Father Muller Medical College is celebrating a landmark achievement as Dr Ashique K T, an esteemed alumnus of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, has been awarded a patent for his innovative medical device, the Dr Ashique’s Skin Clamp.
The patent, issued by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks of the Government of India (Patent No. 548121, dated November 26, 2020), acknowledges the groundbreaking work of Dr Ashique, who is currently the medical director and senior consultant dermatologist in Perinthalmanna, Kerala. His invention holds far-reaching implications across multiple medical disciplines, including dermatology, dermatosurgery, dental and maxillofacial surgery, hair transplantation, ENT, emergency medicine, general surgery, and gynecology.
The Dr Ashique’s Skin Clamp is a sterilizable, metallic surgical tool designed for use in a wide range of medical procedures. Its versatility and effectiveness have already caught the attention of professionals across various medical fields. The device offers a practical solution to complex surgical challenges and is set to make a significant impact on clinical practices once commercial production begins.
Dr Ashique’s journey toward this patent was marked by close collaboration with his former professors and mentors from the Father Muller Medical College Dermatology Department. Throughout the development and research phases, he regularly sought their advice, leveraging their expertise to refine his innovative design. This spirit of partnership and academic support has been instrumental in transforming his idea into a patented reality.
In a statement, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), expressed pride in Dr Ashique’s achievement. “It is a moment of great pride for our institution to witness one of our own making such a meaningful contribution to the medical field. His innovation is a testament to the excellence fostered within the walls of Father Muller Medical College,” said Fr Coelho. The administrative heads of both the medical college and hospital also joined in congratulating Dr Ashique on this remarkable accomplishment.
The Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College continues to shine as a center of excellence, cultivating bright minds who contribute groundbreaking solutions to the medical world. Dr Ashique K T’s patent is just the latest example of how the institution empowers its students to innovate, achieve, and redefine the future of healthcare.
With plans to publish detailed research on the skin clamp’s many uses and the upcoming commercial production, Dr Ashique’s contribution to modern medicine is just beginning to unfold. The medical world is watching eagerly as this revolutionary device prepares to hit the global market.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld / Home> Top Stories / by Media Release / September 26th, 2024
Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of Sunrise Hospitals, will be honored with the prestigious 15th Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award. The award ceremony is set to take place at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi on June 9th. With this accolade, Dr. Hafeez Rahman will join the exclusive Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), the world’s richest club, where members have a minimum asset threshold of 1000 crores (Indian Rupees).
The FICF is a distinguished guild of MBA awardees, celebrating exceptional business minds. It aims to leverage their ideas for societal betterment, standing as an inspiration for entrepreneurs by representing outstanding business achievements and excellence, while actively contributing to social causes.
A globally renowned laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. Hafeez Rahman began his career in 1992. He founded the Sunrise Group of Hospitals in 2005, which now operates branches in both the UAE and India. Sunrise Hospital, a tertiary care multi-speciality hospital and prominent laparoscopic center in Kochi, is well-known for its community outreach programs in schools, villages, and civilian bodies, promoting preventive medicine and healthy lifestyles.
Previous recipients of the MBA Award include notable figures such as Shri V P Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukkas, M A Yusuf Ali, Shri T S Kalyanaraman, Shri P. N. C. Menon, Mr. Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Mr. M P Ramachandran, Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Sabu M Jacob, Dr. Viju Jacob, Dr. A V Anoop, Dr. Varghese Kurian, and Adv. Dr. P Krishnadas.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
source: http://www.uniquetimes.org / Unique Times / Home> Business> Featured> Latest News / May 21st, 2024
The group is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf.
Kerala-based travel service operator Alhind Group with a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to launch its airline, aiming to provide economical air travel options for residents.
The group, which has been a significant player in the travel industry for over three decades, has received the Civil Aviation Ministry’s initial nod to start an airline — Alhind Air.
The chairman, Mohammad Haris announced that the Group is in the final stages of obtaining the required approvals.
