Category Archives: Business & Economy

Small Traders Emerge as Models of Financial Discipline in Bidar

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bidar, KARNATAKA :

Abdul Jabbar Siddiqi, a key leader of Karunya Society, addressing the event titled Community Connect Mission & Vision in Bidar

Bidar:

In a remarkable example of ethical finance and grassroots development, small and medium traders in Bidar have demonstrated exemplary financial discipline by repaying their loans promptly and in full. This achievement, driven by the Karunya Society’s interest-free microfinance programme, was celebrated at a recent city event titled Community Connect Mission & Vision.

Abdul Jabbar Siddiqi, a key leader of Karunya Society, revealed a striking figure – 98% of loans issued to small traders have been repaid on time. To him, the statistic is more than a financial milestone; it reflects the honesty, sincerity, and perseverance of the beneficiaries.

“These traders were once trapped in debt cycles with exploitative moneylenders,” Siddiqi said. “Today, they are finally enjoying the full rewards of their hard work.”

Karunya Society operates 47 branches nationwide, disbursing nearly ₹1.25 crore in loans each day and supporting around 1.25 lakh families.

Branch head Mujtaba Khan detailed the local outcomes: over the past seven years, around 3,500 families in the district have benefitted from ₹60 crore in business loans and ₹2.4 crore in emergency hand loans. Beneficiaries – such as Panchsheela Garments, Pramila Tailor, Ravi Kani Footwear, Shiv Kumar Udaygir, and Faheem Qureshi – shared heartfelt testimonies of how the programme transformed their livelihoods.

Karnataka Minister for Municipal Administration and Hajj, Rahim Khan, praised the effort, admitting he had doubts when the society launched seven years ago.

“Many banks were struggling back then, and I wondered whether this interest-free model could survive,” he said. “But its growth and impact are nothing short of a miracle.” He commended the society’s volunteers for their selfless service, noting none take personal profit.

Former Managing Director of Bidar District Credit and Cooperative Bank, S. Kudre, underlined the programme’s significance, pointing out that many interest-based microfinance institutions are now in crisis. “An interest-free society with 3,500 active members thriving like this shows the model works – and India needs it now more than ever,” he said.

Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions, urged affluent community members to deposit surplus funds into Karunya Society to enable more interest-free lending. Similarly, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s city president, Mohammed Muazzam, proposed opening of a new branch in Bidar’s New Town to widen the reach.

Karunya Society’s model is proving to be more than a financial service – it is a movement built on trust, compassion, and shared prosperity. By empowering small traders to escape debt traps and build sustainable businesses, it offers a credible, humane alternative to conventional interest-based finance.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Mohamed Atherulla Shariff / August 13th, 2025

AMU students develop innovative delivery drone prototype

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Education, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Science & Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Students of AMU with their delivery drone prototype

Aligarh :

Showcasing creativity and technological ingenuity, a team of final-year students from the University Polytechnic, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has developed a Delivery Drone Prototype, a promising step towards autonomous aerial delivery systems.

Guided by former Principal of University Polytechnic, Prof. Arshad Umar and Dr. Tanveer Hasan, Associate Professor at the Polytechnic, the student team comprising Saubaan Ahmad Siddiqui, Ehtesham Ahmad, Shabab Khan, Ankit Tomar, Anas Khan, Muzaffar Hussain, and Omaan Ahmad Ansari successfully carried out six autonomous delivery missions within the university campus over a span of two months.

Equipped with real-time video streaming, autonomous navigation, gesture-controlled backup, and a custom dashboard to track flight data and delivery paths, the drone highlights the university’s commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

This initiative is part of AMU’s larger vision to promote student-led innovation and applied research in emerging technologies. The project has received wide appreciation in academic circles for its relevance to real-world logistics, emergency response, and smart campus solutions.

