ABDUL LALA
73 , Meridian President / CEO , Lala Enterprises
Lala ’ s nominator :
“’ I cannot think of a better community leader who not only sets examples for others by actually doing what he says , but providing steps for others to move forward on their own . He remembers where he came from and is so appreciative for what he has now .”
Professional affiliations and offices held : Member of the Board of Trustees Rush Health System ; Former Board Member , Lauderdale County Tourism Commission ; Former Board Member , East MS Business Development Corp ( EMBDC ); Former member of the Board of Trustees of Rush Medical Foundation
Civic , social and / or church affiliations and offices held ( last 3 years ): President - Islamic Center of MS & AL ( ICMA ); Former Board Member – Hope Village for Children by Sela Ward ; Former Member of the President ’ s Advisory Board , India Association of Mississippi
Spirit of altruism : I was born and got my primary education in India before I came to USA . While in India , I noticed that there were many extremely intelligent and talented children around where we lived who did not have privilege of having three meals a day , clean clothes to wear and place to live or facilities and money to have good education . I made up my mind at that time to pursue my American Dream and if successful help those talented , intelligent and needy children with the opportunity to have good education and become successful in their lives . And thanks God , I am able to help several of them who now are studying abroad .
Importance of giving back to the community : In 1978 , my wife Farida and I came to Meridian as a young couple without much money . Our community in Meridian and Lauderdale county accepted us with open arms . We worked hard and grew in this community . Meridian and Lauderdale county provided us with the opportunities to be what we are today . I don ’ t think we could have accomplished what we have today if we were anywhere else . And that is why it is important for us to give back to this community .
An aspect of a volunteer experience really enjoyed : I have been one of the founders of a non-profit center called ICMA in Meridian . With the financial help from the local community , this center provides social and religious services / facilities like a church , Sunday school , pavilion , sports fields , small library , cemetery and free funeral facility . We have 6.5 acres of land and we are in process of purchasing additional 9.5 acres of adjacent land . Our goal is to build a free or low-cost residential facility for needy people .
Our community ’ s greatest asset : Our community ’ s greatest asset is our geographic location . We have two Interstate highways and many state highways and railroads running through our city . We also have one of the longest runways in the state . Besides this we have one of the most loving communities here in Meridian .
Motto or favorite quote : If you work hard , if you are honest and if you are focused in what you do , sky is the limits to grow in the United States !
20 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN