Documentary, book on Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen "Abba" released by his children
Thumbay: A documentary and a book named “Abba” based on life and achievements of Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, the founder of B.A. Group and prominent social and religious leader, was on Wednesday released by his children as a tribute to their father. The book and documentary release ceremony was organised at Shabana Block of Thumbay Pre-University College on Wednesday morning.
The documentary was a tribute by B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s three sons Thumbay Moideen, B Abdul Salam and B M Ashraf and daughter Shabana Faizal. It was also the birthday of Shabana Faizal.
Born in 1933, Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen is the chairman of B A Group which he founded in 1957. He is also known for playing a key role in the development of Thumbay village from where he began his journey as an entrepreneur and founding many educational and religious institutions.
The documentary was released by Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik. The book was released by Shimoga Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao. The first copy of the book was received by noted businessman P K Ahmed, Chairman, P K Group, Calicut.
The documentary which was also screened at the event has several people from the Thumbay family, Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s friends and other prominent personalities shedding light on the life and journey of B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen and his conduct towards various aspects of his life.
His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have also shared their experience with B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen over the years and how he has influenced them in their bringing up.
The documentary and the book were released on Wednesday that marks the birthday of Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s daughter and Vice-Chairperson of Faizal and Shabana Foundation, Shabana Faizal. An occasion that has over the years been celebrated every year by B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen.
Noted personalities of region including Former Karnataka Minister B Ramanath Rai, Mangaluru-Ullal MLA U T Khader, Teekay Umar, Basthi Vaman Shenoy, MLC Harish Kumar, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Yenepoya Mohammed Kunhi, and others were present as the guests at the event.
Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shivmoga in his address elaborated on the significance and importance the word “Abba” and spoke about the role of a father in the upbringing of children. MLA U T Khader also lauded the efforts of the children and son in law of B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen and added that such gestures are an inspiration for others on how to value parents.
B Ramanath Rai and Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik lauded the efforts and contributions of Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen in the development of Thumbay adding that his vision has revolutionized the village of Thumbay over the years and developed an atmosphere of harmony there.
Sophiya Faizal, the youngest CEO of KEF Holdings and daughter of Faizal and Shabana, briefed the guests and audience about the book and documentary.
Earlier, Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen himself welcomed the guests to the event. Shabana Faizal presented vote of thanks to conclude the event.
Dr. B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen’s wife Bi Fathima, sons B Abdul Salam, BM Ashraf, Grandchildren Zakariya, Akram Mohiudeen, Sophiya Faizal, and Son-in-law Faizal Kottikollan were also present on the dais during the event.
B A Group has a standing of over five decades in the wood industry and is a well-diversified conglomerate. From a fledgling company in the 1960s, B A Group is now on the threshold of rapid expansion into such areas as urban housing, education, real estate, healthcare and exports & imports.
B A Industrial Training and Technical Centre is sponsored and managed by Mohiudeen Educational Trust, of which Mohiudeen is the Chairman. The Trust also runs a Kannada and English Medium School, a Pre-University College a Nursery School, a Medium Primary School and Darul Uloom Mohiudeen Arabic College. There are more than 1500 students in these institutions.
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
