The partition of the Indian sub-continent in 1947 August, all but obliterated this small,active and illustrious Indian Muslim Community, at least on paper and in statistics, sincemost of these Muslims acquired a new classification with the establishment of a new Muslim Nation.
Alhaj Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman (1927–2015) was a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educationist whose life journey bridged continents and communities. Born in the coastal town of Kilakarai, Tamil Nadu, into a family of pearl merchants and Islamic scholars, he inherited a legacy of trade, scholarship, and service that would shape his remarkable path.
At just 15, he began his career in gem trading in Colombo, sharpening his instincts in international commerce. This early exposure laid the foundation for a global business empire that would span Hong Kong, India, and the Middle East. In 1962, he established Precious Trading Corporation in Hong Kong and later founded Amana Investments, reflecting his commitment to ethical finance and community upliftment.
His entrepreneurial vision reached new heights in Dubai, where he led Emirates Trading Agency (ETA Star) and the Ascon Group, transforming them into multi-sector conglomerates with interests in real estate, shipping, energy, and insurance. Among his many ventures, Star Health and Allied Insurance became India’s first stand-alone health insurer, a testament to his foresight and innovation.
Beyond business, Dr. Rahman was deeply committed to education and social development. He founded Crescent Residential School and Crescent Engineering College in Chennai, now B.S. Abdur Rahman University, and established Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women in Kilakarai to promote women’s empowerment through education. His institutions continue to serve thousands, embodying his belief that education is the cornerstone of progress.
In Hong Kong, his leadership as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for the Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre led to the reconstruction of one of the city’s most important religious landmarks, strengthening the identity and unity of the Muslim diaspora. Importantly, while in Hong Kong in 1973, Alhaj Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman co-founded the Indian Muslim Association Hong Kong with other leaders from Kayalpattinam and Kilakarai, reflecting his commitment to empowering communities.
Recognized by The Muslim 500 as one of the world’s most influential Muslims, Dr. BSA Rahman’s legacy is defined not only by his business achievements but by his unwavering dedication to faith, service, and humanity. He passed away on January 7, 2015, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire across generations and geographies.
May his memory be a source of light, and may his contributions continue to uplift lives for years to come.
