DK is next IT hub: Patil

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Suresh Vamanjoor)

August 30, 2013

Mangalore, Aug 30: The Government of Karnataka is committed to the development of Tier II and Tier III cities in the State and will take steps to see to it that these cities witness social and economic development. The development phase will change Karnataka and will make it a world leader in Information Technology, said S R Patil, Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology.

Speaking at the inauguration function of 'Mangalore – the Emerging ITE Destination', which is an initiative of the Department of Information Technology, Bio-Technology, Science and Technology to promote IT and Electronics in Tier II and Tier III cities in the State of Karnataka.

Making an earnest request to investors to start operations in Mangalore, Mr Patil said that Dakshina Kannada is a well developed place known for its hotel industry the world over. It is also known as the cradle of Banking.

“All nationalized banks have started operations from here even as it boasts of a robust education sector. More than 50 companies are running their businesses here and employ 18,000 professionals. This speaks about the educated and talented youth force which is available here and these factors make Mangalore the next big ITE destination.”

Delivering the keynote address, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Vision Group of IT, Government of Karnataka, Co-founder and Executive Vice Chairman, Infosys, and President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), informed that Infosys would be completing 18 years of its operations in Mangalore.

Citing the reasons why Mangalore was chosen to be Infosys' second centre even before starting operations at Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Mysore, Gopalkrishnan said that Mangalore has a high quality of life and a culture of education and business adding that the DNA of Mangalore is its culture of entrepreneurship and business. Today, Infosys has over 4000 professionals working at the Mangalore centre. Urging educational institutions to promote entrepreneurship among students, Mr Gopalkrishna said that educational institutions must promote at least eight percent of its students to become job creators instead of being job seekers. While addressing the gathering he highlighted that by 2020, Indian Electronics market is going to touch 400 Billion USD. This would further create pressure on Current Account Deficit. At the same time it is an opportunity for the domestic electronics manufacturing sector.

Addressing the conference Sanjeev Keskar Chairman of Indian Electronics and semiconductor Association (IESA) and MD, Sales for India and SEA at PMC-Sierra urged the audience to explore opportunities in Industrial Electronics and many other streams under ESDM. IESA is going to publish a report next month highlighting opportunities in 20 electronic product segments.

Biren Ghose, Country Head of Technicolor India and President of Association of Bangalore Animation Industry highlighted that Mangalore has a natural advantage in this sector as this industry depends on pool of creative people, artists and technocrats and Mangalore has all this in abundance.

The inauguration function of this event witnessed a galaxy of ministers attending it. B Ramanath Rai, Minister of State for Forests, Ecology and Environment and District in-charge Minister of Dakshina Kannada, in his address said that Dakshina Kannada holds potential for entrepreneurial opportunities and we need to be participating in the growth of IT in this competitive age.

K Abhay Chandra Jain, Minister of State for Youth services, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, U T Khader, Minister of for Health and Family Welfare among others were present.

The conference was well attended by over 200 delegates from Mangalore and over 24 experts from across India participated in the panel discussions which included Mohammed Ameen, President of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gopikrishnan Konnanath, Head – Development Centre, Mangalore at Infosys, Naren Konduvattat, Founder and Managing Director at i-Point, Vishal Hegde, Trustee of Nitte Education Trust, Fr Denzil Lobo, Rector, St Aloysius College Institutions, Greg Childs, Co-creator and Editorial Director, The Children's media Conference and Former Director of BBC, Vidyaranya Kollipal, HR Site Lead at Mphasis, Arul Moorthy, Founder CEO at Digitalmagic, Nagaraj Kulkarni, Director, Information Excellence at Compegence, Srinidhi Rao, Associate Vice President – Engineering at Robosoft Technologies 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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