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{{short description|Indian entrepreneur}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=January 2015}}
{{morefootnotes|date=July 2020}}
{{POV|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
}}

{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image =B.S.A.Rahman.jpeg
| image = [[File:B.S.Abdur Rahman.jpg|B.S.Abdur Rahman]]
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| caption =
| caption =
|birth_name = Buhari Syed Abdur Rahman
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=y|1927|10|15}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=y|1927|10|15}}
| birth_place = {{flagicon|British Raj}} [[Kilakarai]], [[Madras State]], [[British Raj|British India]] (now [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]])
| birth_place = [[Kilakarai]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]] (now [[Tamil Nadu]], India)
| nationality = [[India]]n
| religion = [[Islam]]
| parents =
| parents =
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=y|2015|01|07|1927|10|15}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=y|2015|01|07|1927|10|15}}
| death_place = {{flagicon|India}}[[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| spouse = Muthu Zulaiha Beevi, Rahmatunisa Azeez
|networth = $8.9 billion<ref name="Gulf today">{{cite news |url=http://www.nellaieruvadi.com/article/article.asp?aid=454 |title=Mr. B.S Abdur Rahman – One Man, Many Missions|work= Gulf Today|publisher=Nellaieruvadi.com |date=29 July 2006 |author=Shivakumar S.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/construction-building/200712176253.htm |title=Syed M. Salahuddin, Managing Director, ETA Ascon Star Group, awarded the Asian Business Award Middle East for 2007|work=|publisher=indiaprwire.com|date=17 December 2007|author=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/eta-ascon-in-talks-with-pe-investors-110042000046_1.html |title=ETA Ascon in talks with PE investors|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=20 April 2010|first=TE |last=Narasimhan}}</ref>

| spouse =
| children = Arif Buhari Rahman<br />Abdul Qadir Buhari<br />Ahmed Buhari Rahman<br />Ashraf Buhari Rahman<br />Qurrath Jameela<br />Mariam Habeeb<ref>[http://buhariholding.com/board.html BSA family]</ref>
| children = 6<ref>[http://buhariholding.com/board.html BSA family]</ref>
| othername = Sena Aana, House of Buhari
| othername = Sena Aana, House of Buhari
| yearsactive =
| yearsactive =
| website =
| website =
| occupation = Entrepreneur, philanthropist, builder, educationist
| occupation = Entrepreneur, philanthropist, educationist
⚫
| known_for = Founder Chancellor of <br />[[B. S. Abdur Rahman University]]<br />Founder of [[ETA Ascon Star Group]]<br />Founder of [[Star Health and Allied Insurance]]<br />Founder of West Asia Maritime<br />Founder of Amana Investments<br />Founder of East Coast Constructions & Industries
| ethnicity = [[Tamil people|Tamil]] - [[Tamil Muslim]]
⚫
| known_for = Founder Chancellor of <br />[[B. S. Abdur Rahman University]]<br />Founder of [[ETA Star Group|Emirates Trading Agency (ETA Ascon Star Group)]], [[Star Health and Allied Insurance]], West Asia Maritime, Amana Investments, East Coast Constructions and Industries
}}
}}


'''Buhari Syed Abdur Rahman''' (15 October 1927 – 7 January 2015) was an Indian serial [[entrepreneur]], philanthropist and educationist. He had a range of business interests in the UAE and India (in Tamil Nadu) including maritime shipping, real estate, insurance etc. He founded numerous schools, colleges, hospitals and university. He was one of the 24 Indians to feature in ''[[The 500 Most Influential Muslims]]'', an annual publication which ranks the most influential Muslims in the world.<ref name="List1">{{cite book |author= [[John Esposito|John L. Esposito]], Ibrahim Kalın, Usra Ghazi, [[Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim–Christian Understanding]] |ISBN=978-9957-428-37-2 |title=The 500 Most Influential Muslims |publisher=[[Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre]], Createspace}}</ref><ref name="List2">{{cite web |url= http://twocircles.net/2014oct16/1413482491.html |title=World’s 500 ‘Most Influential Muslims’: 24 Indians in the list; Mufti Akhtar Raza Khan, Mahmood Madani in first 50|publisher= Two circles.net |accessdate=7 January 2015}}</ref>
'''Buhari Syed Abdur Rahman''' (15 October 1927 – 7 January 2015) was an Indian [[entrepreneur]], philanthropist and educationist. He had a range of business interests in the UAE and India (in Tamil Nadu) including maritime shipping, real estate, insurance etc. He founded numerous schools, colleges, hospitals and universities. He was one of the 24 Indians to feature in ''[[The 500 Most Influential Muslims]]'', an annual publication which ranks the most influential Muslims in the world.<ref name="List1">{{cite book |author= John L. Esposito |author-link= John Esposito |author2= Ibrahim Kalın |author3= Usra Ghazi |author4= Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim–Christian Understanding |author4-link= Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim–Christian Understanding |isbn=978-9957-428-37-2 |title=The 500 Most Influential Muslims |publisher=[[Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre]], Createspace}}</ref><ref name="List2">{{cite web |url= http://twocircles.net/2014oct16/1413482491.html |title=World’s 500 ‘Most Influential Muslims’: 24 Indians in the list; Mufti Akhtar Raza Khan, Mahmood Madani in first 50|publisher= Two circles.net |accessdate=7 January 2015}}</ref>


