Abdul Kader Fazlani: Businessman, Plilanthropist

Abdul Kader Fazlani (1949) is a prominent Indian businessman, philanthropist and  the Chairman of the Fazlani Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in various sectors including real estate, education, and hospitality. Known for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, Fazlani has played a significant role in shaping the group's success and growth.

Born into a family with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Abdul Kader Fazlani was exposed to the dynamics of business from an early age. His academic background in business management and economics provided him with a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures. Fazlani's strategic vision and innovative approach have been key drivers in the expansion and diversification of the Fazlani Group.

Under his leadership, the Fazlani Group has made notable strides in several industries. The group is particularly recognized for its contributions to real estate development, where it has undertaken a range of projects including residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. Fazlani's focus on quality and sustainability has set high standards in the real estate sector, earning the group a reputation for excellence.

Other than real estate, the Fazlani Group has a strong presence in the education sector. Abdul Kader Fazlani has been instrumental in establishing and supporting educational institutions that provide high-quality education and promote holistic development. His commitment to education reflects his belief in its power to drive positive social change and empower individuals.

The hospitality sector is another area where Fazlani's leadership has made a significant impact. The group's ventures in hospitality are known for their focus on providing exceptional experiences and services. Fazlani's emphasis on customer satisfaction and operational excellence has contributed to the success and growth of these ventures.

Abdul Kader Fazlani is also actively involved in various philanthropic and social initiatives. His commitment to giving back to the community is evident in the group's support for charitable causes, including healthcare, education, and disaster relief. Fazlani's philanthropic efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life for underserved communities and promoting social welfare.

Throughout his career, Abdul Kader Fazlani has received recognition and accolades for his contributions to business and community service. His leadership and vision continue to drive the Fazlani Group's success and influence, making him a respected figure in the Indian business landscape.

Abdul Kader Fazlani's achievements as Chairman of the Fazlani Group highlight his strategic acumen, commitment to excellence, and dedication to social responsibility. His leadership and innovative approach have positioned the group as a leading player in various industries, and his efforts continue to make a positive impact on society.

Azad Moopen: Healthcare Entrepreneur/Philonthropist 

Azad Moopen (born in 1953) is an Indian healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the founder and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, a global conglomerate in the healthcare industry. Born in 1953 in Kalpakanchery, Kerala, India, Moopen pursued his medical degree (MBBS) at Calicut Medical College and completed his MD in general medicine. After practicing medicine for a few years in India, he moved to Dubai in the mid-1980s, where he began his entrepreneurial journey in healthcare.

In 1987, Moopen founded Aster DM Healthcare, which started as a single clinic in Dubai. Over the decades, it expanded into a major healthcare network, operating in multiple countries across the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Aster DM Healthcare now includes hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and pharmacies, providing high-quality medical care to millions of patients. The group operates over 500 healthcare facilities, including 29 hospitals, 121 clinics, and over 450 pharmacies. Moopen’s vision for accessible and affordable healthcare has played a significant role in transforming the healthcare landscape, particularly in the Gulf region.

Azad Moopen’s contributions to healthcare have earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2011 by the President of India for his contributions to Indian expatriates and healthcare. Additionally, he has been recognized in various global forums for his leadership in the healthcare industry.

Apart from his business ventures, Moopen is deeply involved in philanthropic work through the Dr. Moopen Foundation. The foundation focuses on healthcare, education, and social welfare initiatives, providing free medical care, supporting disaster relief, and offering scholarships to students.

Azad Moopen’s commitment to improving healthcare and his philanthropic efforts have made him a key figure in the global healthcare industry, contributing not only to the growth of healthcare infrastructure but also to the well-being of communities in need.

Azim Hashim Premji: Businessman

Azim Hashim Premji (born in 1945) in Bombay (now Mumbai), is a prominent Indian businessman, philanthropist, and the former chairman of Wipro Limited, a leading multinational corporation in the IT services sector. Recognized as one of India's most influential business leaders, Premji transformed Wipro from a small hydrogenated cooking fat company into a global IT powerhouse.

After the sudden death of his father in 1966, Premji left his studies at Stanford University and returned to India to take over the family's business. Under his visionary leadership, Wipro diversified and expanded into the technology sector in the 1980s. This strategic shift was pivotal, allowing Wipro to capitalize on the burgeoning IT industry and establish itself as a major player on the global stage.