Although this is a prototype for academic use, the team plans to enhance the system with AI-based object detection and an expanded operational range, reflecting the university’s emphasis on innovation-driven education and future-ready skills.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / July 28th, 2025

Delhi: How Women Are Stitching New Lives from Fabric of Loss and Thread of Hope After in Riot-Hit Shiv Vihar

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DELHI :

Women at the Sabaat Center share a moment of joy, building community through their shared work

New Delhi: 

Shiv Vihar carries the silence of broken dreams. The 2020 Delhi riots swept through this northeast Delhi neighbourhood. Homes were burned, shops looted and lives uprooted. Among the soot and rubble, 19-year-old Shumayla and her family lost everything. Their house was reduced to memories.

Today, she sits at a sewing machine in the Sabaat Centre, threading fabrics into full-grown suits. “I began at ground level. Now I can make entire suits. It feels nice to create something on my own,” she said.

For her, the needle of her sewing machine is like a compass guiding her towards hope.

The Sabaat Center at Shiv Vihar

Sewing Stories with Sabaat

An initiative of the Miles2Smiles Foundation, the centre was born from the same flames that destroyed Shumayla’s world. Its founder, Aasif Mujtaba, witnessed firsthand how survivours in Shiv Vihar held together their shattered worlds.

“I saw women in Shiv Vihar holding their worlds together with grace, and I knew they deserved more than just pity,” he said.

From this empathy came Sabaat, a place where women learn to stitch, create and rebuild their identities.

Shabnam, a mother of three, leaves behind her home chores for a few hours to learn something creative at the centre.

“While managing the house along with the work is difficult, I love coming here,” she says.

At the center, women thread, stitch and craft, turning cloth into outfits, tote bags, pouches, magnets, mugs and keychains.

Women work at sewing machines in the Sabaat Center, crafting outfits and other merchandise

Aasif calls their work a story: “Every tote bag, keychain, magnet or cup has a story of survival, strength and hope.”

Farheen Ansari, a fashion designer who leads the training, ensures their skills match market demands. The women attend morning sessions from 9 am to 11 am, growing from beginners to masters over six months or more, depending on their pace.

“We get orders from local boutiques,” she told TwoCircles.net.

Their crafts are sold through the Sabaat Store, returning income directly to the women who made them.

Beyond Stitching

But Sabaat’s work is not limited to sewing. Women learn how to handle orders, set prices, brand products and even promote them online. Acquiring these skills are essential to turn trainees into entrepreneurs.

“Whenever a student learns something new, I tell her to implement it at home,” says Farheen, adding that some do just that.

Sabaat empowers women by providing emotional support alongside practical skill training

Women like Sangeeta, Daraqshan, Saiba and Gulafshan have started their own small businesses.

Initiated for survivors of hate violence, widows and women from marginalised and economically vulnerable groups, Sabaat has already trained 70 women.

“Impressively, at least 70% of them have achieved financial independence, whether working within Sabaat or starting their own ventures,” claims Aasif.

Women at the center undergo an extensive training program for manufacturing products

In addition to offering skill-based training, the programme is also bridging trauma and offering dignity, trust and a voice. Most days end in shared smiles. The women’s laughter fills the centre, evidence that even broken neighbourhoods can teach courage.

Amid ongoing struggles for justice and pending compensation, Sabaat brings healing where paperwork lags. Plans are underway to expand, bringing this safe space to more women and more neighbourhoods.

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> India News> Indian Politics> Indian Muslim> Lead Story> Women / by Maryam Hassan & Unzila Sheikh, TwoCircles.net / August 10th, 2025

Jamaat Expands Interest-Free Finance Network to Boost Economic Stability in Karnataka

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Karnataka (under research project), Leaders

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Bengaluru:

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Karnataka is stepping up its drive to promote economic stability by expanding interest-free financial institutions across the state. At a meeting with Souharda Cooperative Society leaders, JIH Karnataka State President Dr. Belgami Mohammed Sa’d stressed the need to free people from exploitative moneylenders.

Dr. Sa’d outlined plans to set up interest-free cooperative societies in major cities and towns as the first step in a state-wide mission. “Economic stability is a cornerstone of positive social change,” he said, urging community support to replicate the model in more regions.

