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Aster’s Azad Moopen: ‘Charity work led me to UAE, now I’m a billionaire’

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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.”

source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> UAE Success Stories> exclusive / by Anjana Kumar, Senior Reporter / January 15th, 2019

Rana Fathima, 5-year-old swimming prodigy, is a role model for youngsters

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kodiyathoor Panchayat, KERALA:

Rana’s feat assumes significance in the wake of a rise in the number of drowning cases in the state.

Rana Fathima shows off her skills in the water
Rana Fathima shows off her skills in the water

Kozhikode :

Rana Fathima, a five-year-old swimming prodigy hailing from Kodiyathoor panchayat, has been enchanting denizens on the internet with her skills in the water for some years now. Now, as a brand ambassador of ‘Neenthi vaa Makkale’, an initiative organised by Mukkam municipality to impart swimming lessons to students, she is a role model, inspiring youngsters in the panchayat to take up swimming.

Rana learned to swim in a small river in Thottumukham under the tutelage of her grandmother, Ramla Manaf. She is the daughter of journalist Rafeeque Thottumukham and Rifana.“It is important for children to learn how to swim. It’s equally important for parents to encourage their kids to come out of their cocoons. Mobile phones and television are adversely affecting the young generation. Children should stay close to nature,” Rafeeque said.

After her videos went viral, Rana was frequented by social media influencers, all eager to capture her story in greater detail. Rahul Gandhi, too, had paid her a visit on one of his trips to the state.

Rana’s feat assumes significance in the wake of a rise in the number of drowning cases in the state. “Most of the drowning cases happen during the vacation. People who take to the water bodies here do not heed our warnings. You might have prior experience in swimming, but the rivers here have strong currents. Even the native swimmers are scared to get down sometimes,” said Muralidharan C K, assistant station officer, Fire and Rescue Services, Mukkam.

In the past five years, around 41 people have died by drowning in the region. Most of them were youngsters aged 15-28.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Alka Mariya & Heera Hari / May 22nd, 2023

MA Mohammed Jamal, ‘beloved godfather of orphans’ passes away at 83

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KERALA:

MA Mohammed Jamal, the revered godfather to thousands of orphans and general secretary of Wayanad Muslim Orphanage (WMO) in Kerala’s Wayanad district, passed away on Thursday, 21 December.

Having dedicated his life to the orphanage since 1967, Jamal transformed the lives of numerous orphans.

Initially a member of the Indian Union Muslim League, he assumed leadership of the orphanage in 1987 following the passing of veteran Muslim leader Abdul Rahman Bafaqui Thangal.

Over 400 students, with WMO’s financial support, pursue higher studies nationwide after leaving the orphanage, and many expressed their grief on social media following the death of “Jamaluppa,” the name they used to call him.

Jamal, also a Kerala state committee member of the Indian Union Muslim League, was 83.

His demise leaves a significant void at the helm of the 19 institutes providing religious and moral education to approximately 9000 students in Wayanad.

In recognition of his philanthropic endeavors, Jamal received prestigious awards, including the Kerala Mappila Kala Academy’s first Sharifa Fatima Award in 2006, the Indira Gandhi Sadbhavana Award for Best Education Worker in 2008, the KSTU’s first Shihab Thangal Award for Best Social Worker in 2011, and the Quaid-E-Millath Foundation’s Quaid-E-Millath Award.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India / by Maktoob Staff / December 21st, 2023

Zach Faizal’s Peec Mobility, BEEAH, SRTIP forge partnership for sustainable mobility in Sharjah

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Green Products, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Transport, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA / Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Dubai , U.A.E:

In a groundbreaking move toward sustainable transportation, BEEAH has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Peec Mobility and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

The collaboration aims to revolutionize local electric vehicle production by repurposing end-of-life petrol vehicles, fostering recycling practices to support a circular economy, and driving research and skill development in the burgeoning field of sustainable mobility.

The partnership agreement, signed at the BEEAH Headquarters, saw the participation of key figures, including Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah and Chairperson of SRTIP; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH; Zach Faizal, Founder of Peec Mobility; and HE Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP.