“Last week, we had a meeting with officials at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); we submitted all documents required for landing permission at the airport,” he said. “We had earlier received the no objection certificate (NOC) to start the airline. We are hoping to begin operations by January 2025, if not earlier,” said Haris as quoted by Khaleej Times.
Initial operations and fleet
According to the reports, Alhind Air will start its initial operations with three Atr-72 turboprop aircraft, focusing on regional routes in southern India, including connections between Cochin, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai with an initial investment of ₹200 crores to ₹500 crores as it adds more planes into the fleet.
“We will have five ATR planes in total to fly on regional routes. We have secured all support from Cochin International Airport for our operations. Once this process is completed, the exercise for hiring pilots, cabin crew, engineers and other ground staff will start, a top official of the group told CNBC-TV18.
The group’s promoter revealed that the Alhind Group offers services including air ticketing, holiday packages, Haj-Umrah services, visas, and money exchange. The group already boasts a turnover of ₹20,000 crore and has a robust sales network that could facilitate the successful launch of the airline.
Pertinently, Alhind Group is one of the leading players in the travel and tourism industry in India and abroad.
The strategic launch into the aviation sector is anticipated to enhance completion, potentially lowering airfares and improving service quality for travellers.
Mohammad Haris stated that the group which is also the General Sales Agent (GSA) for many airlines is looking to tap the fast-expanding air traffic between India and the Gulf.
source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Sayima Ahmad , (Headline edited) / August 22nd, 2024
SDPI workers ready to participate in rescue/ help operation.
In the early hours of July 30th, a massive landslide devastated the Mundkkai-Chooralmala areas in the southeast region of Wayanad district, Kerala. The natural calamity swept away two villages, leaving behind almost no structures and claiming numerous lives. The catastrophe quickly drew the attention of the outside world, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
Rescue volunteers from various religious organizations and political parties hurried to the scene to search for survivors and recover bodies. Estimates suggest the death toll has surpassed 300, with more than 200 people still missing. Among the first to arrive were the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) volunteers, reaching the disaster site even before military and government rescue teams could mobilize.
The rescue operations saw the involvement of multiple organizations, including Indian Relief Workers (IRW), Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), Samastha Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SKSSF), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Youth Congress, Welfare Party, and the Muslim League. These groups have been tirelessly working to find and rescue any remaining survivors.
SDPI volunteers played a crucial role in recovering bodies from challenging terrains, including marshy areas and rivers flowing kilometers away from the landslide site. They ventured deep into the forests to carry bodies to hospitals, often on their shoulders, demonstrating immense dedication and bravery.
Relief activities are ongoing with significant momentum. The focus now is on ensuring the dignified rehabilitation of the surviving victims. The tireless efforts of all volunteers, especially those from SDPI, have highlighted the importance of community solidarity and prompt action in the face of natural disasters. The collaborative spirit and commitment shown by these volunteers offer a beacon of hope amid the devastation, emphasizing the need for continuous support and rehabilitation for those affected by this tragic event.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Muslim Mirror / August 06th, 2024
Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.
Younis waits at the Meppadi health centre on Friday for news about his parents, who went missing in the twin landslides in Wayanad. Younis has lost 11 relatives in the disaster. He received the mortal remains of his sister and niece earlier. (Photo | E Gokul, EPS)
Chooralmala :
People outside the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad may be debating the effectiveness of the forecast and reasons for the disaster. But that’s not the case at ground zero. It demonstrates, yet again, that Keralites unite above politics and religion during hours of crisis.
Apart from the Army, Navy, NDRF, Coast Guard, Police, Fire and Rescue Services and civil service volunteers, many organisations like Youth Care, SYS, SKSSF, DYFI and Seva Bharati too have been at the forefront of search and rescue efforts. They have brought more than 1,000 volunteers from neighbouring districts, who are wading through mounds of slush in search of life. No one shows animosity or hostility based on faith or political ideology. In fact, the Army has appreciated the dedication of the volunteers.
“The coordination between the state agencies, the Army and volunteers is excellent and that has helped in the smooth conduct of rescue operations,” said Major General V T Mathew, who is heading the 509-strong Army team.
