Remembering AK Ahmed : A Visionary, A Leader, and A Devoted Man from Mangalore
As I reflect on the remarkable life of my uncle, Mr. AK Ahmed, whom we lovingly called Muthaba, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration. Ak Ahmed my Muthaba, was not only a highly respected figure in the plywood industry, but he also possessed a unique blend of business acumen, philanthropic spirit, and an unwavering passion for lifelong learning. Even though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Philanthropist with Humility
One of Muthaba’s most defining traits was his generosity. He was known as a great donor, contributing to causes he deeply believed in. However, he did so with remarkable humility, never seeking recognition or publicity. For Muthaba, giving was a private act of kindness and compassion, reflecting his profound sense of social responsibility. His philanthropy extended far beyond financial donations; he believed in using his resources to create opportunities for others and uplift society as a whole.
A Unique Approach to Business
While many successful businessmen ventured into real estate, AK Muthaba had a different philosophy. He believed that real estate profits benefited only investors, while building industries could support thousands of families by providing jobs and contributing to economic growth. He dedicated his time and resources to creating businesses that sustained communities, showcasing his deep commitment to social welfare and the well-being of those around him.
A Passionate Learner with No Formal Education
Despite having no formal education, AK Muthaba possessed an extraordinary gift for calculation. He was known for his sharp mind, particularly in understanding financial and business matters. His natural ability to grasp complex calculations and trends set him apart as a true visionary in business. He kept himself well-informed about the international business environment, always updated on the dollar-to-INR exchange rate, the price of gold, and essential commodities. His business instincts were finely tuned, making him a formidable presence in the industry despite his lack of formal education.
Master of Delegation and Adapting to Change
Muthaba’s remarkable ability to delegate work demonstrated his understanding of people’s potential. He knew precisely who could handle specific tasks, empowering those around him to take responsibility and grow. His adaptability, especially in rapidly evolving business environments, was one of his greatest strengths. He quickly adopted new technologies and ideas to stay ahead of the curve, navigating market challenges with ease.
A Legacy of Learning and Innovation
Whenever asked about his success, Muthaba would first attribute it to God’s blessings and then give credit to his former boss, Mr. Hemant Bhai. Muthaba viewed Mr. Hemant Bhai as a true well-wisher who played a pivotal role in his development as a businessman. Mr. Hemant Bhai’s influence helped shape Muthaba’s values and approach to business, encouraging him to pursue entrepreneurship and prioritize building industries over other ventures. This gratitude and humility defined Muthaba throughout his life, as he always remembered and appreciated those who supported him on his journey.
Punctual, Hardworking, and People-Oriented
Time management was another area where Muthaba excelled. His punctuality was well-known, and he treated everyone with respect for their time. His hardworking nature and attention to detail were reflected in his business practices, where he consistently strove for excellence. Despite his success, Muthaba was someone who could easily mingle with people of all ages, earning the respect and admiration of everyone he met.
Transforming Rubber Wood Waste into India’s Plywood Powerhouse in Perumbavoor
AK Muthaba established the first wood peeling unit of Perumbavur in 1989, which marked a significant turning point in the utilization of rubber wood. Prior to his initiative, a substantial amount of rubber wood was wasted, largely because there were no viable methods for processing it into usable products. His pioneering efforts not only transformed this local resource into valuable raw material for the plywood industry but also laid the foundation for Perumbavur to emerge as the largest plywood manufacturing hub in India. Today, this thriving industry employs hundreds of thousands of people, creating numerous job opportunities and contributing significantly to the region’s economy. Ahmed’s vision and determination have had a lasting impact, turning a previously underutilized resource into a cornerstone of economic development in the area.
A Master at Organizing People and a Pillar of the Industry
Muthaba was renowned for his exceptional organizational skills, especially when it came to bringing people together. His ability to manage and inspire groups of individuals made him a key figure in the plywood industry. Whether coordinating teams for large-scale projects or facilitating discussions among stakeholders, his leadership ensured smooth operations and cohesive teamwork. Muthaba didn’t just manage people; he understood them. His empathetic approach allowed him to draw out the best in others, ensuring that everyone felt valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
In Mangalore, he became a pillar of support for the plywood association, where his guidance was sought after and trusted. He was not just an advisor; he was a mentor to many within the industry. His deep understanding of business, combined with his strong interpersonal skills, enabled him to navigate complex challenges and offer solutions that benefited the entire community. His influence extended beyond the boardroom; people turned to him for advice on both business matters and personal growth.
A Talent for Building and Maintaining Relationships
One of Muthaba’s most remarkable qualities was his ability to forge and maintain relationships across all sections of society. Whether dealing with high-ranking officials, industry veterans, or factory workers, Muthaba treated everyone with equal respect and sincerity. This unique ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds helped him build a wide network of personal and professional relationships that spanned various sectors. His humility and keen interest in others ensured these relationships were long-lasting and built on mutual trust.
Decisive and Diligent
In addition to his relationship-building skills, Muthaba was known for his decisiveness. He had the ability to quickly assess situations, make informed decisions, and implement them without hesitation. His decisions were always backed by thorough planning, and he diligently followed up on tasks to ensure they were executed properly. This relentless follow-up ensured the success of his projects and earned him the reputation of someone who got things done—and done well.
A Devout Muslim and Family Man
Muthaba’s faith was central to his life. He was a practicing Muslim, known for never missing his Namaz prayers. His strong religious beliefs shaped his ethical approach to both business and life. He was also a dedicated family man, taking great pride in raising and training his sons with the same values and principles that guided his own life.
He had four sons: Niyaz AK, Naushad AK, Nazim AK, and Saji AK, along with three daughters: Hafsa, Rehana, and Shirin. His wife, Mariyam, was his constant support. He taught all his children to serve society, and they actively participated in humanitarian relief work. Together, they supported orphanages in remote areas and contributed to blood donation drives and medical camps. The family operates under the organization HIF, with its operations center based in Masjid Ehsan in Mangalore, a mosque built under Muthaba’s leadership.
His sons-in-law, Mr. Abdul Razak, Mr. Haneef PS, and Arch Mohammed Nisar, were also integral members of this closely-knit family.
His business partners, Dr. Prashant and Mr. Anil, were like family to him, with whom he maintained regular contact and shared a strong bond.
Muthaba had three siblings: AK Hassainar (my Abba), Late AK Abdul Hameed, and AK Abdul Raheem. He began his business career alongside his brothers in the initial stages, highlighting the strong family ties that shaped his professional journey.
A remarkable aspect of Muthaba’s life was his dedication to nurturing his children. He made it a point to call each of his children individually every day, guiding them to become assets to society through their work and contributions. His legacy continues through his children and their ongoing humanitarian efforts, as well as through the countless lives he touched and the community he helped uplift.
Conclusion
Through his exceptional organizational skills, his ability to maintain strong relationships, and his decisiveness, Muthaba became a symbol of leadership and trust, both in the plywood industry and in the wider community. His unwavering dedication to family, society, and his faith has left a lasting impact—one that continues to guide those of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
With lots of love
Rukhsana khaleel