Meet Padma Shri Ali Manikfan: Marine Researcher, Ecologist, All Without Any Formal Education

Ali Manikfan from Minicoy Island, in Lakshadweep, was one of the 102 eminent Indian who has been bestowed with the Padma Shri Award this year, the fourth highest civilian honour of the country.

The 82-year-old is an expert on several subjects, without even having any kind of formal training in any of them.

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Born in 1938, Manikfan was sent to Kerala by his parent for school education, but he did not pursue it beyond Class VIII and went back to the island.

Manikfan, man who donned several hats

Once back home, Manikfan taught himself a number of languages including English, Hindi and Malayalam, Arabic, Latin, French, Russian, German, Sinhalese, Persian, Sanskrit, Tamil and Urdu.

His skill set is not limited to languages. He also expanded his knowledge into the fields of marine biology, marine research, geography, astronomy, social science, traditional shipbuilding, education, fisheries, agriculture and horticulture.

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While working with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of India, his keen observations skills helped marine biologist Dr. Santhappan Jones discover a new fish species. Impressed by his observation skills and knowledge about marine life, Jones called the new species Abudefduf manikfani.

Maldives Royal Family

Rebuilt an ancient Arab ship

In 1981, Manikfan even rebuilt an ancient Arab ship using traditional methods. He was approached by Irish adventurer Tim Severin to rebuild the trading ship, the Sohar, in Oman. The ship, named after the city of Sohar in Oman, was completely hand-made, using traditional boat-building techniques, and no metal was used in its construction. It took one year to build the 27-metre-long ship, and four tons of coir were needed to sew the planks of its hull. The Sohar is now displayed at a Museum in Oman.

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Manikfan devised a lunar calendar for the whole world. After discussing with astronomers he became convinced that Muslim shouldn¡¯t use different sets of lunar calendars. He tries to find a way to make all Muslims accept a unified Hijree calendar.

Ali Manikfan follows non-aggressive agricultural methods that take nature in consideration.

For his 15 acre land in Valliyur in Tamil Nadu, he produces his own electricity from a windmill which he designed himself. He even has a refrigerator at home, which was made by him.