Mr. Zakariya Jokkate
Mr. Zakria Jokatte is a reputed name in coastal Karnataka and the Middle East. A hard worker and dedicated personality, he has today reached heights. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social worker known for providing employment to hundreds of Coastal youth in the Middle East, he is also a well wisher for NGOs, Masjids, social welfare organizations, educational institutions, and more.
Born on 10th May, 1958 to parents Haji B. Shekunhi and Katheijamma at 62 Thokur, Jokatte, Mr. Zakria completed his primary education at Jokatte Government elementary School and high school at Kalavar Pejavara High school. Enterprising from the beginning, he met his neighbor who was selling jaggery for living and developed an interest in the jaggery business. Young Zakria bought a container, a traditional weighing machine (thrass) and few weighing stones and went down to Thokur. He would carry 50 kg of fresh Jaggery on top of his head and walk 5 km to get to home. Hardworking and determined, he impressed everyone by his determination, will power, honesty and hard work. In no time, he made a lot of contacts who encouraged and supported him in his business. When he wasn’t selling jaggery, he would work several other jobs. While working in the harbor, he found work in a company as an office boy where he garnered experience in the work field.
It was his dream to work in the Middle East. After a lot of help and support from his contacts, he managed to get a visa to travel to the Middle East along with his friend Mr. Shameem Ramlan. In the year 1978, he worked for 3 months in Mumbai and subsequently flew to KSA where the work was nothing but tiring and stressful. He worked in heavy construction sites and other laborious jobs to send money to his family. 8 months later, he met his former boss from the harbor and started working for him which proved to be the turning point of his life. In the year 1979, he joined a company named Anhabeeb as an office boy where he learnt English and gained experience in the workstation. Truly an inspiration, Mr. Zakria worked in almost all fields including construction works, sanitation, and small labor. 5 years later, he worked in the civil section for a year and gained experience. He was then selected to work in the Mouriq International Company and there has been no looking back ever since. Mr. Zakria used this opportunity to explore a new world of technology and industry and proved his worth, getting promoted 4 times in 8 months. In need of a formal degree, he pursued his diploma after which he was selected, one of just 7 candidates worldwide, for IES specialist training at Holland. After the training, he was successfully awarded with the IES Certification from Holland.
Standing for Inert Entry Specialist, IES is a very dangerous job because of its conditions and work environment filled with Nitrogen gas going up to 40 meters underground. After 10 years of his specialized service, he was given the title of supervisor, and worked as one of the leaders of a company named Anhabeeb. Later working as project superintendent and project manager, Zakria would go on to work for Anhabeeb for over 30 years. Standing firmly as a backbone of the company, he watched it grow as it started with merely 11 employees to more than 6000 then.
Fueled by a desire to establish something of his own, he started a company along with his son named Al-Muzain. The talented father-son duo is a force to be reckoned with.
As the company grew, they employed 400 people, dealing in manpower. In the year 2012, Al-Muzain evolved to be one of the best companies in the industry with excellent strategic planning, skilled and experienced workers, and quality services. Today the company employs over 1500 people. Al-Muzain employs people based on their education and talent. There is no space for discrimination based on caste or religion, providing a diverse & inclusive working environment.
Mr. Zakria also started another company named Energy Hl with his family members. The company deals with generators, power solutions and supplies. Currently the second best power solution company in KSA, he also went on to start another company named RM Energy, dealing with generator services and has a branch in Dubai as well. Mr. Zakria has invested in the Al-Madeena Group which includes hotels, catering services, guest houses, super markets. Furthermore, he also started the Zack & Sons super market with branches in Mangalore, Udupi, & Puttur.
Social contributions
Mr. Zakria is involved in several social welfare organizations and groups. He has a true sense of duty and responsibility towards his community. A prompt supporter of equality , he is a follower of Ahlul Sunnath Wal Jamath and maintains his commitment. Also the Founder-Chairman of Hidayah Foundation, he holds office as the President of Sunni Center and Al Khadhi center.
Vision
“I am a prompt supporter of education. The higher caste of our country is limited to 3%. But they are highly educated and are working in different reputed employment sectors. Nearly 17% of the people of our country belong to our community and are still lacking in the field of education. Now that we are aware of our situation, we must work hard to support education. We must make sure that the children of backward communities can also attend school and receive education. Education is a right to every child. My dream is to build an educational institution, a hospital and madrassas to support my nation. I will work hard to make my dreams come true. In Sha Allah”. – Thoughts expressed by Mr. Zakria Jokatte.