Premji's business acumen and ethical leadership have earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of the world's most influential people by TIME magazine and receiving the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2011, India's third and second-highest civilian awards, respectively.

Beyond his business success, Premji is also renowned for his philanthropy. In 2001, he founded the Azim Premji Foundation, focused on improving the quality of education in India. His commitment to social causes is reflected in his decision to sign the Giving Pledge, promising to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes. As of 2024, he has donated over $21 billion to philanthropy, primarily aimed at education and healthcare.

Premji's legacy is characterized by his dedication to both business excellence and social responsibility. His work continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and philanthropists, highlighting the profound impact that business leaders can have on society through ethical practices and unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Irfan Razack: Businessman

Irfan Razack (born in 1953) is a prominent Indian businessman and the Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, one of South India’s largest and most successful real estate development companies. Born into a business family in Bengaluru, Razack's journey into the real estate sector began with his deep understanding of the market and a vision to transform the urban landscape of his hometown.

Razack co-founded Prestige Group in 1986, alongside his brothers Rezwan and Noaman Razack. What began as a modest enterprise soon expanded under his leadership into a diversified conglomerate with interests in residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors. Prestige Group's landmark projects, such as UB City, The Forum Mall, and Prestige Shantiniketan, have redefined the skyline of Bengaluru and other major cities in South India, earning the company a reputation for quality, innovation, and excellence.

Irfan Razack’s leadership style is marked by a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, ethical business practices, and a commitment to delivering world-class projects. His ability to anticipate market trends and adapt to the evolving needs of urbanization has been key to Prestige Group’s sustained growth. Under his stewardship, the company has received numerous awards and accolades, including the FIABCI Award for Excellence and the Best Developer in India award from various real estate forums.

Beyond his business acumen, Razack is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He is actively involved in various charitable initiatives, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and community development. His contributions to society have earned him recognition as a responsible corporate leader.

Irfan Razack's vision and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a leading figure in the Indian real estate industry. His legacy is reflected in the transformation of Bengaluru into a modern metropolis, with Prestige Group playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s growth.

MP Ahammed: Businessman/ Philonthropist

M.P. Ahammed (born in 1957) is an Indian entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the largest and most successful jewelry retail chains in the world. Born in a small town in Kerala, India, Ahammed had humble beginnings, initially working in the family business that dealt with spice trading and agro-products. Despite having no formal higher education, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore new business avenues, and in 1993, he ventured into the jewelry business by establishing Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

Under Ahammed’s leadership, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has grown from a single outlet in Kozhikode, Kerala, to an international brand with over 300 showrooms across India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States. The company is renowned for offering a wide range of gold, diamond, and platinum jewelry, and it is recognized for its commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates with the unique motto "Make Life Beautiful," reflecting Ahammed’s vision of enhancing customer experiences through luxurious yet accessible jewelry.

Ahammed’s business acumen and innovative approach to retail have been key to the brand’s success. He pioneered several customer-centric initiatives, including providing assured buyback policies, lifetime maintenance, and transparent pricing, which helped build trust among customers. His emphasis on ethical practices in sourcing materials and crafting jewelry has also contributed to the brand’s global reputation.

Beyond his business achievements, M.P. Ahammed is known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Malabar Group’s charitable arm. The company allocates a significant portion of its profits to various social initiatives, including healthcare, education, housing, and environmental sustainability. Ahammed strongly believes in giving back to society, and his charitable projects have positively impacted countless lives, particularly in underprivileged communities.

M.P. Ahammed's entrepreneurial journey, marked by his integrity, innovation, and commitment to social responsibility, has made him a respected figure in the business world and a symbol of success and philanthropy. His leadership continues to inspire others in the jewelry industry and beyond.

P. Mohamed Ali: A Visionary Businessman and Philanthropist

Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, an accomplished and highly respected businessman from Thalikulam, a village in Thrissur district, Kerala, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to education and philanthropy. His multifaceted contributions span infrastructure development in Oman and India, making him a prominent figure among the Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region. 

A civil engineer by profession, Dr. Mohamed Ali arrived in Oman in 1972 and established Galfar Engineering, which has grown into Oman’s largest private-sector employer. Today, the Galfar Group operates across Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and India, employing over 65,000 people from diverse nationalities. Its ventures encompass civil and industrial construction, oil and gas, roads and bridges, manufacturing, heavy equipment, electrical and instrumentation, water and wastewater management, education, and hospitality. 