Saifudeen of Wayanad Jeepers Off Road Club in Kalpetta, who has been part of the rescue operation from day one, said volunteers of various organisations are working like a single unit.
“I was part of the team that recovered around eight bodies from Vellarmala. The shock of handling the bodies of children was terrible. I almost choked when we were having lunch. It haunted me like a nightmare and I struggled to sleep. When we see toys and cradles among the debris, we think of our children. There is no meaning for enmity and squabbling in hours of crisis,” he said.
VIP visits troubling rescue teams
Abdul Hameed, of Tirur in Malappuram, who is part of a 35-member rescue team of SYS, said the experience in joining the rescue operations during the 2018 floods and Kavalappara landslide has been helpful for the team.
However, the visit of VIPs, who bring a large team of supporters along with them, is troubling the rescue teams. As the road is narrow and there is limited space for excavators to move around, the Army has been pleading to restrict the entry of vehicles to Chooralmala.
However, MPs and MLAs arrive with supporters and insist on going to the Bailey bridge and even Mundakkai. The police are having a tough time at the barricade to stop VIPs.
Meanwhile, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi set an example as he avoided cavalcade and arrived in a police vehicle to visit the affected areas.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Manoj Viswanathan / August 03rd, 2024
Bhagvanpur (Vaishali District) BIHAR / Waynad, KERALA :
Ravi Rosan Kumar, hailing from Bihar lost his mother and three other family members in the catastrophic landslide.
Kerala Muslim Jamaath Wayanad president O K Ahmad Kutty Baqavi, SYS media coordinator S Sharafudheen, district president Basheer Sa’di and other members handing over the flight ticket to Bihar native Ravi Roshan Kumar
Meppadi :
Ravi Rosan Kumar, hailing from Bhagavanpur in the Vaishali district of Bihar, endured an unimaginable tragedy. Kumar had relocated along with his family to Wayanad, after he got a job at the tea factory in Harrison Malayalam Estate. But their lives were shattered in the catastrophic landslide that claimed over 300 lives and obliterated two villages in the district.
Kumar lost his beloved mother, Fulkumari Devi. Three of his family members are still missing.
Ravi’s mother had always dreamt of returning to their birthplace in Bhagavanpur, a wish that she could not fulfill. With no immediate relatives left and having lost all his savings in the tragedy, Ravi stared at a bleak future. However, he was determined to honor his mother’s wish by taking her ashes back to Bhagavanpur for immersion.
Ravi’s plight caught the attention of Santhwanam, a volunteer group under the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), a Muslim organization based in Kerala, who stepped in to provide crucial support.
Search operations by different volunteer groups being carried out at Punjirimattom village in Wayanad. (Photo | ENS)
Understanding the gravity of Ravi’s situation, they arranged a flight ticket and other necessary assistance for him to return to Bhagavanpur and fulfill his mother’s final wish by immersing her ashes in the river in their village.
Kerala Muslim Jamath Wayanad President O. K. Ahmad Kutty Baqavi, along with S. Sharafudheen, SYS district president Basheer Sa’di, General Secretary Latheef Kakkavayal, and other members including Santhwanam Emergency Team coordinators C. M. Noushad, Naseer Kottathara, Shameer Thomattuchal, Dr. Muhammad Irshad, and Fazlul Abid, saw off Ravi Rosan Kumar as he embarked on his journey to his native place.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 04th, 2024
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second biggest ally in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, has nominated Supreme Court lawyer and KMCC Delhi president Adv. Haris Beeran as the party’s candidate for the Rajya Sabha.
The announcement was made by IUML Kerala state president Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal following a state committee meeting held on Monday at Thiruvananthapuram.
The election for three Rajya Sabha seats will take place on June 25, with Beeran’s nomination being filed today. The party is optimistic that Beeran’s legal expertise will enhance the IUML’s performance in the Upper House.
Thangal emphasized the strategic importance of Beeran’s background in law, highlighting how his experience would benefit the party’s legislative endeavors.
