P.V. Abdul Wahab: Politician, Philanthropist

P.V. Abdul Wahab (born 1950) an accomplished entrepreneur and seasoned politician, is a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing Kerala. A prominent leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), he also serves as the party’s National Treasurer, playing a vital role in strengthening its financial and organizational framework.

Born on July 1, 1951, in Malappuram, Kerala, Abdul Wahab grew up in a family with strong values of education and community service. He embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in the Gulf, establishing successful ventures in real estate, manufacturing, and hospitality. His business acumen earned him respect as a visionary leader in both India and the Middle East.

Abdul Wahab’s foray into politics was marked by his unwavering commitment to socio-economic development and communal harmony. As a Rajya Sabha MP, he has been vocal on issues concerning minority rights, education, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. His insightful contributions during parliamentary debates reflect his deep understanding of India's socio-political landscape and his dedication to fostering inclusive growth.

Apart from his political and business pursuits, Abdul Wahab is a noted philanthropist. Through various charitable initiatives, he has contributed significantly to healthcare, education, and disaster relief efforts in Kerala and beyond. His efforts in promoting quality education for underprivileged children and advancing skill development programs are widely recognized.

A strong advocate for communal harmony and democratic values, P.V. Abdul Wahab embodies the ethos of the Indian Union Muslim League, which emphasizes secularism and justice. With his blend of political acumen, social responsibility, and business expertise, he continues to inspire trust and respect among his constituents and colleagues, making him a distinguished figure in Indian public life.

Sabah Qadri: Activist/Social Worker

At the heart of Help Hyderabad’s remarkable journey is Sabah Quadri, the treasurer of the organization and a driving force behind its success. A graduate in English Literature from St. Francis College, Secunderabad, Sabah is often described as the “de facto life support system” of the NGO. Her leadership and unwavering dedication have helped shape the organization’s mission and expand its impact across diverse communities.

Since its establishment in 2001, Help Hyderabad has been committed to addressing a wide range of social and humanitarian issues. The organization’s efforts include pivotal involvement in Rohingya relief, where it provided essential support in the form of shelter, food, and healthcare to displaced communities.

Healthcare is a cornerstone of Help Hyderabad’s work, with the NGO operating three medical clinics in Hyderabad that collectively treated over200000 patients to date. These clinics provide critical care to underprivileged individuals who lack access to quality medical services.

The organization also emphasizes fostering peace and unity through interfaith harmony meetings, bringing together individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds to promote understanding, mutual respect, and coexistence.

Help Hyderabad’s impact extends beyond India’s borders. It demonstrated its commitment to global humanitarian efforts by delivering aid during the Turkey earthquake, assisting communities in distress.

Closer to home, the NGO runs widow pension programs, ensuring financial stability for women facing economic hardships. It also invests in education by offering student scholarships, empowering young minds to pursue their academic aspirations and build brighter futures.

Additionally, Help Hyderabad has been at the forefront of disaster relief programs in India, responding swiftly to natural calamities with food, medical aid, and rehabilitation support to affected regions.

Under the guidance of dedicated individuals like Sabah Quadri and its committed team, Help Hyderabad continues to transform lives, foster unity, inspire hope, and create a better future for countless individuals and communities.

Sharjeel Imam: Scholar, Activist

Sharjeel Imam (born in 1988) is a noted Indian Muslim activist from Kako village, Jehanabad, Bihar. An alumnus of IIT-Bombay, he completed his B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Computer Engineering before pursuing a master’s and Ph.D. in Modern History at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Known for his role in the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, Imam has faced sedition charges for allegedly inflammatory speeches.

Sharjeel’s father, Akbar Imam, was a politician, while his mother is a homemaker. Educated at missionary schools in Patna and Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, he graduated in 2006 and worked in the tech industry before returning to academia in 2013.

Imam gained recognition for organizing anti-CAA protests, including the iconic Shaheen Bagh sit-in. His speeches, particularly one advocating a blockade of the Siliguri Corridor, led to accusations of sedition and charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Arrested in January 2020, he has been detained since, facing multiple cases in states like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Critics, including activists and academics, argue that Imam’s speeches were misinterpreted and that the charges against him are politically motivated. Prominent voices like Aakar Patel and Justice Markandey Katju have called for his release, emphasizing freedom of expression. Imam’s arrest has been widely condemned, with support from students, teachers, and rights organizations across India.

