Irfan Alam - A Social Engineer

Today I met, Irfan Alam here in Santa Clara who is credited with revolutionizing the socio-economic life of rickshaw puller’s across India. He was being felicitated by the members of AODB for his contribution towards empowering one of the weakest section of our society.

There are few things that stuck me the most while listening to him

1. He has a brilliant academic record in addition to what he has achieved as an entrepreneur – a rare combination
2. Support from his family during his early years in his beliefs

3. His belief in his own dream - to build the most valuable company of the poor

4. Uncompromising on his goals – even rejected Rs. 150 Lakhs ($300 M USD) offer from Zee TV after he won the reality show called "Business Bazigar"

5. Proud of his roots in Bihar - in a very dignified way and not shy to confront the wrong perception about Biharis

In response to one of the question from the audience regarding the profits that his foundation SammaN earns, Irfan said that his profits are made of the blessings of tens of thousands of people for whom the life is slowly changing for better because of his work. These kinds of words coming out of a 28 years old really gives an idea about his upbringing and values. When the corporate world is worried only about gross margin, IRR, top line and bottom line, having blessings as your company’s profit reiterates that money is only a means to achieve the goal not a goal by itself.

There is no need in India for the development to blindly follow the way the West has gone. Empowering the people will create a massive platform for future growth the way the likes of Irfan are concieveing and creating. Irfan has galvanized the entire rickshaw pullers of India in a business model that not only is helping all the rickshaw pullers stand on their own but more importantly giving this poor section of the society the confidence and self- respect that has the power to change the status quo.

When Tanya and Tanvi went to him to get an autograph, he wrote "Believe in your Dreams". My best wishes to Irfan and SammaN for the yeomen services.