Abel David

Abel Pakiam David was an influential Indian journalist, sports administrator, and social activist known for his fearless reporting, significant contributions to Indian hockey, and unwavering advocacy for the underprivileged. As an editor of the " Herald," David became a prominent figure in Indian journalism, championing investigative reporting and social justice. His work extended beyond journalism into sports administration, where he played a pivotal role in promoting hockey at national and international levels. David's legacy is remembered through his impactful career and the memorials established in his honor.
==Early Life and Education==
Mr. David was born in 1929 in Quetta, British India, as the third son among four brothers and two younger sisters of a military official. His upbringing in a disciplined environment influenced his strong work ethic and dedication to public service. David pursued his early education in Quetta before moving to Pune. He went to St. Vincents and completed his graduation from Fergusson College.
==Journalism Career==
Abel David's career in journalism began with the "Poona Daily News," a local English daily. His forthright and fearless writing quickly earned him recognition. He subsequently worked as a Pune correspondent for the "Times of India" and the "Indian Express." His impactful and bold reporting style made him a notable figure in Indian journalism.
In the 1960s, David became the editor of the "Poona Herald." Under his leadership, the newspaper became known for its investigative journalism and advocacy for social justice. His tenure was marked by a series of significant stories, including reports on corruption and social issues, which brought the newspaper into the national spotlight.
David's contributions to journalism extended beyond local news. He worked for the Indian News Service (INS) until its closure, covering significant events, including the Test matches for the INS. One of his notable achievements was securing a scoop on the Goa operations for the INS. After INS closed, he joined the United News of India, where he worked for over three years.Poona Herald Newspaper, Vol XIV 117, Tuesday, 18th January 1977, archives. 
David was the first Indian editor to visit Israel on an official invitation from the Government of Israel. He also conducted a popular feature series on Great Britain and visited Iran as a guest of the Shah of Iran.Poona Herald Newspaper, Vol XIV 117, Tuesday, 18th January 1977, archives.
He was instrumental in creating and functioning the All India Small and Medium Newspapers Federation, as its President which aimed to support smaller newspapers and ensure they had a voice in the media landscape.
==Involvement in Sports==
Abel David was deeply involved in the field of sports, particularly hockey. He served as the General Secretary and later the President of the Maharashtra Hockey Association. His contributions to Indian hockey were widely acknowledged, and he played a crucial role in organizing and promoting the sport at various levels. David was instrumental in the formation of the new association of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). He was unanimously elected as the General Secretary of the IHF, a position he held until his death. This was highlighted by M.A.M. Ramaswamy, a veteran industrialist and former parliamentarian who served as President of the now-defunct Indian Hockey Federation. Under David's tenure as the Secretary of IHF, India won the 1975 Men's Hockey World Cup, their only World Cup victory to date, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Commemorative Souvenir by The Maharashtra Hockey Association, 26th May, 1977. The combination of M.A.M. Ramaswamy and David was instrumental in treating the players on par with the Indian cricket team and providing them travel by air and stay in five-star hotels.
He also held several other important positions, such as:
* General Secretary and Vice President of the Maharashtra Hockey Association
* Participant in numerous sports organizations in Pune
David's dedication to sports extended beyond administrative roles; he was an active critic of establishment policies that he believed were detrimental to sports development.
==Public Service and Activism==
Apart from his career in journalism and sports administration, Abel David was a staunch advocate for the underprivileged. He was elected as a member of the Bopodi Municipal constituency and served as a vocal critic of the establishment, advocating for the rights and welfare of the poor. David's efforts in social service were recognized by his appointment as General Secretary of the Poona City and District Congress and as an Executive Magistrate. Unemployed youth lined outside his office to get a recommendation letter to get a job, David refused none.
"A. David, after winning the Bopodi council election representing the party Nagrik Sanghatana, founded by Parulekar of Sakal Newspapers, was instrumental in destroying the hegemony of Patil. The residents of Bopodi no longer feared the Patil and could breathe freely, especially the women."
