Sujata Shirke, Maharashtra, Translated by Mithila Naik-Satam
Life has been tough for Imam Ansari, who resides in Millat Nagar, Bhiwandi, which falls in the district of Thane in Maharashtra. Imam, who now runs his own thriving venture, I-Proactive, a human resource consultancy, tells his story of the ups and downs that life has presented him with.
Soon after completing graduation, Imam countered many roadblocks to finding himself a decent job. For a long time, he struggled to clear a job interview.
After around a year, he started working for an insurance agency. Here, he met several other youngsters who came from other walks of life. Imam often observed their confidence and would silently admire how they were able to conduct themselves.
During this time, he also developed a good rapport with HR and often got details about the staff recruitments.
At the workplace, there were good times, and there were times when Imam could not complete the insurance target.
Several thoughts dominated his mind—How many young minds would not be happy with their work? How many unemployed youngsters are desperately searching for a job but are unable to get one due to their limited exposure?
While still working with the insurance agency, he came in contact with a few other companies. In no time, his long thoughts began to gain shape, and he thought, what if he started his own venture and generated jobs for others.
Starting His Own Company
Pulling a few strings and dipping into savings, he managed to gather ₹3000 and rented out a small premise. In the beginning, he employed youngsters he knew in his circles who were on the lookout for opportunities.
Imam started giving all his wakeful hours in the day to his venture, and he slowly learnt the ropes, registered his company and completed all the said compliances. All this, independently.
Imam, who now beams with pride, said, “I did not have anyone’s support. I knocked on several doors and had my share of downs. But like they say, the same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s what you’re made of. Not the circumstances.”
And rightly so, he did not let anything hold him back from forging his path forward.
Impact HR Pvt Ltd, which this young lad started in 2006 in Thane, had to be closed down due to unfortunate reasons, but he did not let this affect him. He was well aware of the bigger picture to create a launchpad for many capable and talented youngsters. With this in mind, he launched I-Proactive in 2008.
Imam noticed that many young girls were sitting home idle after completing their graduation. The problem was two-faced—their parents forbade them from seeking work outside Bhiwandi and they lacked confidence.
He knew these youngsters lacked exposure to the outside world and were not acquainted with communication etiquette, making it even harder for them to blend in. Considering this, it indeed made the task of finding a job and landing it challenging.
Imam decided to have individual interactions with these young minds, coaching them and counselling a few. He slowly became the person to whom these youngsters would come to seek advice. He started helping them figure out their next step in life.
“Only a handful of children complete their education in Muslim communities. Those who do, don’t get the correct job or get distracted. That’s why I try hard to give them jobs so that they can live a happy and content life with hard work,” expressed Imam.
During the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, many dealt with difficult situations, and more than a few individuals lost their jobs. Imam provided these youngsters with stability and hope.
His network of volunteers proved to be golden as they together were able to reach out to those who needed it the most without leaving anyone behind, managing to train and employ these individuals.
He points out, “I offer jobs to everyone irrespective of their caste and creed. It’s my responsibility to give jobs to the needy.”
These youngsters receive timely remunerations for the work they do. Imam is not in denial of the multitude of problems he has to face to run this company.
He mentions with a polite smile, “I have had to deal with several issues concerning the youngsters working with the company—arguments with the HR, young couples running from their parents after falling in love etc.”
Of course, he makes sure to intervene when needed and sort the same, following the rules and regulations of the company.
What is heartwarming is that he mentions that if someone doesn’t have money to go for the interview, he gives them the required amount without having to worry. Incidents like these remind him of his early days of struggle.
Sujata Shirke is a development worker and a writer from Maharashtra. Share your feedback on features@charkha.org