In his statement, Adv. Haris Beeran expressed gratitude towards the party leadership for their confidence in him and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the Constitution.
“Since I am based in Delhi, I feel this big responsibility has come at a time when the country is passing through difficult times with even the Constitution coming under duress. We will be doing our best to see that the Constitution remains intact,” said Beeran.
He also mentioned his involvement in the ongoing case regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) , which is being represented by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal in the top court.
Adv. Haris Beeran has been a pivotal figure for the IUML in various Supreme Court cases. His father, V.K. Beeran, also had a notable legal career as a former additional advocate general.
The decision to nominate Adv. Haris Beeran came after careful consideration of several potential candidates, League leadership said.
State General Secretary PMA Salam, Youth League National General Secretary Adv. Faisal Babu, and others were in contention for the seat. However, Sadiqali Shihab Thangal’s support, along with endorsements from four time parliamentarian ET Muhammad Basheer and other leaders, ultimately secured Beeran’s candidacy.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> Elections 2024 / by Maktoob Staff / June 10th, 2024
In a thumbing victory, IUML continues its consistent legacy of electoral successes right from 1952 Loksabha Elections.
The party retained it’s bastions of Malapuram and Ponnani with a record breaking victory margin along with a blitzkrieg victory in Ramanathapuram, decimating the BJP and AIADMK
Kerala registered a record winning the 3 of 3 seats it contested. Party worker’s enthusiastic campaigns and IUML’s strategic electoral support to INDIA Allaince partners also ensured in restricting the authoritarian ruling party to retaining power.
While E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER won from Malapuram and DR. M.P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI Ponnani from Kerala, NAVASKANI K got elected from Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.
IUML backed, Congress led UDF also secured 18 seats out of 20 in Kerala, while DMK-IUML- Congress Allaince swept TamilNadu Loksabha securing all 39 seats of the state.
Congratulations on the stellar electoral performance with record vote margins. May the elected parliamentarians stand steadfast in the fight against minority infringements and protection of human rights.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Election 2024> Indian Muslims> Politics / by Muslim Mirror Staff / June 05th, 2024
Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhary receiving the prestigious Imam Gazzali Award
New Delhi :
For his tireless endeavors to propel Islamic jurisprudence forward while spearheading transformative social initiatives, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhary, the Managing Director of Markaz Knowledge City, has been bestowed with the Hujjathul Islam Imam Gazzali Award for the year 2023.
This prestigious honor is presented by the Darul Maarif Islamic Center under the esteemed leadership of Kodambuzha Bava Musliar. Award committee lauds Dr. Azhari’s innovative ideas that have significantly contributed to the resurgence of Ahle-Sunnah principles and played a pivotal role in societal reforms.
Dr. Azhary distinguishes himself as a dynamic force committed to more than replicating established norms, actively identifying and addressing gaps in social reforms, particularly in rural areas across the expanse of India. His visionary leadership has not only garnered global attention but has been instrumental in implementing impactful initiatives to bridge these social divides strategically.
Drawing from his extensive global experiences, Dr. Azhari has tailored his developmental approach for economically challenged communities in pan India. His initiatives transcend geographical boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on diverse societal sectors, from the tribal regions of Wayanad in the south to Uthrakand in the north.
Under Dr. Azhary’s guidance, Markaz Garden, and its off-campuses scattered across India, alongside the monumental Markaz Knowledge City, have risen as bastions of knowledge and inclusivity. These institutions, underpinned by Islamic teachings, attract individuals from all walks of life, breaking down barriers of caste, sectarianism, and creed, truly embodying the essence of Islam.
