Founder of Akbarally’s, Former Sheriff of Mumbai and Chancellor of Jamia Milia University, Shaikh Fakhruddin T. Khorakiwala passed away in Mumbai on July 5, 2011 at the age of 90. He is survived by his sons, Dr. Habil, Hunaid, Taizoon and their families.

A native of Palanpur, who spent his childhood years in the city, Mr. Khorakiwala later studied in Mumbai, graduating from the Government Law College in 1941. He set up Akbarally's chain of department stores in 1956. He was also Chairman Emeritus of Wockhardt Ltd.

During his illustrious career, Mr. Khorakiwala has been President of various institutes and organizations like Indian Merchants Chambers (1995-96), The Associated Chambers of Commerce, the Indo-Swiss Society, Saifee Hospital, Council for Fair Business Practices etc. and served as the Sheriff of Mumbai in 1993.

As sheriff, Mr. Khorakiwala had organized the longest human chain of 100 kms with over 150,000 Mumbaikars to spread the message of secularism and counter communal violence which had gripped the city and was instrumental in setting up Mohalla Committees, which played an important role in maintaining communal harmony in the city.

Mr.  Khorakiwala is one of the two (other being Dr. Prakash Nanalal Kothari) Palanpuris to have been awarded the civilian title of Padmashree by Government of India.

In 2005, Mr. Khorakiwala was felicitated by the Palanur Samaj Kendra for his contribution to society.