JIH Karnataka State Secretary Mohammed Yusuf Kanni highlighted the success of existing Souharda Societies. About 18,000 members are part of these societies in Bidar, Kalburgi, Raichur, Ilkal, Bellary, Davangere, Bhatkal, Udupi, and Mangalore. Last year, they handled transactions worth ₹125 crore.

Mr. Kanni announced expansion to Sindhanur, Hubli, Hassan, and Bijapur by March 2026. He said the aim is to give more people access to interest-free finance, promote equitable participation, and reduce reliance on conventional banks.

Mriza Abid Baig Falahi from Jamaat’s Shariah Council recently visited societies in Bidar, Kalburgi, Raichur, Ilkal, and Bellary. His inspection focused on Shariah compliance and staff training in Islamic finance modules like Mudarabah, Musharakah, and Murabaha. “Interest-free finance is an ethical necessity for a just and inclusive economy,” he said.

Prominent members from different districts attended, including Mujtaba Khan from Bidar, Hamza Muazzam from Kalburgi, Imtiaz Baig from Davangere, Nazeer Ahmed Qazi from Bhatkal, and Riaz Ahmed from Koppal. Souharda Societies’ convenor Rafiq Ahmed opened the meeting, focusing on operational expansion, Shariah compliance, and greater community involvement.

The initiative is part of Jamaat’s mission to drive societal reform through ethical measures. By offering cooperative, interest-free finance, it aims to empower individuals, support small businesses, and protect vulnerable people from debt traps.

With planned expansions, JIH Karnataka hopes to build a strong network of Shariah-compliant institutions. Leaders believe sustained community participation will make interest-free finance a widely accessible reality in the state.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / August 13th, 2025

Kerala-born entrepreneur Shaikh Mohammed is Kyrgyz major general

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , ,

Kozhikode, KERALA / KYRGYZSTAN :

Man from Kozhikode left state at young age, visited last in 2007.

Kozhikode:

Kerala-born entrepreneur Shaikh Rafik Mohammed, 42, has been appointed Major General of Kyrgyzstan, in a first for an Indian in the Central Asian country.

Mr Mohammed assumed the prestigious post in the presence of defence minister Ali Mirza at an official ceremony held in Kyrgyzstan. He holds Kyrgyzstan nationality, conferred by former President Kurmanbek Saliyevich Bakiyev, whom he had met in his late-20s while working in Iran.

Mr Mohammed, who heads Gammon Middle East in Saudi Arabia, used to be an adviser to Kyrgistan President and the latest appointment is in recognition of his contributions to the country, sources in Dubai said.

Rafik, known as Rafi here is the son of Late Abdul Hameed and Fathima of Eravannur, 12 km from Kozhikode. He had studied up to Class VII at local AMPL School, Eravannur. According to his sister Rukhiya K.M, Rafik left for Mumbai at the age of 20 and then to Gulf. “We are all elated by his elevation to the prestitgious post. He called us on Saturday and we spoke a lot. Mr Mohammed’s last visit to Kozhikode was in 2007,” Ms Rukhiya told this newspaper. Mr Mohammed, who has an Iranian wife, has made it big from a humble background. His father was a fisherman and struggled to make two ends meet.

Mr Mohammed’s neighbour and distant relative, Mr Azis Master U.P., says he maintains a warm relation with his birthplace. “It was Rafik who gave ’25 lakh for the construction of a madrasa recently. Similarly he will reach out to anyone in time of need,” Mr Azis master said.

Sources said that Mr Mohammad keeps cordial relations with major political leaders of Kerala. He holds Kyrgyzstan nationality conferred by its former President Kurmanbek Saliyevich Bakiyev whom he casually met in his 20s while working in Iran. Later, he became the adviser to Mr Bakiyev.

Dubai reports said Mr Mohammed, after selling the successful project to the Iranian government, went to Kyrgyzstan and presented a similar project to Mr Kurmanbek, then a governor who was preparing to contest presidential elections.

After Kurmanbek won the election, he appointed young Rafik as his chief adviser – a milestone in his career.

