KANNUR: Five hundred years and ten generations - the proud tradition of the Thalankara family in Uru (boat) making is like the sea. Dr. Thalangara Abdul Hakkeem, a member of the tenth generation, is the current Sultan of the legacy.

Hakeem and his team are building two giant luxury yachts for the Sultan of the Qatari royal family. These are the largest yachts in India with a price of Rs 10 crore for one. The luxury wonders that combine handicrafts and modern technology in teak will be taken to the sea in four months.

The royal yachts, which are 200 feet long, 50 feet wide and 12 feet high, are housed in the Sulka Yard in Azheekal. Another Uru for transporting goods is in the works. The boats are the result of three years of hard work by Hakkeem and about 100 workers. This brings the total number of boats built by Hakeem to 27. In 2015, he has won the award for the best Uru from the Qatar Sheikh.

Government help is necessary

India ranks third in luxury yacht construction after France and the Netherlands. The boat built by Hakkeem for a Russian marine company had gained world attention. Hakkeem is disappointed that the government did not help despite bringing global reputation to Kerala. There is financial support for boat making in European countries.

Even when most of the Uru manufacturers in Beypore started manufacturing centers in Gujarat and elsewhere, Hakkeem did not go because he wanted the industry to survive in Kerala. As a traditional industry, it needs the help of the government. Hakkeem, who holds an honorary doctorate in humanities, is survived by his wife Razina and son Suhail.

Uru

Uru is a large boat used for cargo. Centuries ago, Hakkeem's ancestors ran a tile factory in Mangalore. Tiles were exported to Africa. Uru was first made to transport these tiles. Then it became a family business. Now they are made as a luxury yacht. After Beypore, Azheekal in Kannur is famous for its construction. The Mappila Khalasis are famous for this boat making.