- Home/
- Kerala Man Spent 51 Years In UAE Helping Indians, His Viral Return Will Move You
Kerala Man Spent 51 Years In UAE Helping Indians, His Viral Return Will Move You
Edited by Nikhil Pandey | Updated: August 16, 2025 22:52 IST
Thayyil Abdul Gafoor received a hero's welcome that went viral.
Thayyil Abdul Gafoor, a 64-year-old Indian expat from Kerala, has returned home after spending over five decades in the United Arab Emirates. Gafoor, who lived in the UAE for 51 years, played a key role in facilitating employment visa processing as part of his profession.
Beyond his official responsibilities, he was known for personally helping many individuals from his hometown secure jobs in the Gulf. His efforts earned him deep respect among the Malayali community and the affectionate nickname "real-life Gafoor", a nod to the character from the Malayalam cult classic Nadodikkattu, though unlike the film's fictional conman, this Gafoor is celebrated for his genuine support.
A video of his grand welcome ceremony in Kerala has gone viral on social media, with many praising his selfless service to the community over the years.
Watch the video here:
According to Gulf News, last week, he left Dubai for good after multiple farewell parties by friends and colleagues here. On his arrival at Calicut International Airport, Gafoor was given a surprise welcome. A busload of well-wishers shouting slogans and hailing Gafoor ushered him on to a state-run KSRTC bus rented to transport him to his village, Maruthinchira, in Malappuram district.
As they reached their village with an overwhelmed Gafoor aboard the rented bus carrying a banner welcoming him, a public announcement through loudspeaker was made from an escorting vehicle: "Our own Gafoorka (brother Gafoor) has landed."
Published: August 16, 2025 22:44 IST
NDTV in partnership with UBER is launching a sustained campaign 'Roshan Dilli' to try and raise safety standards in India's capital, New Delhi.
Our focus is to try and improve lighting in public spaces in the city. Lighting is a key factor in shaping women's perceptions of safety
The initiative will provide a platform for all stakeholders to discuss our goal of improving safety standards, to start a conversation about safety of women in the country
It will also highlight various interventions and solutions that help to make women safe and put the spotlight on what more can be done.
The campaign will accentuate the need for Safety to be a shared responsibility
The need for gender sensitization and how law enforcement and civil society through checks and education can try and make women safer
We hope you will join us and help make New Delhi a safer city for women.