He developed wide network of friends in the Central Asian country, which has witnessed a rapid flow of foreign investment and reversal of socialist mode of development to a capitalist mode of production, reports said.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation / by Amiya Meethal / January 02nd, 2017

Obaid Siddiqui revolutionized bio-sciences

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Business & Economy, Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Karnataka (under research project), Leaders, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023)

Basti, UTTAR PRADESH / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Obaid Siddiqui receiving Padma Vibhushan from the President

Genes and DNA are the words we hear frequently on our Televisions and other media. Genetic mapping has revolutionised the way humans understand organisms in general and themselves in particular. The past few decades have witnessed developments in biotechnology and genetics leading us to understand and treat diseases hitherto thought curable. Very few among us know that one of the important men who laid the foundation of this revolution was an Indian, Obaid Siddiqui.

Born on this day in 1932 in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, Obaid Siddiqui completed his Masters in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1953. Initially, he joined AMU as an agricultural scientist, after his Masters, and later moved to Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. At IARI Siddiqui had prepared a testbed for wheat crossbreeds. But a devastating hail storm destroyed the crop and ruined his year-long labour. A frustrated Siddiqui, who had a keen interest in genetics, an emerging field at the time, wrote a letter to Professor Guido Pontecorvo at Glasgow asking him for a research opportunity with him. Pontecorvo accepted him and Siddiqui started his PhD at Glasgow on microbial systems – a paradigm shift from Botany.

During his PhD, Obaid made some path-breaking observations, which revolutionised the field of Genetics. Two very important observations made by him  were:

  • His studies were the first reports of fine mapping of a gene.
  • He pointed out the concentration of mutational sites in a small part of genes.

Obaid Siddiqui with Semour Benzer

So, when he submitted his PhD thesis in 1961 Siddiqui had already revolutionised the sciences in general and genetics in particular. Considering the fact that he shifted from Botany to a different field makes his achievement even more stellar.

The same year Siddiqui moved to Pennsylvania to work with Alan Garen as a postdoctoral fellow. Here, he discovered the suppressors of “nonsense” mutations. In simpler words, he discovered why a few mutations in a gene would not express themselves and remain suppressed. The discovery was a logical result of his earlier pioneering work in mapping of genes. Another important impact of this discovery was the finding of “nonsense” codons, the stop signal of genes. Har Gobind Khorana, Robert Holley, and Marshall Nirenberg received the 1968 Nobel prize for identifying “nonsense” codons and they personally acknowledged the role of Siddiqui in their research.

Siddiqui did not pursue his study of Codons further which got others a Nobel Prize because his heart was not in the USA. Siddiqui wanted to return to India to serve his motherland. This selfless patriot left the lucrative opportunities and told Alan Garen, in 1962, that he wanted to return to India.

Garen asked renowned physicist Leo Szilard to write to Homi Bhabha asking him to arrange a position for Siddiqui in India. Ignoring the opposition from fellow scientists in India, Bhabha showed confidence in Siddiqui and gave him the responsibility of establishing a molecular biology unit at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

Obaid ASiddiqui with Wife Asiya Siddiqui

At TIFR, Siddiqui nurtured a younger crop of scientists and also brought Indians working in foreign labs back to India. With one of his students, P. Vijay Sarathy, Siddiqui showed that recombinant bacteria inherit DNA of bi-parental origin thus laying the foundation of principles of lateral gene transfer. In layman’s language his findings are the basis of the now well-known principle that genes pass from one generation to another.

With his other students like Kavita Arora and Veronica Rodrigues, Siddiqui showed that taste and smell of Drosophila have a genetic basis and thus opened a new field of chemosensory neurogenetics. These findings led others to research the role of genes on sensory perceptions, learning and memory.

Siddiqui was not a man who would compartmentalize his intellect to one branch of science. He contributed to fields as diverse as plants, Drosophila, bacteria, and genetics. He did not stop at research. He was an institution builder and established the National Centre for Biological Sciences in 1992 in Bangalore. Siddiqui was known for nurturing young minds by giving them the freedom to question.