Abdur Rahman was the Vice-chairman of Emirates Trading Agency (commonly known as ETA Star & Ascon group), a Dubai-based conglomerate from 1973 to 2015. He is the founder of [[B. S. Abdur Rahman University]] (earlier named Crescent Engineering College), one of the first private owned engineering colleges in Chennai.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} He was the Chairman of East Coast Constructions & Industries Pvt. Ltd, West Asia Exports & Imports Pvt. Ltd, West Asia Maritime Ltd., Buhari Group, Amana Investments Ltd in HongKong and Transcar India. He was also the Vice-Chairman of Coal & Oil LLC & Coastal Energy Ltd. He founded India's first standalone health insurer [[Star Health and Allied Insurance]] with the help of [[Oman Insurance Company]].
Abdur Rahman was the Vice-Chairperson of Emirates Trading Agency (commonly known as [[ETA Star Group|ETA Star]]) and Ascon Group, a Dubai-based conglomerate from 1973 to 2015. He is the founder of [[B. S. Abdur Rahman University]] (earlier named Crescent Engineering College), one of the first privately owned engineering colleges in Chennai. He was the Chairman of East Coast Constructions and Industries, West Asia Exports and Imports, West Asia Maritime, Buhari Group, Amana Investments in Hong Kong and Transcar India. He was also the Vice-Chairman of Coal & Oil and Coastal Energy. He founded India's first stand-alone health insurer [[Star Health and Allied Insurance]] with the help of [[Oman Insurance Company]].


East Coast Constructions and Industries that Abdur Rahman founded in 1962, has been responsible for several landmarks in Chennai including [[Gemini flyover]], Kodambakkam flyover, [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]] in Chepauk, [[Valluvar Kottam]], the Marina Lighthouse<ref name=builder>[http://www.thehindu.com/2001/11/05/stories/13051285.htm "Madras miscellaney"]. ''The Hindu''. 5 November 2001. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref> and the Apollo Hospital complex in Greams Road. He died on 7 January 2015 at the age of 87.<ref>[http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/An-Era-Ends-With-B-S-Abdur-Rahmans-Death/2015/01/08/article2609185.ece "An Era Ends With B S Abdur Rahman's Death"]. ''The New Indian Express''. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.</ref><ref>[http://tamil.oneindia.com/news/tamilnadu/crescent-university-chancellor-b-s-abdur-rahman-dies-218537.html "பிரபல கல்வியாளர், தொழிலதிபர் பி.எஸ். அப்துர் ரஹ்மான் சென்னையில் காலமானார்"]. [[Oneindia.in]]. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/bs-abdur-rahman-passes-away/article6765817.ece?homepage=true BS Abdur Rahman died in the hospital he built]</ref>
East Coast Constructions and Industries, founded in 1962, built several landmarks in Chennai including [[Gemini Flyover]], Kodambakkam Flyover, [[Chepauk Stadium]], [[Chennai Citi Centre]], [[Government General Hospital]], [[Valluvar Kottam]], the [[Lighthouse, Chennai|Marina Lighthouse]],<ref name=builder>[https://archive.today/20150115091059/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/11/05/stories/13051285.htm "Madras miscellaney"]. ''The Hindu''. 5 November 2001. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref> Apollo Hospital complex (Greams Road) and the [[Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital|Omandurar hospital]]. He died on 7 January 2015 at the age of 87.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150109154807/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/An-Era-Ends-With-B-S-Abdur-Rahmans-Death/2015/01/08/article2609185.ece "An Era Ends With B S Abdur Rahman's Death"]. ''The New Indian Express''. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.</ref><ref>[http://tamil.oneindia.com/news/tamilnadu/crescent-university-chancellor-b-s-abdur-rahman-dies-218537.html "பிரபல கல்வியாளர், தொழிலதிபர் பி.எஸ். அப்துர் ரஹ்மான் சென்னையில் காலமானார்"]. [[Oneindia.in]]. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/bs-abdur-rahman-passes-away/article6765817.ece?homepage=true BS Abdur Rahman died in the hospital he built]</ref>


Abdur Rahman has pursued a number of philanthropic endeavors, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organisations and concentrates on upliftment of economically weaker sections through the Seethakathi Trust & Zakaat Fund Foundation.
Abdur Rahman pursued a number of philanthropic endeavours, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organisations and concentrating on the upliftment of economically weaker sections through the Seethakathi Trust & Zakaat Fund Foundation.


