The proposal from Kerala’s Hafiz Mohammad selected from millions of entries
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A Quran teacher from Kerala has won an international competition organised by Skoda to name their new 2025 model sport utility vehicle (SUV). Hafiz Mohammad Ziyad’s proposed name “Kailaq” was selected from millions of entries.
Hafiz Ziyad, who currently teaches at Najat College for Quran Memorisation in Kasaragod in Kerala, suggested the name “Kailaq,” which is derived from the Sanskrit language and means “crystal.” Skoda, in a statement on their official Instagram account, congratulated Ziyad, stating, “We are delighted to announce that the name proposed by Mr Mohammad Ziyad from Kerala has been selected for our upcoming Skoda Kailaq model. His creative contribution will soon be a part of our brand’s legacy.”
In a video shared on the company’s website, Ziyad explained his inspiration behind the name. Despite not being a car enthusiast, he was motivated to participate in the competition with the hope of owning a car — a dream that his family’s financial situation had not allowed him to fulfill. The competition required that the proposed names start with the letter ‘K’ and end with ‘Q,’ a challenge that Ziyad embraced with determination.
Reflecting on the process, Ziyad said he spent several days brainstorming names that fit the criteria. “After careful consideration, I settled on ‘Kailaq,’ a name that resonated with both the competition’s requirements and the aesthetic qualities I envisioned.”
Ziyad’s achievement is particularly notable given his educational background. He holds a degree in English from the University of Calicut and spent seven years dedicated to his Quranic studies, graduating as a Hafiz from Al Marjan Institute for Quran Memorisation. He also completed a year of studies at the Yemeni Arab University College in Calicut.
Ziyad’s achievement has garnered widespread appreciation on social media, with many praising his ability to merge his religious background with a creative pursuit in the global automotive industry. His success is seen as an inspiration, demonstrating that creativity and innovation can thrive across diverse fields and backgrounds.
