Mewati Community Census

All praise is due to Almighty Allah, Who has blessed us with the honor of belonging to a brave, dignified, and patriotic community whose history shines with sacrifice, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the nation. Whenever the protection, honor, and freedom of this country are remembered, the name of Raja Hasan Khan Mewati will always be written in golden letters. Our forefathers proved their love for the nation by sacrificing their lives and shedding their blood for its dignity and freedom.

As time passed, we realized that if our community was to progress and prosper, we had to strengthen two essential pillars: education and unity. This noble vision was deeply cherished by our respected leaders—Late Chaudhary Tayyab Sahib, Chaudhary Rahim Khan Sahib, and Chaudhary Khurshid Sahib. Their dream was to conduct a comprehensive census of the Meo community across different states of India and prepare a complete community directory. Such a directory would strengthen mutual connections, facilitate matrimonial alliances, support educational development, and help present the true strength and needs of our community before the government.

Following the visit of Chaudhary Rahim Khan Sahib to Indore during 1985–86, I, along with the late Haji Abdul Shakoor (Master Sahib), began this mission. We traveled from house to house on bicycles, collecting information and conducting the community census. At that time, records of nearly 230 households were compiled. However, due to changing circumstances, family responsibilities, and professional commitments, the work could not continue. Sadly, no one else came forward to carry this responsibility further.

Meanwhile, the annual commemoration of Shaheed Saadat Khan Mewati, one of the great martyrs of 1857, which I started with Iqbal Bhai in 1983, has continued uninterrupted to this day. Through these sincere efforts, the Meo community has earned greater recognition and respect in the city of Indore.

In 1993, through the newspaper “New Mew Times,” we revived the campaign of community census, social awareness, and unity. Our objective was not merely to prepare a directory but to raise the voice of our community before the authorities, promote education, and build a brighter future for the coming generations. Around the same time, Chaudhary Tayyab Sahib visited Indore once again and encouraged us to continue this important mission.

On 12 March 2020, a significant meeting was held in Mewati Mohalla in the presence of members of the Meo community. It was unanimously decided to resume the unfinished census work. Responsibilities were assigned to different volunteers, an ad hoc committee was formed, and an organization was established to promote education and social welfare. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown brought the work to a halt, and only 120 forms could be completed.

Once the situation improved, our dedicated team resumed the mission with sincerity, honesty, and commitment, visiting your homes to collect information. Your trust, cooperation, and encouragement made this effort successful. As a result, the Meo Directory is now in your hands.

This directory is not merely a collection of names; it is a symbol of our unity, our identity, and a valuable document for future generations. It will help families stay connected, facilitate matrimonial relations, provide educational guidance, and enable our community to benefit from various government welfare schemes.

I sincerely appeal to all parents to ensure that their children receive both religious and modern education. Teach them good character, the value of knowledge, and the habit of offering Salah (prayers). Education is the light that leads every community towards dignity, progress, and success.

Today, I also wish to say with complete sincerity that this journey was filled with many challenges. However, the intentions of our team remained pure throughout. By the grace of Almighty Allah, our efforts were accepted, and we were granted the opportunity to complete this important mission.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who devoted their time, effort, and sincerity to this cause. My special thanks go to Advocate Muhammad Sharib Khan, Hafeez Banarasi, Haji Abdul Shakoor, Master Shakoor Sahib, Mohammad Iqbal Meo, Haji Adil Meo, Asif Meo, Rafiq Jilani, Mohammad Fazal Fauji, Haji Ashraf Ali, Haji Firoz, Peer Mohammad (Munna Bhai), Mushtaq Meo, Ayyub Amjad, Rafiq, Irfan Chisty, Sazid Meo, Zafar Meo, DSP Siraj Khan Meo, Haji Yaqub and all other dedicated members whose names have been recorded in the directory.

Finally, I wish to make a humble request and seek your understanding. I have now reached the age of 68 years, and I no longer possess the physical strength to continue this demanding work as I once did. Therefore, I am stepping down from this responsibility. I sincerely request all of you to extend your full support to the new team that has been formed through mutual consultation. If they make mistakes, guide them with patience instead of discouraging them. Every successful mission grows through experience, cooperation, and mutual respect. With the blessings of our elders and the dedication of our youth, this journey will, In Sha Allah, continue to move forward.

As for me, I shall continue serving the community through “New Meo Times”, raising awareness and working for the welfare of our people.

May Almighty Allah bless our community with knowledge, unity, peace, prosperity, and lasting success. Ameen.