Situated in close proximity to the Arabian Sea, civilized but leaning towards a culture based on values is the group of people known popularly as ‘Thekkeppuram’. Residing on the west of the railway tracks in Kozhikode, with the salty breeze of the Arabian Sea on them, they desire individuality in all their deeds. Well known industrialists, politicians, laborers and fishermen live side by side in this area which has contributed vastly to the social and political fields .

 The idea for S.K.Pottekkad’s novel ‘ Oru Desathinte Katha’ came from this area. P.A.Muhammed Koya was an invaluable gem who detailed the lives and culture of the people in his novel ‘Sulthan Veedu’. N.P. Mohammed is a living example of the literary geniuses of this particular group. N.P.Hafiz Muhammed, Hassan Vadiyil, K.P.Kunhi Moosa to just mention a few of the names are figures contributing to the literary field.

 Those who love the stage can never forget the contributions made by K.T. Kunhu, his prodigy cine star Mamu Koya, B.Muhammad(Kavi Sar), Nahari, cine star late K.P.Ummer, S M Baburaj, Abu Sirkar, P.N.M.Ali Koya etc.

 Famous people on the socio-political arena who were freedom fighters like N.P.Abu, Assan Koya Mulla, Nadukandi Mihammed Koya, P.P.Ummer Koya, singer Bawakka, stamp and coin collector B.M.Muhammad Koya, well known businessman P.P.Hassan Koya, P.I. Ahamed Koya Haji, former member of parliament B.V.Abdulla Koya, A.V.Ahamed Koya, Koyappathodi, P.I.Kunhammutty Haji, K.V.Kunhammed , TP Imbichammad are some of the well known names of whom a few are still working for the well being of the society. Among the sports arena Olympian Usman Koya CPM , Abdulrahiman, Usman Koya KV, Ahmed...etc

 Populated by 99% Muslims the area mainly includes Kuttichira , Idiyangara , Parappil, Kundungal , Chappayil, Mukhadar, Pallikkandy etc. An array of about 35 mosques like the Sheik Masjid the venue of an annual festival, the ancient Mishkal Masjid, Muchundi Masjid, Jama Masjid etc are some of the well known ones. There are two Qazis in this area namely Shihabudeen Imbichikoya Thangal and Nalakath Muhammad Koya.

 The Godfathers of ancestry and lineage who ruled with an iron hand have now faded off as the new generation broke away from the glass houses and began to live and mingle with the rest of the society in the city. Ancestral houses bear witness even today to the bygone days of pain and glory. Weddings , parties and exchanging feasts have begun to be just memories of another era. From this society which refused to educate girls we now have girls who are graduates, post graduates and professionals in every field. As the community is racing towards social and educational progress it will be a grave injustice to forget the institutions and groups who strove for the same. M.M.High School, Himayathul Islam High School, Calicut Girls High School, are some of the prominent educational institutions. Still others are Kuttichira Government High School, Kundungal Government U.P.School, Pallikkandy  Government L.P. School, M.M. Jubilee Preparatory School, Francis Road A.L.P. School etc.

Speaking of groups , there is a long list to be mentioned. But most of them have faded away due to the pressure of finance and other reasons. Only a few have survived and continued to actively work and go forward with zeal.

"Yuva Sahithya Samajam" & CEISCO are the only ones who have continued to work and show productivity.

"Thekkepuram" has lots more tales to tell the world - Tales of ever lasting achievements and failures. But there is only one think they fear and that is the ugly face of  western culture,which has started to creep in to "Thekkepuram" also as else where. They have one more challenge to face. Achieving economic betterment with out giving up their values and not succumbing to western culture. To gain that and create a new generation should be the goal and motive of every person in this area.

Compiled & Translated by Shamshad Tajuddin