M E Meeran passes away

KOCHI: M E Meeran (71), founder and chairman of Eastern Group, a major curry powder manufacturer based in Kochi, passed away at the Medical Trust Hospital on Thurdsay 4.15 am following a heart attack. The burial was held at Adimaly Jamaath Mosque at 5 pm on Thursday, in the presence friends and relatives.
Born at Nellimattam, near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district, he migrated to Adimaly in Idukki district in 1970s for starting a wholesale business of groceries.He soon developed a niche segment for seasonings and flavours in the Kerala market, which he brought out in plastic packets, and the idea became a hit in the late 80s.
Known as 'curry powder king' in the media, Meeran's group now has a turnover of Rs 500 crore and a staff strength of 2,500, with products available in Indian as well as West Asian and Western European markets. Over the past few years, the group has diversified into tread rubber, rubberised beddings, branded clothing, packaged drinking water, tourism and education.
Meeran has won several awards including the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Award (KSIDC) 2011, Kerala State Industries and Commerce Directorate Award 2004-05 and the MKK Nair Productivity Award 1995-96.
He is survived by wife Nabeeza Meeran, sons Nawas Meeran and Firoz Meeran and daughters Niza Zakkir and Soya Sajith.