Dr K. V. Abdul Nazar’s Akbar Travels became India’s largest travel company, empowering thousands of Indian Muslims and creating global opportunities
KERALA’S Ponani town is home to a remarkable story of determination, faith, and social responsibility. Dr K. V. Abdul Nazar, a Muslim businessman from this small town, has built Akbar Travels of India from a modest travel agency in 1978 into the largest travel company in India. Today, the company operates over 120 branches worldwide and serves millions of customers across continents, including the Middle East, America, Europe, Canada, Malaysia, and Africa.
Dr Abdul Nazar’s journey is not merely a tale of business success but a powerful example of how Indian Muslims can lead with purpose, uplift their communities, and create wide-reaching employment opportunities. Thousands of Indian Muslims, especially from Kerala and other minority regions, owe their livelihoods to his vision and dedication.
Unlike many other companies that focus solely on profits, Akbar Travels operates on the principle of serving all customers equally, regardless of language, culture, or religion. Dr Abdul Nazar insists on breaking social and cultural boundaries, making travel services affordable and accessible to all.
The company offers a wide range of services on a single platform, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, visa processing, Hajj and Umrah packages, holiday tours, cruises, corporate travel, car rentals, travel insurance, foreign exchange, and medical tourism.
“We believe that business should serve the community,” Dr Abdul Nazar told us in an exclusive interview. “Our goal is not just to grow financially but to make travel easier for every Indian, especially Muslims who face many challenges in this sector.”
Akbar Travels is also set to launch an advanced customer portal soon, aiming to provide even more convenience to travellers globally.
Under Dr Abdul Nazar’s leadership, Akbar Group has expanded beyond travel into health, education, IT, logistics, and foreign currency exchange. His companies operate in 24 different sectors worldwide.
A notable example of his social commitment is the hospital he established in his hometown Ponani to address the lack of healthcare facilities. This initiative alone has improved the health services available to thousands in the area.
Dr Abdul Nazar’s efforts have extended to creating job opportunities for the Malayali diaspora in Gulf countries, helping Indian Muslims abroad build a better future. Recently, the company also started operations in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, further proving its global reach. Plans are underway to launch services in Bangladesh, Australia, and the Philippines.
Dr Abdul Nazar stands as a symbol of what Indian Muslims can achieve despite societal challenges and discrimination. At a time when Muslims in India often face unfair prejudice, his story shows the power of entrepreneurship coupled with social responsibility.
Mr Salman Ahmed, a community leader from Kerala, said, “Dr. Abdul Nazar is an inspiration for Indian Muslims. He has proven that with hard work, faith, and commitment, Muslims can succeed globally and uplift their community.”
Dr. Nazar’s business ethics challenge the negative stereotypes often directed at Indian Muslims by some sections of society. His company hires thousands of Muslims, giving them the chance to build their careers and support their families.
Despite the success, Dr Abdul Nazar’s journey has not been without challenges. Indian Muslims often face barriers in education, employment, and business, with many struggling against societal prejudices.
“Running a company of this scale while fighting against discrimination is tough,” said Dr Nazar. “But our faith teaches us patience and perseverance. We continue to move forward for the benefit of our community and the country.”
His story is a clear rebuttal to the narrative that Muslims are lagging in business or social progress.
Akbar Group’s focus remains on sustainable growth combined with social welfare. The company continues to invest in skill development, technology, and inclusive growth programmes. Its Aviation Academy and Tech Ventures are examples of how the group nurtures new talent and provides training for young Muslims.
“We want to create not just jobs but meaningful careers for our youth,” Dr Nazar explained. “This is how we ensure that Indian Muslims become an integral part of India’s development story.”
Dr K. V. Abdul Nazar’s story offers hope and motivation for millions of Indian Muslims who dream of success without sacrificing their values and identity. From a small travel agency in Kerala to a global business empire, his achievements show the strength of determination and the importance of serving society.
As Dr Nazar himself says, “Business is not just about profits; it is about making a positive impact on society. That is the true measure of success.”
