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.
Comments
Dear respected Seer
This is all election gimmick.
BJP dont have any Muddah to move with. So they are trying to fool the hindu brothers and sisters by playing with their sentiments. Even the locals both Hindu and muslims of Ayodya doesnt want to communicalise this issue. But BJP and its supporters need to - Why because next year is 2019.
Let the SC decide whom the disputed land belongs to- Why you can't wait llike the minorities???
in the other hand you got full mandate in State as well as in Centre. Why you didn't take action in these 4 and half years like your govt has done for minorities issues like tripple talak, removal of subsidy to haj pilgrimage, etc etc?? and changing the islamic names of cities etc??
Dear Sir - Why now a days you are poking your nose in all political and religious issues!!!!
Being a Hindu, I wont recommend to build such building which is not going help anybody in physical world. Instead of that, build as many as houses for homeless poor people. give jobs to educated as well as uneducated people (not pakoda making)
Dont be religious blind man. or dont act like blind. We all know you took initiative for the Ram Temple. But this is not the time to buit such a useless structure. Modi already wasted crores and again going to waste crores for statues
Dear seer, we respect you. But this trick wont work among us. Do atleast somewthing for poor people. Help people. Temple wont cure diseases and wont fill empty stomach
we will not support you, get los. do you think you are the manager of god.
do you think your god will be happy afetr building temple in this destruction place!!!
what harmony you talking about, do you think hindu can live peacefully after destroying muslim in india. this is your dream. never test the patient of LIONS, number of D@gs does not effect the lion.
28 yesr passed still you cant build, just forget it and move on..
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