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
B. S. Abdur Rahman was born in [[Kilakarai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]], in a middle-class family, the son of Bhukari Aalim. His father was a prominent Pearl Trader in South Asia. He completed his Secondary School Level at Schwartz School, Ramanathapuram & Hameedia High School, Kilakarai. He was blessed with four sons and two daughters. He started his business in Srilankha with his elder brother Abdul Cader prominently called Thaika Vapa in Tamil Nadu. He had a sister and after her accidental death B.S. Abdul Rahman started a Women's College in his sister's name Thaseem Beevi Abdul Cader Women's College in his home town. He has started so many schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu.
B. S. Abdur Rahman was born in [[Kilakarai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]], in a middle-class [[Marakkar]] family, the son of Bhukari Aalim. His father was a prominent Pearl Trader in South Asia. He completed his Secondary School Level at Schwartz School, [[Ramanathapuram]] & Hameedia High School, [[Kilakarai]]. He had four sons and two daughters. He started his business in Sri Lanka with his elder brother Abdul Kader prominently called Thaika Vapa in Tamil Nadu. He had a sister and after her accidental death, B.S. Abdul Rahman started a Women's College in his sister's name [[Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women]] in his home town. He has started so many schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu.


== Business career ==
== Business career ==
At the age of fifteen, Abdur Rahman first went to Colombo with just Indian Rupees 149 (USD 2.5). He worked as an errand boy for diamond merchants, carrying their diamonds and other gems from sellers to buyers and back. He was at the time staying with some traders from Kilakarai and neighbouring villages. They allowed him to stay with them without any payment, but he had, instead, to fetch tea for them from a nearby hotel, clean the rooms and perform other menial tasks.
At the age of fifteen, Abdur Rahman first went to Colombo with just {{INR}}149. He worked as an errand boy for diamond merchants. He was at the time staying at rent-free accommodation with traders from Kilakarai but he had to fetch tea for them from a nearby hotel, clean the rooms and perform other menial tasks.


A lesser person perhaps would have thrown in the towel. But Sena Aana was made of sterner stuff. Before long, he used his persuasive skills to obtain gemstones from another merchant and began trading in them. In time he became a successful gem trader. The base that Abdur Rahman built in Ceylon was to help him in all his future activities.
A lesser person perhaps would have thrown in the towel. But Sena Aana was made of sterner stuff. Before long, he used his persuasive skills to obtain gemstones on credit from another merchant and began trading in them. In time he became a successful gem trader. The base that Abdur Rahman built in Ceylon was to help him in all his future activities.
{{quote box|width=40%|align=right|size=250px|bgcolor=lightblue|quote="The world is the winner when business is not just about self but also about society."<ref name="Gulf today"/>|source= – ''B. S. Abdur Rahman''}}
{{quote box|width=40%|align=right|bgcolor=lightblue|quote="The world is the winner when business is not just about self but also about society."<ref name="Gulf today">{{cite news|url=http://www.nellaieruvadi.com/article/article.asp?aid=454 |title=Mr. B.S Abdur Rahman – One Man, Many Missions |work=Gulf Today |publisher=Nellaieruvadi.com |date=29 July 2006 |author=Shivakumar S. |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701222608/http://www.nellaieruvadi.com/article/article.asp?aid=454 |archivedate=2010-07-01 }}</ref>|source= – ''B. S. Abdur Rahman''}}
He began visiting Belgium, then as now, a centre of the gem trade, the USA, South America and set up business in Penang, Malaysia, Madras (now Chennai), Kolkata (then Calcutta), and then in Hong Kong. It was in Hong Kong that his business flourished. Incidentally, Abdur Rahman was the first person from Kilakarai to go to Hong Kong.
He began visiting Belgium, then as now, a centre of the gem trade, the USA, and South America and set up business in Penang, Malaysia, Madras (now Chennai), Kolkata (then Calcutta), and then in Hong Kong. It was in Hong Kong that his business flourished. Incidentally, Abdur Rahman was the first person from Kilakarai to go to Hong Kong.