— Sattar Mistry, Senior Citizen of Bopodi
==Major Incidents and Contributions==
- Kapur Commission Report, Panchgani Incident (1944): David played a significant role in reporting the first assassination attempt on Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse at Panchgani. His investigative reporting on the incident was crucial in bringing the facts to light.
- Advocacy and Journalism: David was known for his fearless advocacy in journalism, which included reporting on various social and political issues. He was a prolific speaker in Marathi and contributed to the field of social welfare through his active participation in voluntary welfare bodies.
==Memorials and Legacy==
Abel David passed away following a sudden heart attack on 17 January 1977. His death was a significant loss to the fields of journalism, sports, and social activism.Poona Herald archives, 1977 He left behind his wife, two children, his younger brother, Harry David, who continued his legacy in journalism.
David's contributions were widely recognized and appreciated, with many prominent figures in sports and journalism paying tribute to his work. The Maharashtra Hockey Association organized a benefit match in his memory, highlighting his lifelong dedication to Indian hockey.
"Following his death, a memorial tournament named the 'Abel David Cup' was established in Pune to honor his contributions to hockey,"
— Mrs. Arnawaz Damania, former President of the Women Hockey Association Maharashtra and All India Women Hockey Association
Unfortunately, it was withdrawn over time by the organizers and players like Selma Juliet Christina D'Silva, who lamented the lack of opportunity to play hockey with the demise of many tournaments like the Abel David Cup.
==Tributes and Condolences==
Prominent figures who paid tribute to Abel David after his death included:
* M. A. M. Ramaswamy, President of the Indian Hockey Federation: "David was unanimously elected as the General Secretary of the IHF, the post which he held till his death."
* Air chief marshal (India) Om Prakash Mehra, President of Indian Olympic Association : Spoke on behalf of the IOA, acknowledging David's untimely death as a great loss.
* Mr. V.V. Chaubal, Commissioner of Police (India), Pune: Described David as "a free and frank writer."
* Mr. Dinesh Afzulpurkar, District Collector: Called David's death "a tremendous personal loss."
* Mr. Victor F. Bills and Mr. Mohammad Hussain Aga, Secretary Treasurer of the Maharashtra Hockey Association: Stated that David's death left the Maharashtra Hockey Association "orphaned" and was "an irreparable loss.
* Mr. J.D. Nagarwala, former Secretary of the Indian Hockey Federation: "David's death was a great loss to sportsmen all over the country."
* Mr. Luis J. Cordeiro, President of the Bombay Hockey Association: "We have lost a wonderful friend and an end at an office."
* Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, Youth Congress leader: Expressed his deep sorrow over David's passing.
* Mr. Tikamdas Sabana, editor of "Sindhi News": Mentioned that he had lost a personal friend in David.
* O.P. Bahl, former President of Maharashtra Hockey Association: "David's contributions to hockey were invaluable, and his passion for the sport was unparalleled."
==Additional Contributions and Recognitions==
- Meeting with Sheikh Abdullah: On behalf of Poona Herald, David met Sheikh Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Interview with Fazal Mahmood: David interviewed Fazal Mahmood, skipper of the Pakistan national cricket team, during his Pakistan’s tour in India.
- Support from Mr. Atur Sangtani: David received significant support from Mr. Atur Sangtani, the benefactor who helped sustain the Poona Herald.
- "David conducted a notable interview with Raj Kapoor, the renowned producer-director, following the death of singer Mukesh in the UK. He and his close friend Raj Kapoor were together at Loni Rajbagh Studio when they received the news about Mukesh, which was brought in by the reporters of Poona Herald."
— Victor David
- Controversies and Challenges: David's tenure as Secretary of the IHF was marked by controversies and challenges. However, he played a crucial role in reviving the Junior Nationals and seeing India reach its pinnacle at the Kuala Lumpur World Cup Tournament.
Category:Indian journalists
Category:Sports administration
Category:Social activists
Category:1929 births
Category:1977 deaths
Category:Indian people