Strong family, strong foundation
Late Shri S.A. Sulaiman M.A (a jeweller of renown in his period) raised his son PMJF PDG Lion L.K.S. Syed Ahamed by being a constant source of encouragement. Shri Sulaiman bestowed on Lion L.K.S Syed the greatest gifts any parent could give his child – that of time, of believing in his inherent goodness and exemplifying all the values he taught his son.
Born in 1950 in a small village called Kayalpatinam to a traditional and respected Muslim family in Thoothukudi District (Tamil Nadu), LKS is much loved and respected; also known as the ‘Golden Governor’ to the Lions’ fraternity, he ascribes his success to his loving father and his affectionate mother Smt. Aysha Beevi.
Academic and professional path
LKS is a graduate of The New College from where he completed his B.Com. It was not just an academic degree that he believes he acquired from the reputed institution, but also valuable life lessons.
Following in the footsteps of his father, PMJF PDG Lion L.K.S. Syed Ahamed is also a jeweller by profession. He owns and runs the popular jewellery retail store L.K.S Gold House at T. Nagar and several other locations in Chennai.
Desires and ambitions
In his professional life, LKS is a stringent follower of standards and gives no place for compromise on values or quality. It is no surprise that it is these very life values that have helped LKS reach the pinnacle of success in his professional life.
LKS is committed to the cause of peace & harmony, clean and hygienic society, eco restoration – through the planting of trees, saving water bodies and cleansing the environment of pollutants; he is also sensitive to the well being of his community and encourages eye donation and blood donation camps.
From jeweller to Lion
LKS’ passion for uplifting the weaker sections of the society prompted him to join Lionism in 1977; and for forty years, LKS has been a committed Lion doing everything he can to support the downtrodden. He was responsible for several important assignments in the Club, which he executed with incredible generosity of spirit.
When LKS assumed the role of the President of the Club, he inspired several innovative projects that reached out to the poor and needy, thereby fulfilling the ideals of the Club. For this he was recognised with several awards and presented with many accolades.
Achievements of Lion LKS
Recognising LKS’ exemplary leadership skills, the Lions Club’s International District 324 A1 elected him as the Vice District Governor in the undivided District in 1998; his first contest ever saw him win with an astounding two thirds majority. The very next year, in 1999, he was elected the District Governor.
As Governor, LKS was known for his meticulous planning and inspiring leadership; his motto of ‘Truth, Toil and Triumph’ motivated his team even as history was made and several noteworthy community projects were initiated. Not just then, but even today those projects continue to positively impact the lives of those in need.
Following are some of LKS’ recognitions and achievements:
-
- As recognition for the construction of the Lions Cornea Block at Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai – at a cost of Rs. 45 lakhs – LKS’ names finds a place of pride on the Campaign Sight First wall at Lions Club International Head Quarters in the USA.
- Donated equipments worth about Rs.15 Lakhs to Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai.
- Adopted and cared for over 120 Anganvadis.
- 300 pairs of eyes collected for Lions Eye Bank Trust.
- Instituted projects worth over Rs. 6 crores.
- Planted 23,000 Tree Samplings.
- Collected 15,000 Units of Blood .
- Received the Lion’s Club International President’s Medallion.
- Was felicitated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for his magnanimous donation to Child Trust Hospital, Chennai.
- Has the distinction of having received thirty-eight MJF (Melvin Jones Fellowship) donations. It’s a recognition presented to those who donate US$1,000 to LCIF (Lions Club International Foundations) or to those for whom a donation was made by others. (The Melvin Jones Fellowship is an incredible contribution to humanity and to the legacy of our Lions founder, Melvin Jones.)
Other achievements of LKS
Despite being deeply involved in the activities of Lions Club, LKS still makes time to be an integral part of society. He is an active participant in several social, professional, commercial, cultural, education and community organisations.
Following are some of the organisations that LKS has been involved with:
-
- Former State President – Tamil Nadu Jewellers Federation, Chennai.
- The Madras Jewellers and Diamond Merchants Association.
- National Chamber of Commerce, Chennai.
- Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chennai.
- Co-Chairman – Lions Eye Bank Foundation.
- Trustee – Lions Edifice for Service Trust.
- Honorary Consul – Republic of Tunisia.
LKS has also garnered the love and loyalty of his friends and peers. Fellow Club member PMJF Lion Prasad Hari Parulekar says, “He is a man with a vision and would never set a target for himself or others which he did not thing could be achieved.” LKS’ keen intellect and ability to understand all sides of an issue are basis of his spectacular rise.
A glimpse into the future
LKS’ vision for the Lions Club is one of impeccable quality; “We must bring in the right people, not just look at numbers,” he says. He strongly believes that high ethical standards in both private and professional life are a must.
LKS believes that the best way to attract good people to the Club is by living an exemplary life – “Maintain high standards of behaviour in our business and professional lives, become involved in our club, then good people in our community will want to join.”
LKS is a firm believer in action. His passion is infectious when he talks about what young people can do today; “Think of what we can do – water, literacy, education, health; there is so much that we Lions can do to help people throughout the world. The one thing we cannot do is nothing. We can’t do everything, but we can do our very best.”
Family is a blessing
The success behind LKS’ success is his loving wife and Lady Lion Mrs. Asiya Katheeja. Mrs. Katheeja personifies all the traits of a good life partner – those of love, honesty and respect. LKS and Katheeja’s sons Shri Sulaiman Raja and Shri Sarfaraz Kannu follow in their parents’ footsteps of being exemplary sons and wonderful citizens.
LKS is the superhero of the Lions family; he is an achiever who has scaled the highest peaks of success in his professional life while living to the fullest the ideals of Lionism. LKS’ greatest contribution to the Lions’ family is to have inspired a whole generation of Lions to derive satisfaction from serving others.