[[File:BSA with Former Indian PM.jpg|right|thumb|BSA with Former Indian PM Rajive Gandhi.]]
[[File:BSA with Former Indian PM.jpg|right|thumb|BSA with Former Indian PM [[Rajiv Gandhi]].]]
In Hong Kong he launched the Precious Trading Company in 1954. Later, his very special brainchild, the Amana Group of Hong Kong, was established. It was under its banner that the multi-national company ETA-ASCON came into existence. It was started in Dubai in 1973 as a partnership with a friend, Abdullah Al-Ghurair, Chairman of the Al Ghurair group of companies.
In Hong Kong, he launched the Precious Trading Company in 1954. Later, his very special brainchild, the Amana Group of Hong Kong, was established. It was under its banner that the multi-national company ETA-Ascon came into existence. BSA Rahman is credited as a production facilitator in MGR Pictures' ''[[Ulagam Sutrum Valiban]]'' for a film shoot in Hong Kong.
⚫
Started originally as civil construction contractors, ETA-ASCON has expanded into trading, elevator and electrical installations, real estate, mechanical engineering, building maintenance, car dealerships, and, most recently, shipping and aviation. It employs over 54,000 people across 16 industry verticals. ETA-ASCON is today the flagship of Abdur Rahman's vast industrial empire.


⚫
ETA Group was started in Dubai in 1973 as a partnership with a friend, Abdullah Al-Ghurair, Chairman of the [[Al Ghurair Group]] of companies. The global asset bubble triggered by [[Nixon Shock]] catapulted him into a rupee billionaire in the 1970s, and diversification made him a dollar billionaire by the 1990s. Originally a civil construction contractor, ETA-Ascon expanded into trading, elevator and electrical installations, real estate, mechanical engineering, building maintenance, car dealerships, and, most recently, shipping and aviation. It employs over 54,000 people across 16 industry verticals. ETA-Ascon is today the flagship of BSA Rahman's vast industrial empire.
East Coast Constructions and Industries that Abdur Rahman founded in 1962, has been responsible for several landmarks in Chennai including [[Gemini flyover]] (first flyover in Chennai and third in India), Kodambakkam flyover, [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]] in [[Chepauk]], [[Valluvar Kottam]], [[Anna Nagar Tower Park]], [[Government General Hospital, Chennai|Government General Hospital]], Marina Lighthouse, [[Raheja Towers, Chennai|Raheja Towers]] and the [[Chennai Citi Centre]]. There are several other major constructions by ECCI in other parts of the state.<ref name=builder/>


==Contribution in education ==
== Contribution in education ==
Abdur Rahman felt that education is the key that opens the solutions to the socio economic problems of the society. Hence he founded the following Institutions through which all his Educational & Literacy activities are carried out.
Abdur Rahman felt that education is the key that opens the solutions to the socio-economic problems of society. Hence he founded the following institutions through which all his educational and literacy activities are carried out.


* The Seethakathi Trust
* The Seethakathi Trust
* All India Islamic Foundation
* All India Islamic Foundation
* B.S. Abdur Rahman University
* B.S. Abdur Rahman University
* Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women
* Islamic Studies & Cultural Centre
* Islamic Studies & Cultural Centre
* B.S.Abdur Rahman Zakat Foundation Trust
* B.S. Abdur Rahman Zakat Foundation Trust


== Board memberships ==
== Board memberships ==
Apart from ETA, Abdur Rahman held the following positions in other companies:
Apart from ETA, Abdur Rahman held the following positions in other companies :


*Chairman, Buhari Holding (P) Ltd, Chennai<ref>[http://www.buhariholding.com/chairman%27s_chamber.php "Buhari Holding"]. Buhariholding.com. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref>
*Chairman, Buhari Holding (P) Ltd., Chennai<ref>[http://www.buhariholding.com/chairman%27s_chamber.php "Buhari Holding"]. Buhariholding.com. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref>
*Chairman, ABR Enterprises (P) Ltd, Chennai
*Chairman, ABR Enterprises (P) Ltd., Chennai
*Chairman, West Asia Maritime Ltd, Chennai
*Chairman, West Asia Maritime Ltd., Chennai
*Chairman, West Asia Exports & Imports Pvt Ltd, Chennai
*Chairman, West Asia Exports & Imports Pvt Ltd., Chennai
*Chairman, East Coast Constructions & Industries (P) Ltd, Chennai
*Chairman, East Coast Constructions & Industries (P) Ltd., Chennai
*Chairman, Sethu Investments Pvt Ltd, Chennai
*Chairman, Sethu Investments Pvt Ltd., Chennai


