18/06/1933 – 16/08/2020

Born on June 18, 1933, to Al Haj Muhiyuddin (Modin) Cheyyabba and Mariamma in Bandar, Mangalore, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen received his primary education at Badria Educational Institution and completed his secondary education at Ganapati High School. He later pursued a degree in commerce from Government College.

In 1964, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen married Beefathima, the eldest daughter of Mangalore’s renowned businessman, Yenepoya Moidin Kunhi. He entered the business industry under the guidance of his father-in-law, learning the ropes of the trade. Around 20 km from Mangalore, he established a timber industry in Thumbe, working tirelessly to develop and expand it over the years.

His journey in the timber industry saw steady growth and expansion. By 1970, he had expanded the wood mill, and in 1975, he established Fatima Timbers. Subsequent years saw the establishment of Haji Timbers Complex in 1978 and Haji Timbers Industries in 1984. Additionally, he ventured into the shipping and transportation industry, founding B.A. Shipping and Transportation.

In 1988, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen established the Mohiudeen Educational Trust and inaugurated a high school in Thumbe. Initially starting with 12 students and two faculty members, this institution expanded over time, evolving into Thumbe Pre-University College, Thumbe English Medium High School, and Thumbe Central School. Presently, it caters to over 1300 students.

In 2004, he founded the B.A Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Thumbe, marking the establishment of the first vocational training institute by a Beary Muslim. Additionally, in 2009, he initiated BA Hospital in Thumbe, which has been under the guidance of the Board of Directors of Father Muller Hospital, Kankanadi, Mangalore, since 2013.

Beyond his business endeavors, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen dedicated a portion of his wealth to the betterment of society. He served as the founder, president, and director of numerous educational, religious, and social institutions in the district. These include the Badria Education Institute in Bandar Kandak, Mangalore, Crescent Education Institute, Navbharat Night High School, Kasaba Bengare School Development Committee, Mangalore-Bantwala-Puttur-Beltangadi Taluk Seerat Committee, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Central Muslim Committee, Islamic Trust Mangalore, and Thumbe Muhiuddin Juma Masjid. He also held positions such as Chairman of Thumbe Development Committee, Trustee of Yenapoya Medical College and Yenapoya Dental College, Bangalore Al Amin Education Society, Kannada Jagrita Samiti, Syndicate Member of Mangalore University, Director of Manipal Industries, and Patron of Gulf Medical University.

Even beyond Karnataka and the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen’s influence extends globally. His son, Thumbe Muhiyuddin, garnered international acclaim by establishing the Gulf Medical College in Ajman, UAE, back in 1998. This institution has since evolved into the prestigious Gulf Medical University, considered the crown jewel of the BA Group.

Under Thumbe Muhiyuddin’s leadership, the university has expanded its offerings to include a Medical College, Nursing College, Physiotherapy College, and numerous retail and wholesale medical establishments in Ajman, solidifying its reputation as a premier institution in the region.*Feather of Awards

B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen received accolades from various quarters for his outstanding contributions. The Gulf Medical University in Ajman bestowed upon him an honorary doctorate degree, recognizing his significant achievements. Additionally, in 2019, the Bearys Welfare Forum in Abu Dhabi honored him for his lifetime of service to the community.

Furthermore, he was affectionately bestowed with the title of ‘Sultan of Thumbe’ by the villagers of Thumbe, acknowledging his profound impact on their lives. In another instance, he was awarded the prestigious ‘Taulava’ award by an organization based in Bangalore, further highlighting his esteemed status and contributions.

In 1999, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen’s wife, Beefathima, initiated the Rural Women’s Development Institute, aimed at empowering women through self-employment opportunities such as producing readymade garments and phenolic materials.

Popularly known as Ahmed Haji or Thumbe Hajar, B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen dedicated his life to expanding the BA group both locally and internationally. He placed a strong emphasis on education and social service alongside his business endeavors. Engaged in cultural, religious, and medical activities, he significantly contributed to community empowerment. Despite battling illness for several years, he continued his social work, even using a wheelchair.

B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen’s sons, Thumbe Muhiyuddin, Abdul Salam, BM Ashraf, daughter Maryam, and son-in-law KE Faizal, have followed in his footsteps and become successful businessmen. The BA Group, under their leadership, has diversified its business interests to include computer software.

The book ‘Abba,’ authored by his children about their father, was released in 2019 in the presence of esteemed guests. B. Ahamed Hajee Mohiudeen, a respected businessman, social worker, and religious figure, passed away on August 16, 2020, at a private hospital in Mangalore after a brief illness.