American University confers doctorate on MD of Al Hakkim International

MUSCAT: V. M. A. Hakkim, chairman and managing director, Al Hakkim International was conferred D. Litt by the prestigious US-based Kings University for his academic excellence and personal achievements.

The university selected him for the award on the recommendation of the International Peace Council, based in Washington DC.

The award was presented to Hakkim by the university professionals at the Annual Conference of the Council held on May 5 at National Harbor, Marriott Hotel in Maryland, USA. A large number of delegates from various walks of life attended the meet.

Thomas Axley, Mayor of Maryland and Dr Olga Sokolova, famous Russian Architect were also present at the function.

For Hakkim it is a dream come true. Interestingly, a Doctoral Degree evaded him twice in the past due to his commitment to building up a successful career as an entrepreneur. Soon after his Masters with a University First Rank, he had started his Doctoral research in Cochin University of Science and Technology, on a fellowship from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of India. However, he had to discontinue as Kerala State Government offered him a District level position by direct recruitment.

He persisted in his ambition in his 40s to do research and obtain PhD. He pursued it again by registering for PhD in Applied Economics with the well-known JNU, New Delhi.

However, he had to temporarily abandon the research project and conclude with an M.Phil Degree in favour of an employment offer from Gulf region.

His Gulf journey began from Saudi Arabia, then Dubai and finally settled in Oman. Over the last 25 years, he went through a series of business initiatives and several socio-economic community programmes. While doing so he always had his passion for developing his career academically as well.

Currently, he is the chairman & managing director of Al Hakkim International, founder partner of Kims Oman Hospital, founder director of Ideal Marine Products, apart from his initiatives in the educational field.

In the social arena, his recognition in Oman includes Vice Chairman of the World Malayali Council, President of Muslim Educational Society, Patron of TEAM (Trivandrum Expats Association in Muscat), and few other community organisations catering to social benefits.

Dr Hakkim explained, “My recent initiative focused on establishing a charity trust by name ‘The Heritage Trust’ back in Kerala. My intention is to serve my native community as well in my humble way with whatever little knowledge, exposure and experience I gained abroad during nearly three decades of my Gulf journey.”

Dr Hakkim believes that the present title, D.Litt. will enhance his credibility and acceptability back in his native land, when he moves forward with community development programmes and social welfare activities. His wife Raziya Hakkim is his ardent supporter and herself is a women’s welfare activist.