We work more but not good at marketing: Rahul Gandhi in Bangalore

January 11, 2014

Bangalore, Jan 11: Rahul Gandhi today said Congress works more but is not good at marketing, unlike opposition parties.

"Our opposition markets better, works less. We work more but aren't good at marketing," he said during a brainstorming session at the National Congress' Consultation for the National Youth and Students' Manifesto here.

Congress was the only party that could take every Indian together - rich, poor, Hindu or Muslim, he told the close-door session attended by young Indians from varied backgrounds, including students, professionals, innovators, activists, researchers, artists and panchayat representatives.

The Congress Vice-President said the fundamental reason for inadequate space for the youth in politics was the process of selecting candidates.

"The fundamental reason why there is inadequate space for the youth in politics is that the process of entry and promotion are not transparent. The real problem is the process of selecting candidates," he added.

"Does any party ask the people who the candidate from their area should be?" he told the participants who were joined by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh, Union Ministers Manish Tewari, Sachin Pilot and Jitendra Singh.

Infosys co-founder and head of Aadhar programme Nandan Nilekani, who is planning to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Bangalore on Congress ticket, was also in attendance.

Gandhi stressed that bringing about a change involved creating institutions and processes that empower people. "Building systems takes time, it is not easy as it looks," he said.

Gandhi, whose remarks were circulated to the media, said true empowerment needs to be sustainable and long-term. "Short term empowerment is in fact disempowerment."

Gandhi said the country needs to open up higher education system and link it to the industrial system, NGO system and various other systems.

Responding a comment made by a participant from West Bengal on the atrocities against women, Gandhi said one of the biggest problems in the country is the lack of power women have and the way they are treated.

"If I want to bring about one change, it would be the empowerment of women," he added.

He said true governance is that which provides dignity and respect to people and ensures their voices are heard.

This was the third consultation held by Congress to secure suggestions for its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Tewari said.

The proces of preparing the manifesto by public consultation stems from Congress' "commitment towards ensuring that governance truly reflects people's voice", he said.

Asked why Congress was trying to get connected to people now and had not done in the last ten years of its rule, Tewari said "it is neither late nor do we carry (any) baggage. It is in time. It is approved."

Tewari said Congress brought transformation in the country through various policies, including Food Security Act and Right to Information Act, and now the party wanted to take it to the next level.

"Therefore, we are in a process of taking the high road to development ... so that India could occupy the rightful place in the commity of nations," he added.

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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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