Dr. Thumbay Moideen conferred the New Year Award 2026 by MAHE
Recognised for global contributions to Education, Healthcare, and Research
Manipal: Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President of the UAE-based Thumbay Group, was conferred with the New Year Award on Saturday, January 10.
The award was jointly instituted by the Academy of General Education (AGE), Manipal, in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), MEMG India Pvt. Ltd., Manipal Media Network Ltd., and the Dr. TMA Pai Foundation.
The award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to society, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, research, and community development. Instituted to honor distinguished personalities with roots in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, the New Year Award acknowledges leadership that has created sustained social impact.
Dr. Thumbay Moideen has been chosen in recognition of his role in building an integrated global ecosystem spanning healthcare delivery, medical education, research, diagnostics, and community service. He founded the Thumbay Group in 1997 and later established Gulf Medical University, expanding operations to include academic hospitals and healthcare institutions across the Middle East and other regions.
Through his initiatives, Dr. Moideen has focused on improving access to quality healthcare and education while fostering international academic and medical collaborations.
Thumbay Group institutions today cater to students and healthcare professionals from over 100 nationalities, contributing to workforce development and research-driven healthcare practices.
Widely recognised as one of the most influential Non-Resident Indians in the Gulf, Dr. Thumbay Moideen has also emerged as a globally respected voice from the Beary community and a leading Muslim entrepreneur and educationist. His journey from coastal Karnataka to establishing world-class institutions across the Middle East and beyond reflects the strength of diaspora leadership grounded in service, values, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Accepting the honour, Dr. Thumbay Moideen said, “This recognition from institutions that have shaped generations of professionals is deeply meaningful to me. Manipal has always stood for knowledge with purpose. I see this award not as a personal milestone, but as a reflection of what committed teams and value-driven institutions can build together for society.”
Over the past decades, Dr. Thumbay Moideen has steered the expansion of the Thumbay Group into a diversified, multi-sector organisation with a strong focus on academic medicine, research-led healthcare, and global education. His initiatives have created opportunities for thousands of healthcare professionals and students representing more than 111 nationalities, while also strengthening healthcare delivery systems and academic collaboration across regions.
The New Year Award 2026 adds to a growing list of national and international honors recognizing Dr. Thumbay Moideen’s sustained contributions to institution-building, the advancement of healthcare, and community-oriented leadership.
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Udupi: Woman, bank employee arrested in property tax fraud case
Udupi: Udupi City Police have arrested two persons, including a woman, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of property tax funds belonging to the Udupi Municipal Council.
The accused have been identified as Shalini, who was working as a tax consultant outside the municipal office, and Ganesh, a bank employee.
According to police, Anand Suvarna had paid Rs 34,730 towards 12 years of property tax for his building in Kalmadi to Shalini on October 16, 2025. She reportedly issued him a receipt acknowledging the payment.
However, when Suvarna recently checked the status of the payment on the property tax portal, he found that the amount had not been credited and was still shown as pending. He then brought the matter to the notice of the Municipal Commissioner, who verified that the payment had not been recorded.
During questioning, Shalini allegedly admitted to the lapse. On February 16, 2026, she generated a new challan in Suvarna’s name and paid Rs 35,213 towards the dues.
Police said a case has been registered at the Udupi City Police Station against the accused for allegedly misappropriating tax money and defrauding the government by affixing the seal of Union Bank on the challan without remitting the amount initially received from the taxpayer.
Further investigation is under way.