Contributions to Education

Dr. Mohamed Ali's initiatives in Oman’s education sector are groundbreaking. He established an Indian School, serving over 3,500 students, and the National University of Science & Technology (NUST), which commenced operations in 2018 by merging three prominent institutions:

Caledonian College of Engineering – A leading engineering institution in the region.

Oman Medical College – Training future medical professionals.

College of Pharmacy – Focused on pharmaceutical education.

Dr. Ali promoted two operator institutes providing on-the-job training for Omani nationals. Collectively, these institutions serve over 10,000 students, exemplifying his dedication to education.

Business Ventures in India

Dr. Mohamed Ali’s business interests in India have flourished in the infrastructure and hospitality sectors. His enterprises include Mfar Constructions in Bengaluru and Mfar Hotels in Kochi, which manage Le Méridien and the International Convention Centre in Kochi, as well as the Westin Hotel in Chennai. His hospitality ventures extend to Azaiba Hotels LLC (Hormuz Grand) in Oman, and two hotels under construction in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

He is also a founding director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL), both of which were promoted by the Government of Kerala.

Philanthropy and Community Development

Dr. Mohamed Ali's dedication to uplifting his native village is exemplified by the Talikulam Vikas Trust, established in 2005 to provide education, employment, housing, and healthcare to his community. This ambitious initiative was successfully realized in 2010.

The P.M. Foundation, founded by him, supports education among backward communities, while the CSM Central School offers CBSE curriculum education. Dr. Ali also chairs the Social Advancement Foundation of India (SAFI), an institution providing educational opportunities to socially and economically disadvantaged groups. This institution was inaugurated by then Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari, in 2011.

Leadership Roles and Recognitions

Dr. Mohamed Ali has held numerous prestigious positions, including:

Member of the Governing Body of the Council for Promotion of Overseas Employment (Government of India).

Founder Chairman of the Oman Society of Contractors (OSC) and the Oman Petroleum Alliance (OPAL).

Vice Chairman of the Omanization Joint Committee.

His exceptional contributions have earned him global recognition and several prestigious awards, including:

Oman Civil Order Award (2002).

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (2004).

Honorary Doctor of Science from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK.

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Times Group (2010).

IATO Hall of Fame Award for contributions to hospitality and the Cochin International Airport.

In 2013, Dr. Mohamed Ali was honored by the President of India at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas for his exemplary service to the nation.

Legacy of Vision and Dedication

Dr. P. Mohamed Ali continues to inspire with his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to education, and impactful contributions to infrastructure and community development. His life’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, innovation, and perseverance.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Entrepreneur /Philanthropist

M.A. Yusuff Ali, born on November 15, 1955, in Nattika, Thrissur, Kerala, is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International. A billionaire entrepreneur, he has transformed the retail landscape in the Middle East and India. The LuLu Group, with an annual turnover of $8.4 billion, operates over 100 hypermarkets and malls globally, employing over 65,000 people, including more than 30,000 Indians.

After completing his schooling at St. Xavier's High School, Thrissur, and earning a diploma in Business Management, Yusuff Ali moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to join his uncle's business. He diversified the family venture, expanding it into food processing, wholesale distribution, and retail. In the 1990s, he launched the LuLu Hypermarket chain, revolutionizing the retail sector in the UAE.

In India, Yusuff Ali has invested significantly in infrastructure, banking, and retail. His first retail venture, the LuLu International Shopping Mall in Kochi, opened in 2013 and remains one of the largest in the country. Since then, the LuLu Group has established malls in Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Hyderabad. He has also acquired stakes in several Indian banks, including the Federal Bank and South Indian Bank.

A committed philanthropist, Yusuff Ali supports numerous charitable initiatives. He contributed ₹9.5 crores for Kerala flood relief in 2018 and pledged ₹50 million during the 2019 floods. His global CSR efforts include adopting schools in Gaza and Nepal and establishing a multi-faith funeral center in Sharjah.

Recognized as one of Forbes’ top Indian business leaders in the Arab world, Yusuff Ali was ranked 39th on Forbes India’s 100 Richest Tycoons list in 2024, with a net worth of $7.4 billion. Beyond his business success, he is deeply involved in social and economic welfare, particularly for the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region, showcasing his enduring commitment to humanity and progress.