Mangaluru: Philanthropist and NRI entrepreneur Zakaria Jokatte was conferred the “Guest of Honour Award” by the Mangaluru Press Club on Monday. The event was inaugurated by former MSEZ PRO Ramachandra Bandarkar.
In a heartfelt speech, Zakaria traced his extraordinary journey from poverty in Jokatte to founding Almuzain, a leading Saudi industrial services firm employing over 7,000 people, mainly from Karnataka’s coast.
Raised in a financially struggling family with five siblings, Zakaria said, “I failed my SSLC. At one point, we lived in a Gutthu Mane, but my father’s losses pushed us into hardship.” He began earning by selling jaggery door-to-door, laying the foundation of his work ethic.
Starting as a welding helper for Rs 4, he later joined a dredging company, which became a turning point. His life changed after seeking help at a wedding he attended while doing social service. “That led me to Saudi Arabia on September 27, 1979. I worked as a labourer, later rejoining the dredging firm and earning 600 Riyals a month.”
Selected among 13 from 500 applicants by a Dutch company, Zakaria trained in Holland and rose through five promotions in two years. In 1996, he launched Almuzain, based on safety, quality, and dedication.
Refusing retirement, he said, “True happiness is in hard work. Help others—wealth doesn’t follow us beyond life.” Zakaria also announced upcoming ventures: a Saudi-based international school with Yenepoya, a UK clinic, a Juventus-linked football academy, and a skill centre in Mangaluru.
“Underprivileged engineering youth can reach out—I’m ready to help anyone with commitment,” he concluded.