Moreover, Siddiqui was a man who believed that sciences cannot operate in isolation of society. Scientists have a social responsibility and Siddiqui understood this. He stood for Human Rights, campaigned against communalisation and took part in social movements. Not only a music lover of Hindustani Music, Siddiqui was an established Sarod artist.

Obaid Siddiqui was awarded the second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhusahan, by the Government of India. He was the true son of the soil who left lucrative offers in a foreign land to establish a research culture in India. His students are now serving the nation, which includes the present Principal Scientific Advisor of India, Professor Vijay Raghavan. 

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Saquib Salim / July 26th, 2021

‘Karnataka Kala Ratna Award’ presented to Radiulla Khan

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru, KARNATAKA :

Radiulla Khan, Organising Secretary of Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, being presented with ‘Karnataka Kala Ratna’ State Award during the workshop on ‘Labour Rights’ organised by Karmikara Hakkugala Seva Samiti at Rotary Hall on JLB Road in city recently.

The award was presented to Radiulla Khan in recognition for his works in multilingual films especially in Kannada language as a junior artiste.

M.S. Naveen, Chief Legal Aid Guardian, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), V. Vinay Kumar from Employees State Insurance Corporation, industrialists and social workers M. Lalita Rao, Shubh Krupesh, V. Ramamurthy and Prashanth P. Aask, Actor-director Mahesh K.H. Belur, journalist Kasthurichandru and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News (headline edited) / July 26th, 2025

10 extraordinary men and women of Bihar who changed society

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , ,

BIHAR :

New Delhi :

Among them are women who, through their work, have not only guided society but also become role models themselves. With courage, dedication, hard work, and limited resources, they are bringing about changes.

The list includes teachers, entrepreneurs, social workers, and heralds of change. Their stories fill us with pride and remind us that you can realise your objectives of serving society.

Khursheed Ahmad

Khursheed Ahmad has played a pivotal role in reviving Bihar’s cultural soul and turning Patna into a vibrant center of literature and arts. He has brought traditional forms like qawwali, poetry, literature, and Sufi music back into public life, infusing them with fresh energy and contemporary relevance.

Jabir Ansari

The right guidance at the right time can profoundly shape a life. Jabir Ansari, who hails from a humble background, reached the international martial arts arena thanks to his unwavering dedication. Hailing from Tumba Pahaad village in the Naxal-affected Jhajha block of Jamui district, he has won many gold medals and made his mark in martial arts.

Shams Alam

When doctors diagnosed a tumor in Shams Alam’s spine, they reassured him he would be running again in weeks. That day never came. Paralysis left his body’s lower half numb—a life-changing moment. Instead of despairing, Shams chose determination. Through grit and love for swimming, he emerged as a para‑swimmer who has made an indelible mark in Bihar, across India, and on international stages—breaking records and breaking barriers.

Tayyaba Afroz

She’s a pilot, and her social media bio proudly features phrases like “Born To Fly,” and “Dream, Achieve, Fly.” But behind these inspiring words lies a powerful story—selling ancestral land, withstanding social criticism, and overcoming physical and emotional barriers. Tayyaba Afroz from Jalalpur village in Saran district is not just the state’s first Muslim woman commercial pilot—she is a vibrant symbol of struggle, perseverance, and lofty dreams.

Dr. M. Aijaz Ali

Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. M. Aijaz Ali has been an advocate for the marginalized for nearly 30 years. His guiding belief is that true development is incomplete without social equality and protecting the rights of the poor. Born in 1958 and raised in an orphanage, he overcame poverty through his academic passion to gain admission to the prestigious Patna Medical College.

Jameel Akhtar

As Deputy General Manager at NTPC, Jameel Akhtar has dedicated his life to educating underprivileged children in Bihar. His commitment is so intense that he has chosen to remain unmarried, believing marriage might hinder his mission. “If I marry, managing the education and care of 550 children will become difficult,” he told Awaz –The Voice. In a senior role at NTPC, his heart beats for the children who have no means to attend school.