Zach Faizal’s brainchild, Peec Mobility, has been at the forefront of innovation since its inception in 2022. The Dubai-based startup specializes in the repurposing of retired petrol vehicles, seamlessly transforming them into electric vehicles with a remarkable 30% cost reduction and an 80% decrease in manufacturing time compared to the production of new electric vehicles.

Faizal, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, envisions Peec Mobility’s technology as a game-changer for the region. He emphasizes that their re-engineering process offers a more cost-effective, quicker, and environmentally friendly transition to electric mobility than investing in entirely new electric vehicles.

“Today, re-engineering is quicker, smoother, and greener than buying new EVs, and proves cost-efficient,” Faizal stated during the announcement. “Peec’s vehicles are aimed to be priced at 30 per cent to 50 per cent lower with the volumes we’re looking at, thus solving the affordability challenge in the sector,” he added.

Peec Mobility’s focus extends beyond individual cars, with ambitious plans to repurpose entire fleets of ICE buses, cars, and trucks on UAE roads. Faizal believes in the efficacy of reusing existing vehicles, stating that “waste is minimized, and a new life cycle begins.”

The partnership seeks to support Sharjah’s transition to sustainable mobility while minimizing the environmental impact of the production and repurposing processes. The overarching goal is to contribute to national and global objectives for zero-waste, circularity, sustainable transport, and decarbonization.

Zach Faizal expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Conversion is the most pragmatic route to Net-Zero. Once we succeed with our business strategy here, we will take it to other countries to redefine the used-car market.”

As part of the collaboration, Peec Mobility and its partners plan to unveil the first lineup of repurposed mid-sized sedans and buses at the UN Climate Change Conference, showcasing the innovative technology and commitment to sustainable practices.

With the support of the government, Peec Mobility aims to implement the conversion at scale, creating a replicable model not only for the UAE but potentially for other countries. Faizal proposes a policy to repurpose 5.0% of existing vehicles on the road annually for the next seven years, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero goal.

As of now, Peec Mobility is on track to introduce at least 500 repurposed EVs on Dubai roads by 2024, offering a tangible solution to the affordability challenge associated with electric vehicles.

Zach Faizal is the son of Faizal Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal, a well-known Indian entrepreneur couple based in the UAE. The couple is not only known for their business endeavors but also for their philanthropic contributions.

Shabana hails from Mangaluru in the Karnataka state of India. She is the only daughter of prominent businessman and socio-religious leader Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen who founded the prestigious BA Group of Businesses in Thumbay near Mangaluru.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / December 13th, 2023

Book Excerpt: Barsa By Kadeeja Mumtas

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Education, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kattoor (Thrissur District),KERALA:

Khadija Mumtaz - Wikipedia

Barsa, written by Kadeeja Mumtas, is the first Malayalam novel to be set in Saudi Arabia and as its introduction states, is a record of “a woman’s scrutiny of Islamic scriptures and Muslim life”.

Barsa, as its introduction states, is the first Malayalam novel to be set in Saudi Arabia. Written by Kadeeja Mumtas and translated into English by K M Sherrif, the book acts as a record of “a woman’s scrutiny of Islamic scriptures and Muslim life”. 

Sabitha, the protagonist of the novel, after moving to Saudi Arabia, starts questioning every aspect of her every day life – including religion.


The novel traces her personal journey as she is caught amidst culture, religion, and personal agency, and struggles to assert her own identity.

One hot afternoon, Rasheed and Sabitha first stepped out like refugees on the large expanse of land surrounding the grand mosque which housed the holy Ka’aba. Other travellers who knew their way hurriedly moved on while the two of them stood hesitantly at the crossroads, unsure of their next step. The coppery glare of the sun sat on their heads like the legs of a giant spider.

