Saudi-based NRI Zakariya Jokatte chosen for Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
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Mangaluru: The Karnataka government’s Department of Kannada and Culture has announced the 2025–26 Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards, honouring Zakariya Jokatte, founder of Al Muzain Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and chairman of M Friends Charitable Trust in Mangaluru, under the “Non-Resident Kannadiga (NRI)” category.
Born on May 10, 1958, in Thokur, Jokatte, Zakariya is the eldest of five children of Haji B. Shekhoonji and Katheejamma. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful global entrepreneur is marked by sheer hard work and perseverance. Having discontinued his formal education early, he began his career doing small-scale jobs, selling jaggery, welding, and working as a daily-wage labourer. During his early years abroad, he even carried cement up to the 28th floor of a building as part of construction work.
After years of tireless effort, Zakariya established Al Muzain Manpower Company in 2008 at Jubail, along with his eldest son Zaheer and three employees. The company gradually expanded to employ over 8,000 workers, with a target of creating 10,000 jobs by 2027.
Following the success of Al Muzain, Zakariya went on to set up several other enterprises, expanding his business footprint across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, London, and India. He also entered the education sector by founding an international school in Al Khobar in collaboration with Yenepoya Institutions. Plans are underway to establish a hospital and medical college as part of his future vision. He is also working on AI innovation projects and development initiatives for the coastal region.
Currently residing in Bolar, Mangaluru, Zakariya lives with his wife Hazra Zakariya. Their three sons Zaheer, Nazir, and Zahid, are involved in various business ventures abroad.
As chairman of M Friends Charitable Trust, Hidaya Foundation, and Zara Family Charity Trust, Zakariya has been at the forefront of social service. He serves as a director, advisor, and sponsor for several organisations across Karnataka, contributing extensively to the welfare of the poor and underprivileged. His philanthropic work and business excellence have earned him numerous awards and recognitions at national and international levels.
Reacting to the award, Zakariya said he had never applied for the recognition, and it came as a pleasant surprise.
“I never sought awards while doing social work. I didn’t even know about the nomination some of my friends worked behind the scenes to make this happen. I grew up in poverty, so I understand the pain of the needy and always try to help them. When the award was announced, I was in Saudi Arabia, preparing to travel to Jaipur for a friend’s wedding on November 1. The news left me overwhelmed. This honour has not only brought joy but also reminded me of my greater social responsibility. I sincerely thank the state government for this recognition,” he said.
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Man sets fire to gas cylinder on truck in Kerala's Kottayam, held
Kottayam(Kerala) (PTI): A 33-year-old man climbed onto a parked truck carrying cooking gas cylinders and set fire to one of them near Thalayolaparambu in the small hours of Saturday, police said.
The incident occurred around 12.30 am, they said.
The fire and rescue personnel soon arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, averting a major disaster.
According to police, the man is suspected to be under mental distress as he claimed that he was walking from Ernakulam to his home in Marangattupilly here when he saw the truck on the roadside.
An FIR under sections 329(3)(criminal trespass),324(2)(mischief),326(f)(mischief by injury, inundation, fire or explosive substance) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was lodged against him.
Police said that the man was formally arrested, but will be released on station bail as the offences he is accused of are bailable.
"His family is here at the station and he will be released to them," the officer said.
In the FIR, police have said that the man opened the seal of one of the gas cylinders and set fire to it with the knowledge that his act was dangerous to those living in the area.
According to the company transporting the cooking gas cylinders, it suffered a loss of Rs 2,300 in the incident.
