I see tremendous growth for Brand India: M A Yusuffali

M.A Yusuffali, chairman of LuLu Group International, was recently in news for saving Becks Krishnan, a fellow Indian from the death penalty that he was given in Abu Dhabi for killing a man in a road accident. When all doors had closed for Becks Krishnan and his Kerala-based family Yusuffali intervened to pay blood money to the victim’s family and saved Krishnan.

Otherwise too Yusuffali is known for his philanthropy. Forbes magazine has listed him on its Billionaires list and as a most influential Asian business leader in the West Asia and North Africa region. The Wall Street Journal named him as the most influential non-royal businessman in the UAE.

He recently bought the historic Scotland Yard building and converted it into a hotel called The Great Scotland Yard Hotel. He is the biggest employer of Indians outside India.

In an exclusive conversation with Awaz-The Voice Editor-in-Chief Atir Khan, he shared his vision for India. Here are the excerpts of the interview:

You were recently in the news for saving Becks Krishnan? Please narrate in some detail how you made it possible?

One of my friends Mr. Setu, a relative of Becks Krishnan approached me and informed me about the case. He explained to me the difficulties of his father and mother and other family members. I was very disturbed and distressed on hearing about their plight. I decided to find the details of the case like how the accident happened so that I could hear the poor family (Victim). Islam is a religion of love, tolerance, and respect for other religions.

I found out that Becks Krishnan was awarded punishment by the Supreme Court of UAE for killing an 8-year-old boy. His car went into the area where it was not supposed to go. The police had collected strong evidence like CCTV footage, other pictures, and eyewitnesses' accounts.  The Supreme Court gave him the death punishment after he confessed his guilt. Krishnan being a fellow citizen I thought it was my duty and responsibility to rescue him. I had never met him before but I tried my best to obtain pardon for him.

In Islam, there is an exception of paying Diya money to the deceased family. So, I started negotiations with the deceased boy’s family. They were not ready to take the money, especially the mother of the eight-year-old boy, since he was her only child. But she also believed that the law of the land should also be upheld. By the grace of Allah, I succeeded in convincing the family to accept the money of Rs 1 crore. I approached them personally and through my friends. I am thankful to God for allowing me to help a fellow countryman. I am grateful that I could use my abilities and wealth to help Becks Krishnan and his family.      

What was Krishnan’s family reaction after you saved him? It must have been a great feeling saving a fellow Indian from death row.

They were extremely thankful. I asked them not to thank me. I am just an instrument used by Allah. I am thankful to the great rulers of the UAE for their benevolence for releasing Becks Krishnan.  

You are an unofficial ambassador of India to West Asia. You are said to be the go-to man when it comes to resolving tricky Indian issues in that region. How do you manage this?

Nobody gave me the title of unofficial ambassador, I am an NRI businessman based in Middle East countries for the past 47 years. We are the largest retailers in this part. The rulers of this country are great people. They know me personally for my sincere efforts and humble contribution in promoting relationships between India and Middle East countries. When I approach them with any genuine request they consider favourably and I am utilizing this for the welfare of our fellow citizens and all human beings.

You are a highly regarded Indian personality by the Royal Family as well. You must have really worked hard on this relationship?

The benevolent rulers are great visionaries; they respect India and Indians. They know India is a secular country and a large Muslim population is staying comfortably in India. They value and cherish the age-old relationship of the Gulf countries with India. I would like to place on record the personal relationship Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi ji has with the leaders of the Gulf countries has raised the image of India. The relationship is very close and personal.

Also Read: Lulu group’s Yusuff Ali pays Rs 1 Cr blood money to save Krishna

Your success story has made all Indians proud, especially the Muslim community. What message do you have for young Indian Muslims?