Rasheed glanced at Sabitha. He could sense her discomfort in the headscarf and the abaya, looking like a lawyer’s coat, which the Malayali workers at the airport had helped her buy. But he thought that even in those uncomfortable clothes, Doctor Prabhakaran’s niece, with her wheatish complexion, had a particular charm. He wanted to tell her this with a little smile, but with his tongue stuck to the roof of his dry mouth. He just couldn’t do it, which was a pity. If he had, maybe the wrinkles on her forehead would have lost at least one crease.

A yellow taxi backed up and stopped near them. Th e face of a man with a shabby headdress clamped down by a black ring came into view, and an arm jerked out of the window at the driver’s seat. “Fain aabga ruh?” Rasheed guessed he was asking where they wanted to go and replied, “Mudeeriya Musthashfa”—the Health Directorate. He had gleaned the Arabic expression from the conversation he had had in halting English with the Palestinian doctor they had met at the airport emergency service. He had seen Sabitha too write it down in her diary.

“Ta’al ”—come. Th e driver opened the car doors and invited them in. As he could not understand the driver’s sarcastic remark, directed obviously at his fairly large suitcase, Rasheed, with some embarrassment, chose to put it on his lap as he sat down and leaned back comfortably.

As the car sped at breakneck speed, Sabitha felt a tremor run through her, but she suppressed it immediately. She felt helpless at having to depend on a complete stranger, an Arab driver whose language she did not know. But she was also reassured by Rasheed’s presence. They had reached this far, trusting strangers, many of whose languages they did not know.

As they boarded the Saudi Airlines flight to Riyadh from Mumbai, Thambi, the man from their ticketing agents Ajanta Travels, had said reassuringly, “The flight will take about four and a half hours. Someone from the Ministry will be waiting to receive you. There is nothing to worry about, Riyadh is a nice city. Okay then, happy journey!”

From the moment Thambi, with that characteristic city dweller’s way of waving goodbye had raised his hands and walked away, Rasheed and Sabitha had taken comfort in each other’s presence. They could make this journey together only because of their decision to stick to each other, come what may. At the interview in Mumbai, it was Sabitha who was selected first, as a lady gynaecologist. The interview for ophthalmologists had not yet been conducted and, as there were a large number of applicants, Rasheed was not too hopeful of getting in. When she was asked to sign the contract, Sabitha hesitated, “I will sign only if my husband too is selected.” She had by then realised that lady gynaecologists were much in demand. “You sign; even if he is not selected, he can come with you on a family visa and then try for a job there.”

The man at Ajanta Travels, a go-getter, tried to hustle her. “No, I am not that keen to go to the Gulf to work. I will go only if he also gets a job there.” Her stubbornness paid off . An interview was fixed for Rasheed as a special case.

Excerpted with permission from Barsa, by Kadeeja Mumtas, Yoda Press. You can buy this book at 20% off at the FII-Yoda Press Winter Book Sale on 21st and 22nd December 2018 in New Delhi. For more details, check out the sale page.

source: http://www.feminisminindia.com / Feminism In India – FII / Home> Culture> Books / by FII Team / December 21st, 2018

From A Tailor To The One Who Crafts Unique Fashion – Nellara Shamsudheen

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA / DUBAI, U.A.E:

article-image

Even when nothing works out as you planned, don’t lose your trust in yourself, this is what Mr. Shamsudheen has to share with us. 

Being the Managing Director of Nellara Groups, Address apparel, and more venture, Mr. Shamsudheen a successful Multipreneur from Kerala, has a story of dreams & hard work to share with us. 

Since his teenage years, he started working to earn money to pursue his passion, establishing a business. He kept a keen interest in designing shirts, and from a native tailor, Mr. Shamsudheen acquired skills to stitch them, not knowing it would be a turning point in his life.  

As he grew up, his dreams got life, and ‘Nellara food products, ’ a chain that provides premium quality food products, was born. 

Still, his passion to design fashion was the same, and the concept of gifting people the best ones at an affordable range gave life to a clothing brand, ‘Address Men’s Apparel’. 

With cunning strategies and proper implementation, Address caught global attention, and it is now a brand with 60+ outlets across 12 countries. Team Address focuses on designing desired outfits in premium quality that every man dreams of. 