Dr. Azhari’s organizational prowess, evident from a relatively young age, is underscored by his appointment as the General Secretary of the SYS. His leadership acumen shone particularly bright when faced with the challenge of Sheik Aboobaker Ahmed’s illness, where he seamlessly steered Markaz towards its mission, exemplifying unwavering commitment
In essence, the conferment of the Imam Hujjathul Islam Gazzali Award upon Dr. Abdul Hakeem Azhary is a testament to his steadfast dedication to the rejuvenation of Islamic religious sciences and his profound impact on societal development. His visionary approach and global perspective breathe new life into the traditional landscape, rendering him a truly deserving recipient of this esteemed accolade.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV / January 10th, 2024
Kalpakancheri (Malappuram District), KERALA / Dubai, U.A.E:
Indian recalls journey from being a fundraiser to rebuild a mosque to emerging a tycoon.
A young Azad Moopen at the inauguration of one of his clinics / Image Credit: Supplied
HIGHLIGHTS
Dr Azad Moopen came to the UAE in February 1987 to raise money for the renovation of a mosque in his hometown, Kalpakancheri in Malappuram district, Kerala.
Dr Moopen leased a two-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai to start a clinic
In 2008, Dr Moopen invited a private equity firm to invest in the company and they valued Aster DM Healthcare at $100 million.
In 2010 and 2011, Dr Moopen was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri, respectively, by the Government of India.
Aster DM is listed at NSE and BSE
Dubai:
Azad Moopen came to Dubai 34 years ago to raise money for the renovation of a mosque in his hometown, Kalpakancheri, in the Malappuram district, Kerala. He needed Rs1 million then, or Dh250,000 as per the currency exchange rate in 1987. The plan was just to collect the funds and return home. He had no intention to settle in the UAE.
Destiny, however, had other plans for Moopen – a gold medallist in general medicine and a lecturer at the Calicut Medical College at the time. Looking back, Moopen said it was this noble intention that perhaps set the background for something big to happen in his life.
Fast forward to today, he is now a household name in the UAE. Just about everybody in the region knows him well as the multi-billion dollar businessman and developer of health-care facilities in the UAE and Asia-Pacific region. He is the chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, a conglomerate in the Middle East and India that Moopen founded in December 1987, just ten months after arriving in the UAE to raise funds for a mosque.
According to a report published in September 2018, he owned and managed 21 hospitals, 113 clinics and 216 pharmacies. The health-care company serves 50,000 patients a day in nine countries. In 2018, Aster treated 17 million patients across all its facilities. Of this these, 15 million patients were from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while two million were from India.
In 2017, Forbes ranked him sixth on the ‘Top 100 Indian Leaders in UAE’ list and his total wealth was estimated at approximately $5.9 billion (Dh21.7 billion).
How it all started
“When I finished collecting money for the mosque reconstruction, my job was over in the UAE. It was time to return home, but when I went home, I was not happy. There was something pulling me back to this country as there was magic here,” said Moopen. “In June (1987), I came back on a visit to the UAE. I stayed with a friend in Ajman who was a doctor as well. There were plenty of opportunities for a doctor like me and I was raring to tap into some of them.”
Azad Moopen receives a Lifetime Achievement Award / Image Credit: Supplied
Moopen’s friend was setting up a clinic in Ajman and he invited him to join there as a physician. Back in the day, there were no post-graduate doctors practising in Ajman and Moopen, who was a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and a Doctor of Medicine, with a a Diploma in treating Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), was already highly qualified. In fact, his varied degrees made him quite a sought-after doctor in Ajman.
“But my friend bowled me a googlie, as we say in cricketing terms! He turned around one day and told me to start a clinic in Dubai. To be honest, I thought he did not like me and that’s why he was pushing me away to Dubai. But I took his advice and today, I believe he is my guardian angel. That moment, when I heeded his advise and came to Dubai, it was the turning point in my life. I know now he was a friend, he was a God-sent and he is ‘the person’ in my life.”
No matter how successful you become in life, you never forget the people who helped you along the way. And this, to me, has been the biggest reason for my success.
– Azad Moopen
In December 1987, Moopen leased a two-bedroom apartment in Bur Dubai close to the Port Rashid area. “Port Rashid was one of the main areas in Dubai where there were many ongoing activities. A lot of people worked here and I wanted to serve them.”
