International Kite Flyer Abdul Malik Passes Away

Udaipur based International kite flyer and Limca Book Record holder, Abdul Malik passed away on Sunday, 11th December. He was diagnosed with Kidney malfunction and was under treatment since August 2011. Malik succumbed to his illness yesterday at a private hospital in Ahmedabad.

Several friends and well wishers in addition to his family members participated in his funeral procession today at 11:30 am, from his resident at Mulla Talai. Malik’s body has been buried at the graveyard located on Ashiwini Marg.

in photo: funeral procession of late.Abdul Malik

38-year-old Abdul Malik was a renowned kite flyer of Udaipur and had several national and international records for flying a number of kites at one time. Malik’s name is also recorded in the Limca Book of World Records for flying 500 kites at one time, making the smallest kite of 2x2mm and the largest kites of 100x100ft.

Founder of the Uday Kite Club, Malik started his professional kite flying career in the year 1998 when he flew 500 kites in a single thread at lake Fateh Sagara, Udaipur. Abdul Malik had participated in various national and international events held at Turkey, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,China etc. He played a key role in promoting kite flying in several Indian states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Karnataka.

Before being diagnosed with kidney failure, Malik was about to set a world record by flying 3000 kites between two continents (Asia and Europe) from Turkey’s Usukdar province.

Abdul Malik was not only a renowned Kite Flyer but was also well-known for making his own kites. In a career span of more than 13 years, Abdul Malik was involved in various social causes like corruption, feminism, patriotism, communal harmony, etc. His promoted and spread his message through his kites of different shapes, sizes and colors.

Born and brought up in Udaipur, Malik’s family was indulged in kite making as a family business. In an exclusive interview with UdaipurTimes.com, Malik had said that he was first inspired by his father Abdul Majid after he saw him flying 7 kites in a single thread.

Besides his passion for kites, Abdul Malik had a tours and travel business “Sanjaree Tours and Travels”.

Late Abdul Malik is survived by his parents, wife and two children (both daughters). In his last talk with UT, Malik had expressed grief for not being asked about his well being by the Department of Tourism with whom Malik had done several events, the last and one of the biggest being the International Kite Flying Festival held in January 2011 at Udaipur, in which Malik played a vital role.

Abdul Malik will be always remembered as a helpful, friendly, down to earth and gentle natured man, who always made Udaipur proud of him.