege of contributing to the book "Malayalee Gulf Cultural Traces" by Bold Page.
Recognitions from various levels have been received in the 1980s and 90s. In 2017, received a special award from the Global Thirunellur Expatriate group and in 2018 the excellence award from the Muhammadans Qatar, an arts and culture group, and in 2019 the Namna Tirunelur Grameen media award and 2024 Tanima Qatar's Akharopasakan award.
In my personal life, I find anchor with my wife, Aikaparampil Subaira, and our children: Absar (Manideepam), Ansar, Hiba, Hamad, and Ameena. Alongside my Son-in-law, Shemeer Mansoor Namboori Madathil and Daughter-in-law, Irfana Ishaq Kallayil, and Grandsons, Muhammad Falaq and Muhammad Faiq.
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azeezmanjiyil@gmail.com
