Dakshina Kannada, Udupi celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with fervorur

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)

August 8, 2013

Mangalore / Udupi, Aug 8: Muslims across Kerala and twin districts of Coastal Karnataka celebrated the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday with traditional fervour and devotion.

Across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, thousands of joyful Muslims, many of them wearing the conventional kurta-pyjamas, thronged various Masjids and Eid-gahs to offer Eid prayers, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Eid-gah Masjid in Light House Hill, Masjidunnoor in Hampankatta, Taqwa Masjid in Pumpwell, Ibrahim Khaleel Masjid near State Bank and Kachi Memon Masjid in Bunder were overcrowded with devotees. Eid prayers were also held at Central Juma Masjid in and Salsabeel Masjid in Ullal and Huda Masjid in Thokkottu.

In most of the Masjids, the devotees, after offering the Eid prayers, prayed for communal harmony and welfare of the country as well. They also prayed for the victims of violence and barbarism in Syria, Egypt and other parts of the world.

Donning new clothes, Muslims visited houses of their relatives, where they were treated with special sweet dishes. Platters of a variety of delicious cuisines were prepared in Muslim households.

Children dressed in festival attire added colour to the celebrations. People wished Eid Mubarak and hugged each other as a large number of shutterbugs tried to capture the poignant scenes of the festival prayers and greetings.

A large number of women devotees also offered Eid prayer in some of the Masjids. “The number of women participating in Eid prayer has been continuously increasing since last few years thanks to the Islamic awakening in coastal Karnataka”, said Maulana Mujahid Ansari, a cleric.

Message

In his Eid message Mangalore Qazi Twaqa Ahmed Mulsliyar exhorted the Muslims not to forget the lesser privileged people and needy during the festivities. “We have a social responsibility towards the poor and needy. As long as we attend to their problems, God's blessings will continue to shower upon us,” he said.

He said Eid-ul-Fitr is a special gift of Allah to those who keep month long fast and engage themselves in prayers and spiritual cleanliness as per His commandments.

In Udupi Jamia Masjid, the Khatheeb addressing the assemblage, said that Islam encompasses love, affection, compassion and peace. “We have gathered here to offer gratitude to almighty after 30 days of fast.”

In another Masjid, the cleric opined that communal harmony is our country's strength. Emphasizing importance of fasting of Muslims during the month of Ramadan, he said, community would not involve in any sort of committing mistakes, lying and betrayal. He called upon the gathering to continue the same after the end of fasting season and aid the needy.

In rural areas of coastal Karnataka and Kerala too the festival was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety.

Security beefed up

Meanwhile, police units in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasargod districts have beefed up security in the areas where Masjids and Eid-gahs are located, particularly in and around the cities. Police constables were also seen keeping vigil in some of the Masjids.

Mangalore City Police Chief Manish Kharbikar said that peace-meetings were arranged in some places ahead of the Eid celebrations with the intention of establishing harmony and strengthening relationship between communities.

He said that additional force form Karnataka State Reserve Police, Home Guard and District Armed Reserve Police have been deployed in the limits of Commissionerate as part of precautionary measures.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Goyal said that he had directed all the police stations in his jurisdiction to take necessary measures to maintain peace.

Gratitude

Political leaders also visited the Eid-gah Masjid and exchanged greetings with Muslim brethren. They expressed gratitude to Muslim leaders for promoting peace and harmony during festivities.

Eid greetings

Dakshina Kannada district-in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai, Udupi district-in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake among others have extended their greetings to Muslims of coastal Karnataka on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

“This festival symbolises joy and thanks giving. Let the celebrations of this festival bring peace, prosperity, contentment and happiness to the people,” said Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader in his Eid message.

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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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