Special Indian delegation in Saudi to take stock of Nitaqat issues

April 29, 2013

Jeddah, Apr 29: A special delegation from India with Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahmed and T.K. A Nair, Advisor to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh as members is in Jeddah to take stock of the present situation prevailing post 'Nitaqat' programme adopted by the Saudi Labour Ministry.

The Indian Consul General H.E. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai hosted a community reception program at Indian Consulate premises at Jeddah in honor of the special delegation.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi said that the Prime Minister of India has sent a delegation to Saudi Arabia to meet and discuss the Nitaqat issue and assist the Indians residing in Saudi Arabia. He assured the Indian Community that the delegation is fully involved with the community to solve the issue and said up to now about 50,000 Indians have already registered with the Embassy with their cases, seeking help from the Embassy. Over 2.4 million Indians are residing in the Kingdon of Saudi Arabia and the delegation has several issues to discuss with Saudi Authorities to resolve them.

“Every Country has its own rules and regulations and we all should abide the law of this land. Several Indians have are in the clutches of the Nitaqath program and most of them were the victims of illegal Visa Trade. A special Work group has been formed under Vice-Ambassador of Indian Embassy Riyadh to meet Vice Labor Minister where several rounds of meeting will take place to find the solution for this problem,” Mr Rai said.

Hurub (Absconding case from the Sponsors) is another major issue in which several innocent peoples were under scanner. Mr. Ravi said he has suggested the Indian Embassy to collect the data from Indian Community, but the staff strength of Indian Embassy is not enough to start the process up in several parts of Saudi Arabia. In such situation out sourcing this activity is only option and Government of India will discharge all the expenses on it, he said.

The delegation will fly to Riyadh and will visit the Labor Ministry and discuss this issue and try to find some solutions. The delegation will request the ministry to extend the grace period on humanitarian grounds.

The delegation will brief the PM on returning to India.

Answering the questions from the audiences, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia H.E. Hamid Ali Rao said, we need support from the Indian Community in various fields like collecting data, conducting awareness programs to the Indian community. The grace period awarded from the Custodian of two Holy Mosques H.H. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud helps hundreds of thousands of people to correct their residence permits and status. He also urged the Indian Community to correct their status with their sponsors under this grace period. Indian Embassy is collecting the data and will share the data with the Saudi Authorities and try to find the solution.

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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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