He said the consultation charges were between Dh10 and 15. Some people got reimbursement from their companies while others paid the bills from their pocket.
“The challenge, however, was collecting money from some blue collared workers who could not afford to pay even this amount. So every Tuesday we started offering free consultations for half a day. We also kept sample medicines which we gave to these workers.”
Within a year, the clinic started receiving 100 patients a day. There were just two doctors – Moopen and a gynaecologist.
Dr. Azad Moopen receiving an award from late Indian President APJ Kalam / Image Credit: Supplied
“I myself worked from 8 in the morning until mid-night. But it was becoming very congested and we needed to move to a bigger place,” he said. “I found a three-bedroom apartment in Al Rafa and we moved there. We hired two more doctors – both paediatricians. We were able to see more patients as a result.”
By that time in 1988, Moopen was getting a hang of running a health-care facility. “One of the things we discovered early on was that people came to us for consultation, but were picking up medicines from another pharmacy. So, we thought why not make this in-house? And that is how Al Rafa Pharmacy was born.”
Moopen said that in 2008, he had his real brush with success. “Until then, I was just doing my job of opening clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. I was not really counting or sitting down to see and evaluate the success of my business. In 2008, as part of our expansion plans, we invited a private equity firm to invest with us. They valued our company at $100 million and that reality hit me. We had grown and how! It was an emotional moment for me, reading the valuation report and made me think of how hard the company staff and me had worked to bring it that far,” he said.
Dr. Azad Moopen with his youngest daughter Zeba Moopen who is now a practicing doctor / Image Credit: Supplied
In 2012, a second private equity firm came on board and they valued Aster DM Healthcare at $400 million. “This means we had grown four times in four years. It was massive.”
Today, Aster DM is listed at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the company’s total revenue in 2019 was fixed at a massive $1.4 billion.
Reason behind this phenomenal success
“Without batting an eyelid I will say that it is my staff, my people, my doctors who have made this company successful. I am blessed and lucky to have these people working for me for decades. Our doctor turnover at the consultant level is as low as five per cent. This means our doctors practically never leave us. And, because of this, our patients never leave us.
Azad Moopen with cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during the latter’s book launch. / Image Credit: Supplied
“No matter how successful you become in life, you never forget the people who helped you along the way. And this, to me, has been the biggest reason for my success. To give you an example, the other day, one of my CEOs brought me a staff member’s performance report. He wanted me to fire him as he was not performing well. When I saw the report I realised he was an old friend’s son. This friend, I remember, had loaned me Dh500 when I had come to the UAE for the first time.”
“As the memories flooded me, I simply refused to sign the sack letter. Instead, I called this young boy and his father and told them about the report. From my part, I have given this boy a second chance. I pray he will make use of the opportunity given to him.”
Challenges
Dr. Moopen during one of his philanthropic activities / Image Credit: Supplied
“There are always challenges in business. If you want your career graph to have a smooth ride, then you must not pick business as your profession. Success in business lies in finding your challenges and meeting them head-on,” said Moopen.
“For example, the UAE’s mandatory insurance has proved to be beneficial for the consumer, but for health-care providers like us, it is a challenge. People would come to us because of our credibility. Now, it has to do with the kind of insurance coverage they have.”
Philanthropy the way to life
Moopen has pledged to give 20 per cent of his wealth to charity. An off-shoot of this has been the ‘Aster Volunteers’ programme to help patients with free consultations, treatment and surgeries. More than 900,000 lives have been touched by the programme.
Dr. Moopen with his family in an earlier picture / Image Credit: Supplied
In 2010 and 2011, Moopen was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and Padma Shri, respectively, by the Government of India.
Dr. Azad Moopen awarded the coveted Padma Shri in 2011 / Image Credit: Supplied
“By God’s grace, I have everything in life. Name, fame, wealth, a great family. It is my duty and responsibility now to help others. When I started out, I was in the right place at the right time with the right people. I want others to be in my shoes. I am nearing retirement and my only dream now is to hand over my business to my team of professionals who, I believe, will do a better job than me.”
