Social Society demands recognition of Haji Abdul Samad Momin’s contribution
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — The civil society in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra’s Thane District is upset over the apparent removal of Khan Sahib Haji Abdul Samad Momin’s name from the 141-year-old BGP dispensary in the Mandai area of the city. In this connection, the Bhiwandi Social Society has submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner demanding that the new building’s name retain the historical namesake. It has warned of street protests if its demands are ignored.
In 1888, a philanthropic Parsi, Dinshamanik G. Petit, established the BGP dispensary in Mandai, the central area of Bhiwandi, naming it after his daughter, Bai Gul Petit. This dispensary served as the only hospital in Bhiwandi at the time, providing essential medical services to the poor, especially those from the and labour class.
Recognising the growing needs of the community, in 1959, Khan Sahib Haji Abdul Samad Momin personally funded the addition of another floor to the dispensary at a cost of Rs 37,000. This new floor functioned as a maternity hospital and was named Haji Abdul Samad Momin Maternity Hospital, recognising his significant contribution.
In 2016, without issuing a tender, the municipal administration quietly demolished the historic BGP dispensary. The controversy began in 2020 during the foundation stone ceremony for the new building when the name of Haji Abdul Samad Momin was conspicuously absent from the event’s invitation. This omission sparked a strong protest from the Bhiwandi Social Society. Vilas Patil, the then-house leader and husband of the mayor, denied any conspiracy and assured that Haji Abdul Samad Momin’s name would remain on the new building alongside Bai Gul Petit’s.
With the modern hospital’s construction nearing completion, the Bhiwandi Social Society has raised alarms again. According to sources, there are plans to exclude Haji Abdul Samad Momin’s name from the hospital’s signage, which has reignited tensions. The society has promptly issued a memorandum to the administration, demanding immediate attention.
Hanif Ramzan Momin, President of the Bhiwandi Social Society, highlighted that the municipal corporation administration had formally passed a resolution on September 16, 2019. This resolution, based on proposal number 207 by corporator Shah Altaf Momin and others, ensured that the hospital would be named after Haji Abdul Samad Momin. Despite this resolution, there are allegations that certain elements are attempting to erase Abdul Samad Momin’s name from the hospital.
Hanif Ramzan Momin emphasised the importance of honouring the contributions of those who played a pivotal role in Bhiwandi’s development. “Every conspiracy to erase the memorial of our elders who played an important role in the construction and development of the city will be thwarted. Our elders have watered this city with their blood. We will not allow their signs to be removed at any cost,” he said.
The controversy surrounding renaming the BGP dispensary underscores broader issues of historical preservation and recognition of community contributions. As the situation develops, the Bhiwandi Social Society remains vigilant, and prepared to take action to ensure that the legacy of Khan Sahib Haji Abdul Samad Momin is preserved and honoured appropriately.