Mohammad Ibrahim

A resident of Ramna in Motihari, Mohammad Ibrahim’s extraordinary journey inspires not just the youth of Bihar but all of India. His path from Motihari to Dubai is a powerful testament to determination and purpose. Recently honoured with Oxford University’s Best Travel & Immigration Services Award, his story marks a significant milestone in his professional journey.

Dr. Mumtaz Nair

Dr. Mumtaz Nair hails from a small village in the Kishanganj district of Bihar. In her early years, her family struggled even to meet basic needs. Despite hardships, her family chose to invest in her education—a decision that one day contributed significantly to the global fight against some of the world’s deadliest viruses.

Faizan Ali

At just 18 years, Faizan Ali was earning a degree in business studies when life called him to a deeper purpose. More than studies or ambition, he realised his true calling was serving humanity. “If you truly want to share someone’s pain, age and education don’t matter—passion does,” Faizan told Awaz – The Voice. Now 23, Faizan from Gaya is a shining example of selfless service. Raised in a modest family, he never imagined his life would pivot from a corporate future to community work.

Rani Khanam

Rani Khanam is the first Muslim Kathak dancer in Independent India to turn her love for classical dance into a profession. Originally from Gopalganj, Bihar, she practiced Kathak clandestinely, in a family that did not allow music or dance. Through her art, she has empowered women and highlighted key social issues.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>The Changemakers / July 20th, 2025

Hamd Foods expands footprint with fourth outlet in Udupi’s Kaup

Business & Economy, Karnataka (under research project), Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Udupi:

Hamd Foods, a rising name in the natural food products sector, inaugurated its fourth exclusive outlet in Kaup on Thursday, reinforcing its commitment to the brand’s vision, ‘Healthy Food, Healthy Life.’ The launch was spearheaded by Founder Shahida A, Co-founder Mariyam Shahira, and Branch Manager Khairunnisa.

Following the success of its earlier outlets in Falnir, Krishnapura, and Thokkottu, the Kaup branch marks a significant step in the company’s expansion journey. With over 150 natural food and personal care products on offer, the outlet provides customers with options ranging from spice blends, stone-ground pastes, and frozen snacks to flour varieties and skincare items, all free from artificial colours and chemical preservatives.

“In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to find time to prepare healthy meals. Through this outlet, we aim to make wholesome, ready-to-use natural products easily accessible to everyone,” said Shahida A, addressing the gathering.

The launch event was attended by several prominent women including Reshma Thota, Prameela Jatanna, Alia Sayyed, and Nilofer Parveen, who expressed their appreciation for the brand’s consistent growth.

“Your consistency and hard work over the past seven years has led you to launch your fourth store today,” noted Reshma Thota. “For working women like us, Hamd’s products are a real support. In a market full of choices, it’s rare to find ones that are both hygienic and chemical-free — Hamd is a brand we truly trust.”

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / July 13th, 2025

Dr. Parveez Ubed’s makes eye-care accessible, affordable across NE India

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Science & Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ASSAM :

Dr Pervez Uber with his staff

On July 10, a significant milestone in Northeast India’s healthcare landscape unfolded as Dr. Parveez Ubed inaugurated the 7th Hub Hospital of ERC Eye Care in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district, Assam.

The ceremony represents more than just another hospital opening—it symbolizes the transformative vision of a social entrepreneur who chose to stay in his homeland over greener pastures in metropolitan cities.

Dr. Parveez Ubed’s story begins in Jorhat, Assam, where, after completing his ophthalmology specialization from the Gauhati Medical College in 2007, he decided to change lives.

His classmates left for bigger cities for attractive offers, but Dr. Ubed chose to stay put in Assam to serve his people. His decision was driven by his understanding of the region’s healthcare challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Presenting an award to Dr Perveez Ubed

His entrepreneurial journey started in June 2011, when he founded ERC Eye Care in a converted kitchen space with just Rs 4 lakhs borrowed from his mother.