== Philanthropy ==
== Philanthropy ==


=== Youth welfare activities ===
=== Youth welfare activities ===
Abdur Rahman felt that a sound mind in a sound body is a healthy trend of development of the youth in this country. Hence much importance is being given to NSS, NCC, Scouts and other youth activities in all his institutions. Hence to promote sports activities and to imbibe sports culture in the minds of youngsters, he constructed and donated a stadium with all facilities for indoor games, gymnasium and a gallery to Tamil Nadu Govt. under the purview of Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu during 1997. The stadium was inaugurated by Prof. An Anbazhagan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Shri. Dhanushkodi Athithan R, Minister of State, (Department of Youth Aftouch of communal harmony in the minds of the people.
Abdur Rahman felt that a sound mind in a sound body is a healthy trend for the development of the youth in this country. Hence much importance is being given to NSS, NCC, Scouts and other youth activities in all his institutions. Hence to promote sports activities and to imbibe sports culture in the minds of youngsters, he constructed and donated a stadium with all facilities for indoor games, a gymnasium and a gallery to the Tamil Nadu Govt. under the purview of Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu during 1997. The stadium was inaugurated by Anbazhagan, Minister of Education, in the presence of Dhanushkodi Athithan, Minister of State.


=== Economical support works ===
=== Economical support works ===
Abdur Rahman is the founder of UNITED ECONOMIC FORUM through which he has organized number of economic development activities and encouraged social work.
Abdur Rahman was the founder of the United Economic Forum through which he organized a number of economic development activities and encouraged social work.


=== Orphanages ===
=== Orphanages ===
Abdur Rahman has founded and financially aided the following Orphanages.
Abdur Rahman has founded and financially aided the following orphanages :
⚫
* Al-Mumin Seethakathi Children Home, Sakkaraikottai, Ramanathapuram District
⚫
* Al-Mumin Umar Pulavar Children Hoome, Ottapidaram, V.O.C. District
⚫
* Al-Mumin Shahul Hameed (Wali) Children Home, Thanjavur, Thanjavur District
⚫
* Al-Mumin K.T.M.S. Hamid Children Home (Girls), Kilakarai, Ramnad District.
⚫
* Al-Mumin Malik Dinar Children Home (Girls), Thiruvithancode.


⚫
* Al-Mumin Seethakathi Children Home, Sakkaraikottai, [[Ramanathapuram]] District
⚫
==Awards and honours==
⚫
* Al-Mumin Umar Pulavar Children Home, [[Ottapidaram]], V.O.C. District
⚫
In recognition of his services in the field of education, business, health care, social service and communal harmony, the [[Sathyabama University]] has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on him in 2005.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/18/stories/2005011814720300.htm "Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama University"]. ''The Hindu''. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref>
⚫
* Al-Mumin Shahul Hameed (Wali) Children Home, [[Thanjavur]], Thanjavur District
⚫
* Al-Mumin K.T.M.S. Hamid Children Home (Girls), [[Kilakarai]], Ramnad District
⚫
* Al-Mumin Malik Dinar Children Home (Girls), [[Thiruvithancode]]


⚫
== Awards and honours ==
⚫
==Gallery==
⚫
In recognition of his services in the fields of education, business, health care, social service and communal harmony, the [[Sathyabama University]] has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on him in 2005.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050207040216/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/18/stories/2005011814720300.htm "Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama University"]. ''The Hindu''. Retrieved 7 January 2015.</ref>

⚫
== Gallery ==


<gallery>
<gallery>
⚫
File:bsaiyer.jpg|Congress MP - Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar

File:bsasonia.jpg|President of the Indian National Congress party - Sonia Gandhi
File:bsarajivi.jpg|Abdur Rahman Welcomes Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to the Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College, Kilakarai.
File:bsavenkataraman.jpg |President of India R.Venkataraman, greeted by Abdur Rahman when the president come in 1989 to Kilakarai to inaugurate the Yousuf Zulaikha Medical Center.
File:bsamaktoom.jpg |Abdur Rahman Wishes His Highness Sheikh Roshid Bin Saeed Al Maktoom, ruler of Dubai
⚫
File:bsaiyer.jpg |Congress MP - Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar
File:bsajaffer.jpg |Minister of Railways - Mr.C. K. Jaffer Sharief
File:bsamgr.jpg |Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu - Mr.M.G.Ramachandran
File:bsakarunanidhi.jpg |Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu - Mr.Karunanidhi
File:bsatata.jpg |Tata Group Chairman - Mr.Ratan Naval Tata
File:bsarostamani.jpg |Al Rostamani Group Chairman - Mr.Abdullah Al-Rostamani
File:bsaismail.jpg |Chief Justice of the Madras High Court - Mr.M.M.Ismail

