Book fair delights Mangalore readers

Mangalore, Jan 4: A book fair is a book lover's delight. For those who thoroughly enjoy scouring over misty covers and well-thumbed pages of fiction, literature, philosophy or poetry, the week-long book fair held in Nehru Maidan in the city featured books of several genres in English, Kannada, Konkani and even in Malayalam.

After a gap of 13 years, the book mela is being organised in Mangalore by National Book Trust (NBT) India in collaboration with Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation, Vishwa Konkani Kendra, Mangalore.

The book shelves in about 60 stalls held autobiographies, hardboilers, legal thrillers, historical fiction, classics, political fiction and non-fiction alongside books on current politics, vocabulary, nature and world history.

Speaking after inaugurating the book fair, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment B Ramanath Rai said that one ought to travel for the expansion of knowledge and read to broaden the perspective of knowledge. “The habit of reading will increase our vocabulary along with knowledge. Books are important for understanding the basics of subjects. They are also helpful in learning our history, heritage and truthfulness of a topic,” he said.

Referring to the fact that a faction of the society referred to the venue of the event as central maidan, he said that it could never be rechristened and would remain to be called as Nehru Maidan.

Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo said that in the digital age of computers, children and youth failed to cultivate the habit of reading due to technology. “It is necessary to teach children to read books and magazines in school. We should encourage them to cultivate the habit of reading,” he said.

Founder of Vishwa Konkani Kendra Basti Vaman Shenoy also spoke on the occasion.

Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, editor of NBT Nagarajappa, regional head of NBT Amit Karki and Konkani writer K Gopaldas Prabhu were present.

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Philanthropist, Visionary Entrepreneur, A K Group Founder M Ahmed passes away

coastaldigest.com news network

October 8,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The city of Mangaluru mourns the loss of M Ahmed, a pioneering businessman, philanthropist, and the Founder Chairman of the AK Group. He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of service, innovation, and community building.

M Ahmed, also fondly known as A K Ahmed, was a man of humble beginnings who grew into one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South India. He founded the AK Group in 1984, which has since flourished into a multi-faceted business empire. The company, which began as a small frame manufacturing unit, now encompasses a wide range of industries, including plywood, formaldehyde, particle boards, fire-rated products, and more. AK Group's growth extended beyond India, with manufacturing units established in Myanmar and Vietnam.

What began with 18 employees in 1984 has today expanded to provide employment to approximately 3,000 people in India and 400 abroad. M Ahmed’s dedication and vision were instrumental in transforming the company into a market leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovation. AK Plywood is now one of India’s top plywood manufacturers, and the largest in South India. The company was Karnataka’s first plywood manufacturer to receive ISO certification and has garnered prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars Power Brands Award in London (2017) and the Best Manufacturer Award from MSME Karnataka (2018).

Ahmed’s business success was deeply rooted in values instilled in him during his early years. He worked alongside his father, the late Abdul Khader Moopa, loading sawn timber, and it was from these humble beginnings that he developed his work ethic, pioneering spirit, and respect for time—values that remained the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

His foresight was evident when he recognized the potential of timber from Perumbavoor, Kerala, for plywood and blockboards at a time when it was merely being used as firewood. This strategic move led to the establishment of one of the first frame manufacturing and peeling units there, and soon after, Ahmed launched his own company in Mangaluru, swiftly earning national and international recognition.

Beyond plywood, the AK Group has diversified into multiple industries, including marine food, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, hypermarkets in India and the UAE, and food industries in Indonesia. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company’s reach expanded, ensuring its position as a formidable player in various sectors.

Ahmed was not only an extraordinary businessman but also a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to social and religious causes. He served as the founding president of the managing committee of Ihsan Masjid in Mangaluru and established the Highland Educational and Cultural Centre. His philanthropic efforts were as vast as his business ventures, benefiting countless communities both in India and abroad.

His kindness, simplicity, and punctuality were hallmarks of his character. Those who knew him admired his unyielding commitment to excellence, as well as his warmth and generosity. M Ahmed is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four sons, who continue his legacy of philanthropy and social service.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all sectors of society. Social, religious, and political leaders in Mangaluru expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

M Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to massive success will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and, above all, integrity.

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