What began as a single-man mission has now evolved into a phygital (physical + digital) eye care network spanning across Northeast India with 267 full-time employees and 190 part-time staff.

Dr. Ubed’s venture addresses a critical healthcare gap in Northeast India, where the statistics paint a sobering picture.

Assam has a blindness prevalence of 3.03% against the national average of 1.99%, with an estimated 92% preventable blindness. The World Health Organization reported that 18.8% of Indians suffer from vision impairment due to cataract in Assam alone, making it one of the most affected regions in the country.

Bad roads and difficult terrain, lack of information, poor overall health status, and absence of escorts are barriers that limit access to eye care services in the region.

The beneficiers of Dr Perveez Ubed’s eyecare facilities

With only 0.6 ophthalmologists per 100,000 population in Assam, the doctor-patient ratio represents a massive healthcare infrastructure deficit.

Dr. Ubed’s entrepreneurial genius lies in his innovative hub-and-spoke business model that tackles the three critical healthcare challenges: affordability, accessibility, and availability. The model operates through: Hub Hospitals: (i) Equipped with surgical and diagnostic facilities serving as main centres in Sivasagar (2015), Nagaon, Silchar, Guwahati, Tezpur, Boko (6th hospital, January 2025), and now Abhayapuri (7th hospital, July 2025).

(ii) Spoke Centres: Satellite vision centres and mobile units extending basic eye care to remote areas, bringing services directly to patients’ doorsteps. (iii) Digital Integration: The organization leverages AI and IoT technology through their digital platform erclens.com, making them the world’s first phygital eye care company.

Dr. Perveez Ubed with a patient

Dr. Ubed’s transformation from a medical professional to a successful social entrepreneur showcases remarkable business acumen. “All my nights were spent reading MBA books to find a business plan,” he recalls with characteristic humility.

This self-directed learning was later complemented by formal business education at Stanford University Graduate School of Business (2019-2021), where he completed the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme Certificate.

Dr. Ubed’s work has garnered prestigious recognition, underscoring his impact as a changemaker. He received several awards and recognition in India and abroad.

Dr. Ubed’s vision extends far beyond numbers, though the statistics are impressive: over 1.1 million patients served, 500,000 eyeglasses distributed, and 43,000 cataract surgeries performed. Each figure represents a life transformed, a livelihood restored, and hope renewed.

The organization’s pricing model reflects its social mission: eye consultations for Rs 50, optical retail starting at Rs 99, and cataract surgeries from Rs 3,500. Studies referenced by ERC indicate that good vision can increase incomes by 30% and productivity by 25%, making eye care not just a medical intervention but an economic empowerment tool.

Dr. Parveez Ubed

Dr. Ubed’s forward-thinking approach incorporates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT technologies to create scalable healthcare solutions. The digital platform erclens.com offers teleconsultation services, online appointments, and home eye testing, making ERC a pioneer in tech-enabled healthcare delivery for underserved markets. The organization’s expansion plans extend beyond India to Southeast Asia and Africa, positioning ERC as a global model for affordable healthcare delivery.

Dr. Parveez Ubed stands as living proof that one person’s commitment to serve can illuminate the path for millions. In a world where success is often measured by personal wealth, Dr. Ubed has chosen a different metric—the number of people who can see clearly enough to dream again, work productively, and live with dignity.

His story reminds us that true entrepreneurship lies not in creating unicorns, but in nurturing phoenixes—taking communities from the ashes of neglect and helping them rise to their full potential.

As thousands more patients walk through the doors of this new hospital in Abhayapuri, they will not just be receiving medical treatment; they will be touching the legacy of a man who saw beyond the obvious, dreamed beyond the conventional, and dared to stay when leaving would have been easier.

In the annals of social entrepreneurship, Dr. Parveez Ubed’s name will be etched not just as a successful businessman but as a visionary who gave vision to the visually impaired and hope to the hopeless, proving that sometimes, the greatest journey is not about going far but about going deep into the heart of what truly matters.

The author is the former DGP of the Assam Police

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Pallab Bhattacharyya / July 17th, 2025