</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
== See also ==
*[[Kilakarai]]
*[[Kilakarai]]
*[[Tamil Muslim]]
*[[Tamil Muslim]]
Line 113: Line 97:
*[[Crescent Engineering College]]
*[[Crescent Engineering College]]


==References==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


==External links==
== External links ==
* [http://www.etaascon.com/ ETA Ascon Star Group]
* [http://www.etaascon.com/ ETA Ascon Star Group]
* [http://www.thassim.in/home.htm Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090321025410/http://thassim.in/home.htm Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women]
* [http://matric.crescentcampus.in/ Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School for Girls]
* [http://matric.crescentcampus.in/ Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School for Girls] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315200321/http://matric.crescentcampus.in/ |date=15 March 2018 }}
* [http://www.crescentschool.net/ Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School]
* [http://www.crescentschool.net/ Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School]
* [http://www.bsazakaat.org/ B.S.Abdur Rahman Zakaat Fund Foundation]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090510210835/http://www.bsazakaat.org/ B.S.Abdur Rahman Zakaat Fund Foundation]
* [http://www.bukhariarabiccollege.com/ Kilakarai Bukhari Aalim Arabic College]
* [http://www.bukhariarabiccollege.com/ Kilakarai Bukhari Aalim Arabic College] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219072412/http://www.bukhariarabiccollege.com/ |date=19 December 2014 }}
* [http://www.bsabdurrahman.in B.S. Abdur Rahman]
* [http://www.bsabdurrahman.in B.S. Abdur Rahman]
* [http://propcorp.in/aboutus.html ABR Enterprises]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121025233721/http://www.propcorp.in/aboutus.html ABR Enterprises]
* [http://www.buhariholding.com/chairman%27s_chamber.php Buhari Holding]
* [http://www.buhariholding.com/chairman%27s_chamber.php Buhari Holding]
* [http://bsauniv.ac.in/info.aspx?id=5&mid=27 Profile of B.S. Abdur Rahman]
* [http://bsauniv.ac.in/info.aspx?id=5&mid=27 Profile of B.S. Abdur Rahman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222346/http://bsauniv.ac.in/info.aspx?id=5&mid=27 |date=2 December 2013 }}
* [http://www.bsauniv.ac.in/ B.S. Abdur Rahman University]
* [http://www.bsauniv.ac.in/ B.S. Abdur Rahman University]
* [http://www.iiccentre.org/donation.htm India Islamic Culture Centre]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090504111420/http://www.iiccentre.org/donation.htm India Islamic Culture Centre]
* [http://www.sadaqathullah.com/senaaana.html Seethakathi Of The 20th Century]
* [http://www.sadaqathullah.com/senaaana.html Seethakathi Of The 20th Century]
* [http://www.kmthospital.com/management.asp Kayalpatnam Medical Trust Hospital]
* [http://www.kmthospital.com/management.asp Kayalpatnam Medical Trust Hospital] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109104643/http://www.kmthospital.com/management.asp |date=9 January 2007 }}
* [http://www.ecciltd.com/ecci_group.html East Coast Construction Industries Limited]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090523010955/http://www.ecciltd.com/ecci_group.html East Coast Construction Industries Limited]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyl_RJTMFhU BSA Book Release Function Video]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyl_RJTMFhU BSA Book Release Function Video]
* [http://www.buharia.com/ Buhari Holdings Private Limited]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110208112041/http://buharia.com/ Buhari Holdings Private Limited]
* [http://www.wam.co.in/boardofdirectors.shtml West Asia Maritime Ltd]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090209235250/http://wam.co.in/boardofdirectors.shtml West Asia Maritime Ltd]
* [http://www.coalandoil.com/html/about_company.php?head=about_company Coal & Oil LLC]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090307121106/http://www.coalandoil.com/html/about_company.php?head=about_company Coal & Oil LLC]


