Mangaluru: What was once meant to go for a heap of scrap is now being preserved as a part of history, thanks to scrap dealer Ibrahim Khaleel, who has spent nearly a decade collecting old coins, currency notes, stamps, books and everyday objects that tell stories of old times.Khaleel recently held his first coin exhibition at his scrap shop, attracting more than 100 visitors. The exhibition featured coins from different periods, including some 250 years old.Khaleel said his interest in preserving old objects began when he was working at another scrap shop about a decade ago. Old articles would frequently arrive at the shop and, rather than allowing them to be sold or discarded, he began setting aside items that he felt should be preserved for future generations. “Whenever one or two such items come, I would keep them separately,” he said.What began with a few objects has grown into a collection of more than 1,000 varieties of old articles. His collection includes old coins, currency notes, stamps, books, telephones, gramophones, clocks and several other objects that were once part of everyday life. It also has objects associated with the traditional life of the Tulu Nadu region, which include old agricultural implements and articles used in food preparation (traditional utensils and those used in earlier times).Khaleel’s interest in old books also has a family connection. He said his father had been involved in the scrap trade and old books. This gradually developed his interest in history and old objects.The interest has also been passed on to his children. Khaleel said his two children, one studying in Class 5 and another in Class 3, accompany him to exhibitions and learn about the historical objects in his collection. Khaleel runs his scrap shop at Malemar, and has created a separate section to preserve his collection. Visitors to the shop appreciate the exhibits, he said.He also gives usable old books and stationery, including pens and pencils, free to students of govt schools visiting his shop.He his planning to take the collection to govt schools and hold free exhibitions. He also hopes the govt or Mangaluru City Corporation will provide a suitable space to preserve and display the collection — his shop lacks adequate security.