Despite receiving bail in some cases, Imam remains in custody for alleged involvement in a larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Delhi riots. His detention highlights ongoing debates on dissent, minority rights, and state actions in India.

Syed Zafar Mahmood: Community leader/Former Bureaucrat

Syed Zafar Mahmood is a distinguished Indian civil servant and former 'Officer on Special Duty' for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He gained prominence for his role in the Sachar Committee, established on March 9, 2005, to assess the socioeconomic and educational status of India's Muslim community. The committee submitted its comprehensive report on November 17, 2006, highlighting critical disparities, which Mahmood has since discussed extensively in various forums, including notable institutions like Case Western Reserve University and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, to advocate for bridging the gaps faced by Indian Muslims.

Mahmood's educational background includes a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics, an M.S. in Political Science, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Aligarh Muslim University. Apart from his civil service, he is the founder of several non-profit organizations, including the Zakat Foundation of India, the Interfaith Coalition for Peace, and God's Grace Foundation. The Zakat Foundation, established in 1997, is particularly notable for operating an orphanage for children affected by the 2002 Gujarat riots, in collaboration with the USA's One World Children's Fund. His efforts in philanthropy and social justice have garnered attention from media outlets like CNN and NPR.

Mahmood has actively participated in interfaith dialogues and was a representative of Indian Muslims during President George W. Bush's 2006 visit to India. He has been vocal about highlighting the challenges faced by Muslims, notably challenging Gujarat's Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, on issues affecting Muslim communities. His advocacy emphasizes the need for policies that can foster better relations between the Indian government and its Muslim citizens, particularly in light of the Sachar Committee's findings and recommendations.

Wali Rahmani: Activist, Motivational Speaker 

Wali Rahmani, at just 26 years old, is a lawyer, activist, and one of India's youngest social entrepreneurs. He is the founder of Umeed Global School, a residential institution dedicated to educating orphans, destitute, and underprivileged children.

Rahmani began his journey in public discourse at the age of 19, becoming the youngest Indian panelist to appear on national TV debates. Today, he is also a noted motivational speaker and a social media influencer with over a million followers.

In late 2023, Rahmani achieved a historic milestone by raising ₹7 crore in just seven days through crowdfunding for his school's construction. His campaign, which collected contributions of ₹100 each from lakhs of donors, showcased the trust he has earned through his honest and impactful work. In just seven months, the funds were utilized to successfully erect a state-of-the-art school building.

Rahmani’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that serving the community is not charity but a social duty. He aspires to nurture leaders from underprivileged sections of society, emphasizing that leadership is cultivated through character and actions. For Rahmani, education goes beyond academics—it is about "Tarbiyah" (character building).

Umeed Global School stands as a beacon of hope, bridging the educational gap between rich and poor. The school boasts an internationally recognized curriculum and has recently partnered with the World Trade Centre, Pune, to introduce STEM education.

Rahmani’s groundbreaking work has been featured in Times of India, The Telegraph, Indian Express, Brut India, Logical Indian, and other notable platforms, cementing his reputation as a changemaker committed to transforming lives through education.

Islam Khan: Journalist, Author/Community Leader

Dr Zafar ul Islam Khan (born1948) is a prominent Indian author and journalist known for his advocacy for the Muslim community. He serves as the editor and publisher of The Milli Gazette, a fortnightly focused on issues relevant to Muslims, and is the founder and chairman of Charity Alliance, an organization dedicated to relief and welfare work in India.

Khan's educational journey began at Madrasa-tul-Islah and Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, followed by studies at Al-Azhar and Cairo University from 1966 to 1973. He earned a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Manchester in 1987. His career spans several decades, including roles with the Libyan Foreign Ministry and the London-based Muslim Institute, where he managed a news service and publications. He has authored and translated over 50 books and written articles for the Encyclopaedia of Islam.

Khan was elected president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, the umbrella body for Muslim organizations in India, for multiple terms. In July 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, where he formed a fact-finding committee in response to the 2020 Delhi riots.

In October 2023, he released "The Glorious Quran," a translation of the holy text. However, Khan faced controversy following a Facebook post in April 2020 asserting that Muslims were subject to hate campaigns and violence. He was subsequently charged with sedition under the Indian Penal Code. The resultant petitions against him were dismissed in court. Khan's contributions and viewpoints have sparked discussions on minority rights, social justice, and the role of the Muslim community in India.