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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Dear All, First up all we thanks our government to take initiative action to success the plan. We all kasaragod people should proud to hear now, we have best medical college hospital in our native. Whenever their is an emergency, our ambulance runs to Mangalore in fast drive, where driver keep his life in death mode to save patient valuable life... We respect our Ambulance team with salute... Why we need to keep Ambulance & patient life for more time. We will get best efforts from our government.... If we have Teacher minister with us, we should not afraid of any body. She will look best for us, to get best meditation doctors for endosulfan, heart , kidney, etc. We can say to all we also has best medical college for all of citizen internal and external. Thanks Kerala State Government to support Kasaragod. Especially all kasaragod Gulf and other District Trust including me ,we should have best hand for any kind of help to promote for our Kasaragod Medical Collage. In the God we will success. Whenever an gulf comes for vacation, should have visit, if we can do some or share some more support. I love kasaragod, we want him fully happiness, I need to enjoy Eid, onam, Christmas with my brother and sister
In order to promote govt hospital and to ensure less expensive consultation, govt should improve hospital/medical college facilities and political leaders should go to govt hospitals/ medical colleges for consultation
Never.. That is GOVT medical college. So doctors wont get much benefit compared to PRIVATE MEDICAL COLLEGE
Doctors too. Many are from Kerala. They will go this MC
If it came out good then, some private hospitals in mangaluru may lose many patients.
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