Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — An entrepreneur and philanthropist Khaja Anwar promotes the motto “Win hearts, not just orders” not only as a business strategy, but a way of life that could make us rich and fulfilled in every sense. A civil engineer by profession and specialist in facade, Khaja let his ambitions grow wings in 2008 when he moved to Dubai to set up his own firm — Façade Fyziks Group. One of the fastest growing company in the region for complex architectural solutions and infrastructure projects, the group — which he started with SR7,000 in pocket — today boasts of SR100 million in revenues. Khaja, who was in here recently, believes that his success is the will and grace of Allah. “Sure I took a chance, but it was a planned chance as I knew if I had to go ahead I need to start my own business,” he told Saudi Gazette. “My networking skills and engineering background and sound ideas were the boards I used for my spring. I did my branding of Super Bond Cladding Systems in Dubai, but it is mostly used in Saudi Arabia by builders. Other features followed and the company grew,” Khaja said. “I believe the Nitaqat system, introduced by the Kingdom, will prove beneficial for all. It will stabilize and systematize everybody,” he said when asked about the system for Saudization. Khaja's philanthropic efforts include subsidizing the running of three schools for the poor and needy in the state of Andhra Pradesh. But prior to this, he was instrumental in launching the group IDEAS. “The non-profit group was set up in 1999 to tackle the problems of Gulf NRIs, who had migrated to the region in large numbers. “The group felt unsettled when they returned home, and to alleviate their issues IDEAS worked with the government to solve their issues. “Reservation quota in colleges and jobs, overcoming the domicile issue, a NRI cell in the state and launch of the pension scheme (all the low-income NRIs need to do is register) were achieved by IDEAS,” he said, adding that IDEAS had achieved what it had been set up for. Khaja believe that hardwork, self-motivation and service with a smile works both in business and life. “That's why I have sayings to the effect in my business to keep reminding all of these facts.” Meanwhile, Khaja was one of the two founding members of Khak-e-Taiba Trust (KTT) Jeddah to be honored. Dr. Mohammed Haseebullah, member of Hyderabad-based Board of Trustee, who too was here on a visit, and Khaja were felicitated recently by KTT. KTT President Aijaz Ahmed Khan said: “It is somewhat strange to note that an organization is paying compliments and respect to its own members, but believe me, these visiting personalities enjoy special place among the young calibers of KTT. So it is but natural that we fete them during their visit. They have inspired us and for that this is out small appreciation.” Dr. Haseebullah detailed the KTT project reports of Hyderabad centers. According to him, KTT was basically focusing on a three-fold agenda; Removal of ignorance, poverty alleviation and eradication of illiteracy. He said: “We have enshrined these objectives in our bylaws and have carried-forward for almost two decades now. Today I am proud to say that 80 percent of below-the-poverty line (BPL) families are benefitting. From a meager 16 in 1991 to 442 today, students are imparted with a quality education equivalent to a missionary schools.” “We have other ambitions plans like; adoption of slum areas of Hassan Nagar and Hakeem Shah Colony of Hyderabad city, wherein a great number of slum-dwellers are denied basic living amenities. So we have launched a program to uplift them with free distribution of food packages especially during Ramadan,” he added. General Secretary Syed Khaja Viqaruddin gave a brief account of KTT Jeddah events. He said: “All our periodical programs are linked to the current seasonal festivities, such as Ramadan reception, Haj seminar; facilitation of students of CBSE governed schools, elocution and essay writing competition among the interschool students as well as painting and sports programs on the eve of special occasions like Saudi National Day or any other important commemorative periods.” “All our programs are financed by contributions from executive members and the well-wishers, without burdening the KTT exchequer.” Chief Patron Mohammed Shameem Kausar said: “With the slow and steady growth in our activities we have reached an affluent position today, wherein other social organizations have started emulating us.” Khaja Anwar, in the felicitation ceremony, expressed his gratitude and said: “I have been observing KTT action-plans for long, however the recent past seems to be an successful era. I can confidently say that your efforts have yielded desired results and this is the reason that KTT achieved ‘The Award of Excellence' from IDEAS.” “I assure you that my services and assistance will always remain with this high-profile organization,” he added. IT Director Imran Kausar presented a PowerPoint slideshow illustrating all the ongoing KTT activities of Jeddah and as well as back home in Hyderabad. The program started with the recitation of a few verses from Holy Qur'an by Vice-President Mohammed Abbas Khan.
