Long time Qatar resident Velutha Parambath Soopy Haji, 70, died today. Haji was one of the owners of Al Salihiya Restaurant popularly known as Taxi Hotel at Muntazah and breathed his last at his residence at Ummathur in Kozhikode district of Kerala after undergoing treatment for cancer for the last few months.
Haji started his career as a businessman in Doha in late 1970s following in the footsteps of his father Abdulla who started the restaurant in 1972. Haji ran the restaurant for decades and earned fame by making it an eatery of low paid employees especially taxi drivers.
“The restaurant turned to be a centre of taxi drivers after they found it as a place where they were provided with food at an affordable rate. Haji wanted to help the underprivileged get quality food round the clock. He never compromised while it comes to the quality and price of food,” reminisced restaurant manager Muneer Puthiyapurayil.
A man of simplicity, dignity and high moral values, Haji often paid attention to the woes of expatriates. “He was helpful and wanted all of us to lend a helping hand to the needy. He used to remind all of us to serve food at a minimum price and ensure all are served well. The restaurant remains a busy place where taxi drivers and others throng to eat. And this bears witness to the virtues of Haji,” he said.
Haji left for home eight months ago for treatment. His body was buried at the burial ground of Parakkadavu mosque.
He is survived by his wife Fathima, sons Jaleel and Haris and daughters Jaseena and Sumayya.
from Gulf Times https://ift.tt/2OYf29h
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