Hassan Cheruppa

Saudi Gazette 



JEDDAH — A well-known academic, who has contributed immensely to the educational, cultural and literary life of Indian expatriates living in Jeddah, is leaving the Kingdom this week after an eventful life.



Prof. Raynold Ittoop, who worked at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) as an English language instructor for about eight years, served selflessly in enabling a large number of community members to improve their proficiency in English language and develop their communication skills. 



Based in Jeddah’s Sharafiyyah, Ittop was at the helm of many cultural and literary activities and programs organized by the Keralite community.



Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Ittoop said that he is leaving Jeddah with satisfaction and self realization in serving the community, especially the younger generation.



“It was a wonderful experience to see people with divergence of opinions and viewpoints gather together under one platform to share their ideas as well as to strive for their common welfare. I am always keen to promote their virtues, foster bonds of love and inject in them fresh energy to seize challenging career prospects through improving their skills,” he said.



With his vast academic experience and knowledge, Ittop always stood as a stellar pillar behind the Indian expatriates to improve their English learning skills.



He played a remarkable role in helping them master English as a second language in reading, writing and speaking.



“Information technology revolution and exposure to native speakers made the acquisition of the English language much easier for expatriates, and hence, you should seize this golden opportunity to master English as it would help to improve your job efficiency and productivity,” he advised.



To achieve this goal, Ittoop was instrumental in setting up of an English club in Sharafiyyah.



He was the main instructor at the regular English classes conducted by the club under the banner of Youth India organization for about four years.



He has always been an inspiring force behind the Jeddah English Speakers Forum.



The presence of Ittoop was there in most of the cultural programs of Keralite organizations in Jeddah for the past several years.



His speeches had given deep insight into his philosophic background and vast knowledge in history and culture.



Ittoop served as chairman of Pravasi (expatriate) Cultural Forum (PCF).



The Jeddah Committee of PCF recently organized a farewell party to Ittop.  PCF Vice Chairman Shyam Govind presided over the function in which Umar Abubacker presented memento to Ittoop.



Dr. Ismail Maritheri, C.K Muhammad Najeeb, Salah Karadan, P.M.A Jaleel, Abu Iringattiri, V.M. Ibrahim, V.K.A Rauf, K.M. Shareef Kunju, Usman Irumpuzhi, Gopi Nedungadi, Sulfeekar Othai, K.T.A Muneer, Kunhavutty A Qader, Sahal Thangal, Nasar Chavakkad, Hifusahman, Basheer Thottiyan, and Anwar Vadakkangara spoke on the occasion. Mehaboob Pathappiriam introduced Ittoop.



PCF Convener Ismail Kallayi welcomed the gathering while Shanavas Wandur proposed the vote of thanks.