Aussie woman in M'lore in search of mother's grave

Mangalore, Aug 8: She is firm and at least wants to see her mother's grave and pay her respects. Agnes Fernandes from Australia, who was born in Mangalore and was given for adoption, had made a futile attempt to meet her biological mother in 1969.

Now again, after 44 years, the 82-year-old Agnes who has never seen her mother has come all the way from Perth in the hope of getting to know something about mother and perhaps see her grave. Accompanied by her daughter Persine, the octogenarian arrived Mangalore in July and from then has visited many churches and houses in search of clues.

Revealing her story to Deccan Herald, Agnes said she was a premature baby born in Mangalore in 1931 and a Tamil Christian couple from Puducherry with the surname Nathan adopted her through Antony's Charitable Institutions in Mangalore.

Agnes could not walk for the first three years of her life but thanks to the Nathan family, who took extra care and gave her medication, she was up on her feet. The Nathan couple later moved to Singapore, where Agnes was brought up.

Agnes fell in love with a Punjabi Sikh, Rameshvar Singh, in Singapore and married him. Agnes and Rameshvar later migrated with their six daughters to Australia. However, the urge to know about her biological mother always haunted Agnes.

First attempt

In 1969, Agnes, her husband and their youngest daughter Donette, came to Mangalore to find her mother. “I met an elderly nun serving in St Antony's Charitable Institutions and aware of my mother's identity. She told me that my mother was working as a domestic help at a headmaster's house probably in Jeppu and looking after his children,” she said, adding that the nun managed to contact her mother, who agreed to meet Agnes. However, Agnes' mother changed her mind at the last minute.

“I was disappointed, but I do not blame her. She had not seen me for 38 years and may have been emotionally overwhelmed. I can understand a mother's pain, as I have six daughters,” said an emotional Agnes.

Baptism certificate

“I managed to get my certificate of baptism on Monday and for the first time, I learnt that my mother's name is Monthi Fernandes. My father's name is not written in the birth certificate, but, I have a godmother named Santana Souza. I was born on January 20, 1931, and was baptised on February 6, 1931,” said Agnes. She added that she had visited different churches in Mangalore, hoping for information or to find her mother's grave. “I am 82, but I am still my mother's child. I want to know who she was and what she looked like. I do not think she will be alive, as she may be over 100.”

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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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