Mr. M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, has been honoured with the prestigious Business Bhushan Award at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2026, in recognition of his visionary leadership and pivotal role in transforming the global jewellery retail landscape and society at large.

Held at the iconic Gateway of India, the awards ceremony brought together leading policymakers, industry leaders, and prominent personalities from business and entertainment. The event was attended by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Vijay Darda, Chairman of Lokmat, alongside ministers, bureaucrats, and distinguished figures from across sectors.

Presented by the Lokmat Media Group, the awards celebrate individuals whose vision, leadership, and achievements have significantly shaped industries while contributing meaningfully to society. Mr. Ahammad’s recognition highlights his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and the role he has played in building Malabar Gold & Diamonds to become the 5th largest global jewellery retailer and the largest jewellery retailer of Indian origin.

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the honour, M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said,
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Business Bhushan Award at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards. This recognition reflects the collective dedication of the entire Malabar family and the trust our customers have placed in us over the years.

Our journey is founded on the principle of collective growth of all our stakeholders, guided by responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to creating lasting value for society, while continuing to pursue excellence in everything we do.”

Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has been a pioneer in responsible and transparent jewellery retail, contributing significantly to employment generation, strengthening the organised retail ecosystem, and enhancing customer experience through world-class designs and services.

Today, the brand stands as a true flag bearer of India, showcasing the nation’s craft and heritage to the world through its 425 showrooms across 14 countries. The brand has reimagined the jewellery industry by integrating the entire value chain—from design and manufacturing to retail and beyond.

Maharashtra remains a key market for Malabar Gold & Diamonds, with 34 showrooms across major cities. This growth has boosted employment, strengthened the organised jewellery ecosystem, and improved access to quality designs. His substantial contribution to the state earned him this honour, and the Group is committed to further expansion, targeting 64 stores in Maharashtra by 2029.

Beyond business growth, Mr. Ahammad has advanced a purpose-driven model by embedding CSR and ESG commitments into the company since inception, consistently contributing 5% of profits to education, healthcare, housing support, and women’s empowerment programmes, benefiting society across regions of operation.

His recognition with the Business Bhushan Award further reinforces his stature as one of India’s most respected business leaders, whose entrepreneurial vision and values-driven leadership serve as an inspiration and blueprint for future global enterprises.