KG Abraham, a prominent businessman from Kerala and the managing director of NBTC Group, was also known for co-producing the film “Aadujeevitham,” which highlights the hardships faced by a Malayali worker in Saudi Arabia and grossed ₹150 crore worldwide. His firm, based in Mangaf, Kuwait, employed many of the Indian workers who tragically died in a recent fire.
Established in 1977, NBTC Group operates in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, providing engineering, construction, hotels, logistics, and retail services. KG Abraham, who hails from Niranam in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, moved to Kuwait in 1976. Starting with a civil engineering diploma and a monthly salary of 60 dinars at a construction company, he became a partner in NBTC after seven years, investing an initial capital of 4,000 dinars.
On Wednesday, a massive fire at a seven-story building in Mangaf claimed the lives of at least 49 foreign workers, including 45 Indians, 24 of whom were from Kerala. Preliminary investigations suggest a gas leak might have caused the fire, although this has not been officially confirmed. Kuwaiti authorities have arrested several individuals on charges of negligence related to the fire.
NBTC Group has been actively supporting the victims and their families. They issued a statement expressing their commitment to providing assistance and regular updates about the incident. The company has pledged ₹8 lakh to the family of each deceased employee, additional insurance payouts, and employment opportunities for family members of the victims.
Beyond his role in NBTC, KG Abraham has made significant strides in various sectors. He leads the KG Group, which produced “Aadujeevitham,” and is also the chairman of the Crowne Plaza in Ernakulam and a partner in the KGA Elite Continental Hotel in Thiruvalla. His business ventures extend to real estate projects in Kerala and a supermarket chain called Highway Center in Kuwait.
Abraham, known for his charitable efforts, has also been critical of the Kerala government’s handling of flood relief funds in 2018, highlighting issues with the distribution of aid raised from expatriates.
As the investigation into the fire continues, NBTC Group and KG Abraham remain committed to supporting those affected by the tragedy, ensuring that their needs are met and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
