Building an Empire Across Generations
1909: The Genesis of Business Brilliance
In the vibrant commercial heart of Colombo, a partnership was forged that would stand the test of time. Haji Syed Casseem Maraikayar joined forces with K.N. Abdul Cader Rawther to establish K.N. Abdul Cader Rawther & Company. This wasn’t just a business—it was a vision of scale and sophistication, a rare limited company in an era of informal trade. Their venture dealt in scrap machinery from British-owned tea and rubber estates, exporting materials to Japan and the Far East. From humble beginnings, the company laid the cornerstone of a commercial legacy that would span continents.
1946-47: The Rise of Industry Leaders
Great partnerships define legacies. In 1946, Haji Syed Casseem recognized the talent of T.P. Abdur Rahman, then a cook at his company. Inviting him as a director marked a turning point—proof that visionaries see potential where others see roles. Even when Abdur Rahman departed due to internal conflicts, the spirit of healthy competition endured. Two companies, two paths, but one shared legacy of excellence and mutual respect.
1951: Establishing Nellai Lodge—A Business Hub
Thirunelveli Junction wasn’t just a railway stop; it became a commercial landmark. In 1951, Haji Syed Casseem transformed a 1.7-acre paddy field into the iconic Nellai Lodge. More than a lodging, it was a nexus of commerce, housing Nellai Coffee and Casseem’s Stores. Locals and travelers found more than shelter—they found community, convenience, and a thriving marketplace that fueled regional growth.
1956-1958: Expansion Amidst Adversity
Political upheaval in Sri Lanka didn’t halt the entrepreneurial spirit—it relocated it. As challenges mounted, Haji Syed Casseem’s sons ventured back to India, carrying the torch of their father’s business acumen. His third son, Haji S.C.M. Haniffa, founded the United Trading Corporation in Madras. This venture would soon evolve into Kasim Trading Corporation (KTC), dealing in iron, steel, and tarpaulins. Innovation was their compass, and diversification into manufacturing electrodes and cables ensured their place at the forefront of industry.
1966: Steel, Strength, and Expansion
Haji S.C.M. Jamaldeen, the youngest son, launched Madras Steel Trading Corporation in 1966. With a focus on iron and steel trading, the company became a cornerstone supplier in Chennai. His ventures into real estate and construction laid the groundwork for Jamal’s, one of the region’s oldest and most respected firms. This was more than commerce; it was the foundation of modern Chennai.
1976-1978: Global Horizons
The legacy stretched beyond borders. In 1976, Haji S.C.A. Razack expanded the family’s presence in Sri Lanka, taking over O.S.M. & Company and founding Serendib Industries, specializing in umbrellas and suitcases for export to the U.S. and Europe. Two years later, Razack Garment Industries brought Sri Lankan craftsmanship to global markets. The family’s businesses were no longer just local powerhouses—they were international players.
1989: A New Generation, A New Frontier
M.H. Jiffry Kasim, a grandson of Haji Syed Casseem Maraikayar, carried forward the family legacy by venturing into the leather industry with Asiatic Trading Company. Established in 1989, the company specialized in trading finished leather, garments, and shoes, building strong business ties with European and Chinese markets. Jiffry’s entrepreneurial journey expanded further in 2007 when he launched Axeon Marketing India, bringing Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) like the renowned Axe Brand Universal Oil to India. His ventures reflect the family’s enduring spirit of adaptability and innovation, echoing his grandfather’s business acumen.
1990s: Legal Legacy – Mahoob Ali’s Service
Mahoob Ali, another distinguished grandson through Hajiani Jameela Beevi, made his mark in the legal field. He served as Legal Advisor to the Tamil Nadu Industrial Investments Corporation (TIIC), playing a crucial role in supporting the state’s industrial infrastructure. His commitment and expertise earned him the position of Assistant General Manager, where he continued to impact industrial development, reflecting the family’s legacy of service and leadership.
2000s: Safeguarding Public Health – Mohamed Yousuf’s Contribution
Mohamed Yousuf, the grandson through Hajiani Latheefa Beevi, dedicated his career to public health and safety. As the Former Joint Director of Drugs Control, Government of Tamil Nadu, he oversaw the manufacturing, quality control, and assurance of pharmaceuticals. His meticulous work ensured that medicines reaching the public met the highest safety standards. Through his contributions, he upheld the family’s values of integrity and service to society.
Present Day: A Living Legacy
Today, the legacy of Haji Syed Casseem Maraikayar thrives under the leadership of his descendants. M.H. Jiffry Kasim continues to chair Al Hasanath Trust and the Udangudi Welfare Association Trust, blending business acumen with social responsibility. Each venture, each expansion, carries forward the principles of integrity, hard work, and community service—values embedded in the foundation of the family’s empire.
From modest beginnings in a small Colombo shop to an international business conglomerate, the story of the Maraikayar family’s business legacy is one of resilience, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Each generation has not just built businesses; they have crafted a legacy that endures, adapts, and inspires.