{{Persondata
| NAME = Abdur Rahman, B. S.
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Indian entrepreneur
| DATE OF BIRTH = 15 October 1927
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Kilakarai]], [[Madras State]], British India
| DATE OF DEATH = 7 January 2015
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Abdur-Rahman, B. S.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Abdur-Rahman, B. S.}}
[[Category:Indian Muslims]]
[[Category:Indian industrialists]]
[[Category:Tamil businesspeople]]
[[Category:Tamil businesspeople]]
[[Category:People from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Tamil Nadu]]
⚫
[[Category:Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Tamil billionaires]]
[[Category:Tamil billionaires]]
[[Category:1927 births]]
[[Category:1927 births]]
[[Category:Tamil Muslims]]
[[Category:2015 deaths]]
[[Category:2015 deaths]]
⚫
[[Category:Indian billionaires]]
[[Category:Indian expatriates in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Indian expatriates in Hong Kong]]

Latest revision as of 11:04, 5 April 2024

B. S. Abdur Rahman
B.S.Abdur Rahman
Born(1927-10-15)15 October 1927
Kilakarai, Madras Presidency, British India (now Tamil Nadu, India)
Died7 January 2015(2015-01-07) (aged 87)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesSena Aana, House of Buhari
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, philanthropist, educationist
Known forFounder Chancellor of
B. S. Abdur Rahman University
Founder of ETA Ascon Star Group
Founder of Star Health and Allied Insurance
Founder of West Asia Maritime
Founder of Amana Investments
Founder of East Coast Constructions & Industries
Spouse(s)Muthu Zulaiha Beevi, Rahmatunisa Azeez
Children6[1]

Buhari Syed Abdur Rahman (15 October 1927 – 7 January 2015) was an Indian entrepreneur, philanthropist and educationist. He had a range of business interests in the UAE and India (in Tamil Nadu) including maritime shipping, real estate, insurance etc. He founded numerous schools, colleges, hospitals and universities. He was one of the 24 Indians to feature in The 500 Most Influential Muslims, an annual publication which ranks the most influential Muslims in the world.[2][3]

Abdur Rahman was the Vice-Chairperson of Emirates Trading Agency (commonly known as ETA Star) and Ascon Group, a Dubai-based conglomerate from 1973 to 2015. He is the founder of B. S. Abdur Rahman University (earlier named Crescent Engineering College), one of the first privately owned engineering colleges in Chennai. He was the Chairman of East Coast Constructions and Industries, West Asia Exports and Imports, West Asia Maritime, Buhari Group, Amana Investments in Hong Kong and Transcar India. He was also the Vice-Chairman of Coal & Oil and Coastal Energy. He founded India's first stand-alone health insurer Star Health and Allied Insurance with the help of Oman Insurance Company.

East Coast Constructions and Industries, founded in 1962, built several landmarks in Chennai including Gemini Flyover, Kodambakkam Flyover, Chepauk Stadium, Chennai Citi Centre, Government General Hospital, Valluvar Kottam, the Marina Lighthouse,[4] Apollo Hospital complex (Greams Road) and the Omandurar hospital. He died on 7 January 2015 at the age of 87.[5][6][7]

Abdur Rahman pursued a number of philanthropic endeavours, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organisations and concentrating on the upliftment of economically weaker sections through the Seethakathi Trust & Zakaat Fund Foundation.

Early life

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B. S. Abdur Rahman was born in Kilakarai, Tamil Nadu, India, in a middle-class Marakkar family, the son of Bhukari Aalim. His father was a prominent Pearl Trader in South Asia. He completed his Secondary School Level at Schwartz School, Ramanathapuram & Hameedia High School, Kilakarai. He had four sons and two daughters. He started his business in Sri Lanka with his elder brother Abdul Kader prominently called Thaika Vapa in Tamil Nadu. He had a sister and after her accidental death, B.S. Abdul Rahman started a Women's College in his sister's name Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women in his home town. He has started so many schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu.

Business career

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At the age of fifteen, Abdur Rahman first went to Colombo with just ₹149. He worked as an errand boy for diamond merchants. He was at the time staying at rent-free accommodation with traders from Kilakarai but he had to fetch tea for them from a nearby hotel, clean the rooms and perform other menial tasks.

A lesser person perhaps would have thrown in the towel. But Sena Aana was made of sterner stuff. Before long, he used his persuasive skills to obtain gemstones on credit from another merchant and began trading in them. In time he became a successful gem trader. The base that Abdur Rahman built in Ceylon was to help him in all his future activities.

"The world is the winner when business is not just about self but also about society."[8]

– B. S. Abdur Rahman

He began visiting Belgium, then as now, a centre of the gem trade, the USA, and South America and set up business in Penang, Malaysia, Madras (now Chennai), Kolkata (then Calcutta), and then in Hong Kong. It was in Hong Kong that his business flourished. Incidentally, Abdur Rahman was the first person from Kilakarai to go to Hong Kong.

BSA with Former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi.