Address, a brand exclusively for men, was a dream of Mr. Shamsudheen, and with years of research and market study, the brand was revealed with an exceptional array of supreme comfort shirts.  They have a well-experienced and truly professional team of fashion designers to gift everyone the best outfit. 

Offering a wide range of shirts, including Supima, Cargo, and Solid shirts, Address Apparel promises superior quality garments because their team leader, Mr. Shamsudheen, believes in extending everything at the best level without compromising quality. 

Mr. Shamsudheen Nellara, One who believes in making changes by marking goodness, carries the title of one of the best entrepreneurs in India with all commitment and future goals.

source: http://www.freepressjournal.in / The Free Press Journal / Home> Business / by FPJ Web Desk / July 04th, 2023

Kerala: Veteran Mappilapattu singer Ramla Beegum dies

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kozhikode District, KERALA:

The veteran Maappilapattu singer, Ramla Beegum, passed away at her residence in Kerala’s Kozhikode district on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the age of 85.

In addition to her renown as a Maapilapaatu singer, Ramla gained fame as a Kathaprasangam artist, captivating audiences with her unique storytelling style that weaved together tales from both Muslim and Hindu cultures.

Her performances graced stages both nationally and internationally.

To this day, Ramla’s Mappilapattu songs and lyrical narratives, such as “Husnul Jamal Badrul Muneer,” continue to captivate the hearts of art enthusiasts. Some of her most cherished renditions included “Aalam Udayon…” and “Iruloka Jayamaniyum…”

Ramla has performed narrations of literary classics such as Kesavadev’s ‘Odayil Ninnu,’ Kalidas’s ‘Shaakuntalam,’ and Kumaran Asan’s ‘Nalini’ on international platforms.

Her exceptional talent has earned her numerous awards, including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academi Award and the Folklore Academi Award, to name a few.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India / by Maktoob Staff / September 27th, 2023

Noted scholars congratulate Sheikh Abubakr for the Malaysian award

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
A.P Abubakar Musliar
A.P Abubakar Musliar

New Delhi:

Distinguished Indian scholars have congratulated Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad on being conferred with Hijrah Award, the Malaysia’s highest civilian honour for Influential Muslim Scholars worldwide.

Indians have also welcomed Malyasian Government’s gesture on giving honour to the proponents of moderate Islam.

Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad was conferred with Hijrah Award, Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah presented the award at a grand ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Muhammad Nahim bin Mukhtar among many others.

In a grand ceremony Sheikh Abubakar was felicitated with the prestigious international award for his significant contributions in the field of Islamic knowledge, social development, and peacebuilding.

The Hijrah award committee also acknowledged the educational activities Sheikh Abubakr and his organizations initiated among various communities in India.

Upon receiving the award, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad expressed his delight and stated that this is an international recognition for Indian community and their contributions to humanity.

Last year, Hijrah award was given to Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who recently visited India upon the invitation of Indian Government.

Dr Abdul Hakeem, son of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, said congratulatory messages are coming in from all over the world, people of various faiths are saying he is deserving of the award for his services as a scholar for the downtrodden and the backward community.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has successfully established a multi-discipline institute for education, health, agriculture, technology, hospitality, and spirituality together in one city.

He has also contributed to the Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a smart city. “The award is an honour to India as Sheikh has always represented India’s multi-cultural diversity and unity in several countries in the world,” he added.

President of Interfaith Harmony Foundation of India, Dr Khwaja Iftekhar Ahmad said: Sheikh Abubakr is running a chain of religious and modern education institutes in Kerala including an orphanage. This puts him in the category of a highly distinctive Indian Muslim religious scholar, who deserves many honours for his services towards the field of education.

He has done a remarkable thing by establishing in a few hundred acres of land a knowledge city in Kerala. It is an eye-opener for those who wish to contribute in the field of education.

 “I congratulate the King of Malaysia for conferring him the award. It is an honour for Indian and an honour for the freedom that minorities enjoy in India,’’ he added.

Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Chairman – Chishty Foundation, said: “It is a well-deserved recognition for his significant contributions to Islamic knowledge, social development, and peacebuilding. His educational initiatives have positively impacted various communities in India, and this award is a proud moment for the Indian community and their contributions to humanity.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad’s dedication to promoting Islamic knowledge and fostering social development has truly made a lasting impact. The recognition bestowed upon him by the Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah highlights the global influence of his work as an influential Muslim scholar.

The Hijrah Award’s history of honoring notable figures like Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa further solidifies the significance of this recognition. With influential personalities like Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad and Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa collaborating and fostering dialogue between nations, it enhances interfaith relations and promotes mutual understanding.

Zafar Mahmood, noted Islamic scholar and former civil servant, said: “The Malaysian award is a recognition of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad for his remarkable work in the field of education and social harmony. Recognition of efforts in the field of education uplift is heartwarming. It also elevates our spiritual level because of the spiritual mandate.’’

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is widely respected not only in religious fraternity of Muslims but by the people of all communities. His contribution in interfaith dialogue is noteworthy.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Awaz, The Voice / July 20th, 2023

Small planet named ‘5718 Pattazhy’, after Kerala scientist Dr. Sainudeen Pattazhy

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KERALA:

A minor planet in the solar system, which earlier bore just the number 5718 CD4, has now been named after Kollam based scientist, Dr Sainudeen Pattazhy, reports Ramesh Babu.

Pattazhy was surprised when a representative of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, run by the space agency NASA, telephoned him on Wednesday evening. “I’m not a space scientist and initially thought someone was pulling my leg,” he told Hindustan Times. “But the official explained that my name was chosen after going through my research papers.”

Pattazhy, who teaches zoology at a local college, has carried out pioneering research on many environment related issues such as the phenomenon of ‘red rain’ —which occurred in Kerala in 2001—the control of mosquitoes, the eco biology of ‘sacred groves’, and the health hazards posed by mobile phone towers.

Pattazhy’s suggestions on the health hazards posed by mobile towers are still pending with the Union Ministry of Environment. According to him, the radiation would affect people residing within 300 metres of the towers.

The minor planet — to be henceforth known as ‘5718 Pattazhy’ — was discovered by US-based space scientist Dr R Rajmohan in 1989. There are around 400,000 ‘minor planets’ or asteroids in the solar system, of which 185,685 have well defined orbits and have been allotted numbers by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Around 14,000 of them have been given names.

“It seems the discoverer of the planet forwarded my name after going through my work,” said Pattazhy, adding that he had no idea why he was chosen.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> India News / by Ramesh Babu, Thiruvananthapuram (headline edited) / May 02nd, 2008

Two lakh Muslim youth take to Kerala streets to mark 50 years of student group

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kannur, KERALA:

Over one and half lakh Muslim youth took the streets of Kerala’s Kannur on Saturday, marking the golden jubilee of the Sunni Students’ Federation (SSF).

The SSF was formed in Kerala on 29 April 1973 under the patronage of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad. It is affiliated to All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama.

Over two lakh students and youth attended the public conference at Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur.

“It is the largest student assemblage in the country, which marked the rise and proclamation of the energetic sustenance of a moral student commune capable of leading the nation with secular values and ethical principles,” said Muslim scholar and the student body’s patron Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad.

Ahmad while inaugurating the valedictory session of the six day conference urged the state and Union governments to act against the hatred and communal disharmony.

Ahmad also demanded the ban of ‘The Kerala Story,’ a Hindutva propaganda movie which falsely claims that the southern Indian state is a hub of ‘love jihad.’

The theme of the conference was “Nammal Indian Janata” which translates to “We, the people of India”.

The main entrance to the conference was designed to resemble the Bab-e-Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the main gate of Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. The construction of the conference gate also served as a pointed response to the Hindu nationalist government’s decision to exclude the great Muslim figure’s contributions from school textbooks.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob / Home> India> Latest News> South India / by Maktoob Media Staff / April 29th, 2023