Zahira College, Dharga Town

Zahira College, Dharga Town (commonly known as Dharga Town Zahira or Aluthgama Zahira) (සහිරා විදුහල, சாஹிரா கல்லுரி) is a Tamil and Sinhala Medium school situated in Dharga Town, Sri Lanka.

History
With the outbreak of the Second World War, students from the South of Ceylon, found it difficult to continue their studies in Colombo. As a solution to this problem, the Zahira College, Dharga Town was started in the year 1942, as the first branch of Zahira College, Colombo. This was made possible due to the untiring efforts of Marhoom Al-Haj, Dr. T. B. Jayah, then principal of Zahira College, Colombo.

Early Development
Initially, Zahira College operated as a mobile school located at the premises of Mr. A.A.A. Hameed in Dharga Town. In 1943, Mr. M.S.M. Haddad (B.A.) was appointed as Deputy Principal, and the school had 49 students and five teachers. Mr. T.B.S. Laxana served as Deputy Principal from 1944 to 1948.

In 1945, a new building was constructed at a cost of Rs 22,499 on land donated by Al-Haj A.L.A. Hameed Marikkar. It was inaugurated by the Minister of Education, Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara, on September 12, 1949. The first Inter House Sports Meet was held in July 1949, awarding the  'Fathah Challenge Shield' to the winning house.

Academic and Infrastructure Development
Zahira College, Dharga Town, became an independent institution from Zahira College, Colombo, on June 1, 1947. It was registered as a Government Assisted Private School, with Mr. Laxana continuing as principal. Mr. S.L.M. Shafie Marikar (B.A.) was appointed principal in 1948, leading significant advancements including the initiation of hostel facilities in 1949, opening the College Library, and organizing extra classes.

In 1950, a Building Fund Committee was established to construct a new building. The foundation was laid by Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake on December 9, 1951, and the new building was opened by Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawela on September 23, 1954.

Past Principals
Throughout its history, Zahira College has seen several principals who contributed to its development:


 * M.B. Noordeen (B.A. London)
 * S.L.M. Shafie Marikar (B.A)
 * A.Z. Omardeen
 * I.L.M. Shuaib
 * A.W.M. Ajward
 * M.R. Malik
 * M.L.A. Abdul Ahla
 * A.B.M. Alavi
 * M.T.M. Mujeebudeen
 * U.L.M. Razik
 * M.S.M. Yasmin
 * M.T.M. Hamza

Academic Achievements and Extra-curricular Activities
Zahira College has excelled in academics and sports, providing facilities like a science laboratory, a large library, and a spacious playground. The school was noted for its cricket, soccer, volleyball, and table tennis teams, winning the Kalutara district soccer championship in 1956.

During Mr. Shafie Marikar's tenure, many efficient Tamil teachers from the North served at Zahira College. The 'Zahirian' magazine was published between 1957 and 1958, and H.S.C. classes in Arts and Science streams were started.

Additionally the students of Zahira College have also achieved great success in sports and other extra-curricular activities. In 2008, Zahira emerged as the under-13 soccer champions in the Kalutara District, with Mohamed Arafath being chosen to represent Sri Lankan schools against Saudi Arabia. Likewise, in 2010, Zahira secured the title of under-15 soccer champions in the district, and Mohamed Rahmath was selected to represent Sri Lankan schools against Iran.

Houses
Students are grouped into three houses, which compete against each other in all major games to win the inter-house competition.


 * Jaya Colour : Green
 * Azeez Colour : Yellow
 * Siddi Lebbe Colour : Blue

Government Takeover and Recent Developments
In 1961, the government took over the school, a significant event for the community. Despite this, Zahira College continued to thrive. In 1966, it regained senior school status and saw improvements in infrastructure, including the foundation of an assembly hall in 1970 and a vocational training center in 1974.

Under Mrs. M.N.F. Nizrin’s leadership, the college has shown academic progress, with 36 students gaining university admission between 2017 and 2019. A separate primary section, Zahira Primary School, operates under Mr. M.S.M. Sakwan.

Infrastructure

 * Naleem Hajiar Memorial Hall (Main Hall)
 * ZAM Refai Hajiar Building
 * Mahindodaya Lab
 * Prayer Hall