I am humbled and privileged. Whatever I have achieved in life has made countrymen and country proud of me. I am a secular person. Islam, as I mentioned, is a religion of love, tolerance, and respect for other religions. I am also proud that all religions are treated the same in our country. The Quran says Rabulalameen- meaning Allah is not for anyone particular caste or creed, Allah is there for all. Everybody is praying to one God. I always say to the young generation that if you are confident, dedicated and sincere, and God-fearing; whatever may the religion, punctual and hardworking there will be nothing to stop you from achieving your goals.  One thing you should remember is that there are no shortcuts to success. You should be religious, God-fearing, should have respect for your parents, respect elders, and learn from them. Our young population is about 45 percent so the young must work for the country and the people.
 

You are the biggest employer of Indians outside India. You have given employment to almost 35,000 Indians in various countries. Was it a conscious decision?

Yes, it was a conscious decision. I follow the teaching of our Prophet (PBUH). He said if our neighbours go to bed without food, we will be held responsible. So, more than 4,000 persons who work with me are from my village. They belong to all religions and their employment is my responsibility.  We follow what the Prophet instructed us. So, I am satisfied.

How do you see Brand India growing globally?

India today is well established as a credible business partner, preferred investment destination, rapidly growing market, and a provider of quality services. So many banks, international call centers have offices in India. Our asset is our young population, our youths are honest, dedicated, and hard-working so there will be tremendous growth for brand India in the coming days.    

What are your views on the effects of COVID-19? You are at the helm of a business empire that employs a large number of employees inside and outside India. What has been your approach to employees in this pandemic? Also, is it possible for mankind to come out of this situation in the near future?

All businesses have been affected due to the pandemic. Our business has also been affected. My business is fifty percent, many business establishments worldwide have reduced the salary of their employees to withstand the impact. We cannot blame them as there is no income so how could they pay the salaries.  But we have not reduced even a single penny from the salary of any of our staff. I consider my staff as my family members and I am proud to say it is their hard work, sincerity, and commitment that have helped me and my group to grow and expand over the years. That’s why I have decided to stand by them in this difficult period through our decision has caused a great financial burden to our company. Inshallah we will work hard when the time comes.

When you attend international summits like the World Economic Summit in Davos what feedback do you get about India as a growing business destination?

All big business tycoons attend the World Economic Summit. I have also been attending this summit for the last 15 years. I can say that with the leadership of honourable Prime Minister Modi, world-class business leaders see India with great respect. This is also due to Prime Minister’s relations and interaction with other leaders. Also, the recent reform measures undertaken by the Indian Government have resulted in record foreign direct investment. India is on its way to a five trillion economy soon the only constraint is the Covid. But the world is looking at India as an ideal place best suited for investment. We have got our young generation, 1.3 billion people, and natural resources. India can export so many products such as tea and rice.  

What are your plans for India and especially North India?

North India or South India they are one for me. The valuable efforts of our Prime Minister Modi have made investments very easy and transparent for the non-residents like us. The non-resident investment is equal to the domestic investment. We constructed India’s biggest shopping mall in my home state Kerala. And I constructed an international convention center for ten thousand people in my home state. We are also one of the largest exporters of fruits and vegetables and other food and non-food products from India. We have also earmarked around Rs 10,000 crores for our expansion in India and the new projects in north and south. In Lucknow, one of our biggest shopping malls is now almost 85 percent completed. We have plans for Delhi, Varanasi, and different parts of north India and our food processing plant in Kashmir which we are about to finalize. We have big plans for north and south India.  

Who is M.A. Yusuffali as a person?

I am a humble, normal person like anyone else. In the morning I go for exercise and then I read the newspapers. Then I go to my office, I am working for 12 to 14 hours. Reading books is my hobby. I have been working for the last 47 years in Gulf countries and India. My ambition is to give more employment to people, especially our fellow citizens in the Gulf, Middle East, and India. Our people are working in Europe and Far East Asia. We have an office in Australia where many Indians work. Inshallah, we will become a five trillion economy soon.

(M A Yusuffali’s business interests are vast from owning shopping malls to hypermarkets. Import and distribution of electronics, fresh frozen foodstuffs, food processing & export, IT Education, travel, and tours).