In Hong Kong, he launched the Precious Trading Company in 1954. Later, his very special brainchild, the Amana Group of Hong Kong, was established. It was under its banner that the multi-national company ETA-Ascon came into existence. BSA Rahman is credited as a production facilitator in MGR Pictures' Ulagam Sutrum Valiban for a film shoot in Hong Kong.

ETA Group was started in Dubai in 1973 as a partnership with a friend, Abdullah Al-Ghurair, Chairman of the Al Ghurair Group of companies. The global asset bubble triggered by Nixon Shock catapulted him into a rupee billionaire in the 1970s, and diversification made him a dollar billionaire by the 1990s. Originally a civil construction contractor, ETA-Ascon expanded into trading, elevator and electrical installations, real estate, mechanical engineering, building maintenance, car dealerships, and, most recently, shipping and aviation. It employs over 54,000 people across 16 industry verticals. ETA-Ascon is today the flagship of BSA Rahman's vast industrial empire.

Contribution in education

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Abdur Rahman felt that education is the key that opens the solutions to the socio-economic problems of society. Hence he founded the following institutions through which all his educational and literacy activities are carried out.

  • The Seethakathi Trust
  • All India Islamic Foundation
  • B.S. Abdur Rahman University
  • Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women
  • Islamic Studies & Cultural Centre
  • B.S. Abdur Rahman Zakat Foundation Trust

Board memberships

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Apart from ETA, Abdur Rahman held the following positions in other companies :

  • Chairman, Buhari Holding (P) Ltd., Chennai[9]
  • Chairman, ABR Enterprises (P) Ltd., Chennai
  • Chairman, West Asia Maritime Ltd., Chennai
  • Chairman, West Asia Exports & Imports Pvt Ltd., Chennai
  • Chairman, East Coast Constructions & Industries (P) Ltd., Chennai
  • Chairman, Sethu Investments Pvt Ltd., Chennai

Philanthropy

[edit]

Youth welfare activities

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Abdur Rahman felt that a sound mind in a sound body is a healthy trend for the development of the youth in this country. Hence much importance is being given to NSS, NCC, Scouts and other youth activities in all his institutions. Hence to promote sports activities and to imbibe sports culture in the minds of youngsters, he constructed and donated a stadium with all facilities for indoor games, a gymnasium and a gallery to the Tamil Nadu Govt. under the purview of Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu during 1997. The stadium was inaugurated by Anbazhagan, Minister of Education, in the presence of Dhanushkodi Athithan, Minister of State.

Economical support works

[edit]

Abdur Rahman was the founder of the United Economic Forum through which he organized a number of economic development activities and encouraged social work.

Orphanages

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Abdur Rahman has founded and financially aided the following orphanages :

  • Al-Mumin Seethakathi Children Home, Sakkaraikottai, Ramanathapuram District
  • Al-Mumin Umar Pulavar Children Home, Ottapidaram, V.O.C. District
  • Al-Mumin Shahul Hameed (Wali) Children Home, Thanjavur, Thanjavur District
  • Al-Mumin K.T.M.S. Hamid Children Home (Girls), Kilakarai, Ramnad District
  • Al-Mumin Malik Dinar Children Home (Girls), Thiruvithancode

Awards and honours

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In recognition of his services in the fields of education, business, health care, social service and communal harmony, the Sathyabama University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on him in 2005.[10]

[edit]
  • Congress MP - Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar
    Congress MP - Mr.Mani Shankar Aiyar

See also

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ BSA family
  2. ^ John L. Esposito; Ibrahim Kalın; Usra Ghazi; Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim–Christian Understanding. The 500 Most Influential Muslims. Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Createspace. ISBN 978-9957-428-37-2.
  3. ^ "World's 500 'Most Influential Muslims': 24 Indians in the list; Mufti Akhtar Raza Khan, Mahmood Madani in first 50". Two circles.net. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  4. ^ "Madras miscellaney". The Hindu. 5 November 2001. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  5. ^ "An Era Ends With B S Abdur Rahman's Death". The New Indian Express. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  6. ^ "பிரபல கல்வியாளர், தொழிலதிபர் பி.எஸ். அப்துர் ரஹ்மான் சென்னையில் காலமானார்". Oneindia.in. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  7. ^ BS Abdur Rahman died in the hospital he built
  8. ^ Shivakumar S. (29 July 2006). "Mr. B.S Abdur Rahman – One Man, Many Missions". Gulf Today. Nellaieruvadi.com. Archived from the original on 1 July 2010.
  9. ^ "Buhari Holding". Buhariholding.com. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  10. ^ "Honorary Doctorate by Sathyabama University". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
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