– Syed Azharuddin
It was a bright morning when I arrived at the Shaheen Bidar campus, a place that had long fascinated me with its sheer scale and impact. This wasn’t my first visit. Years ago, I had come here with my cousin, Syed Shadmanuddin, as he sought admission. Today, he’s studying BUMS at Tibbi College in Hyderabad – a testament to the kind of future Shaheen crafts for its students. But this time, my visit had a different purpose. I was here to meet the man who had been quietly revolutionising this institution from within: Mr. Abdul Haseeb (Managing Director).
Meeting Mr. Abdul Haseeb: A Leader Beyond Titles
When I along with Dr. Thouseef Madekari (CEO, Shaheen Group of Institutions) stepped into his office, there were no grand gestures, no elaborate welcomes – just a warm smile and a simple, “Aaiye, baithiye.” He had the air of someone who doesn’t waste words but makes every moment count. Dressed modestly, his demeanour was calm, his presence unassuming, yet there was something about him that commanded attention.
Mr. Haseeb is not one for long introductions. But as we settled into our conversation, his story began to unfold – not through boastful declarations but through the weight of his journey. The son of the visionary Dr. Abdul Qadeer, he had grown up surrounded by education, learning not just from books but from the mission his father had set in motion. He pursued a BBA with distinction and enrolled in an MBA programme, ready to carve out his path in the corporate world. But destiny, as it often does, had other plans.
Transforming Shaheen: A Systematic Overhaul
As Shaheen Group of Institutions expanded, the need for a strong hand to manage its operations became evident. Haseeb could have continued with his MBA, taken the safer route, and followed a conventional career path. Instead, he chose the road less treaded. He stepped into the demanding role of overseeing the institution’s administration, trading classrooms for boardrooms, theories for real-world challenges. And for the past decade, he has been the silent force behind Shaheen’s transformation.
The Shaheen Group of Institutions is often perceived as just a school by many, but to those who have witnessed its journey closely, it is far more than that. It is a powerhouse of transformation, not only in the field of education but also as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Under the visionary leadership of Abdul Haseeb, the institution has become a breeding ground for initiatives that extend beyond classrooms, creating employment opportunities, fostering exploration, and empowering individuals. Haseeb, as the Managing Director of Shaheen and the driving force behind multiple ventures, embodies the spirit of a young entrepreneur who sees opportunities where others see challenges.
When Haseeb first stepped into the campus to oversee operations, he was met with a system that was fragmented and disorganised. Departments like IT, accounts, HR, and construction were functioning in silos, lacking cohesion and efficiency. With his sharp business acumen and relentless work ethic, Haseeb took charge and transformed the entire system into a streamlined, process-driven model within a couple of years. But he didn’t stop there. He identified gaps and opportunities within and beyond the institution, embarking on a journey as a “wantapreneur” – a term that perfectly captures his desire to create, innovate, and serve.
One of his recent initiatives was the Shaheen Food Court, strategically located at a tourist spot in Bidar. This venture not only caters to the culinary needs of visitors but also serves as a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. Managed by Haseeb himself, the food court offers franchise opportunities, allowing others to expand its services and create their own livelihoods. It’s a testament to his belief in collaboration and community empowerment.
Another brainchild of Haseeb is Credible Link, a one-stop solution for books, uniforms, publications, and stationery. This initiative ensures that students have access to quality educational resources while also creating a sustainable business model. Similarly, Ar-Rahman Transportation was established to provide reliable school bus services and other transport-related solutions, ensuring the safety and convenience of thousands of students.
Understanding the needs of Shaheen’s massive student community, Haseeb launched Zaiqa Mess, a canteen service that caters to over 6,000 hostelers. This initiative not only addresses the nutritional needs of students but also operates with efficiency and quality, reflecting Haseeb’s attention to detail. Expanding further into the food industry, he introduced Khari Nutri Foods, a venture that produces healthy snacks, combining taste with nutrition.
Haseeb’s vision for community service led to the establishment of Shaheen Hospital, a clinic that serves not only the students but also the local population. This initiative underscores his commitment to healthcare accessibility, offering outpatient services and ensuring well-being for all.
In the digital age, Haseeb recognised the need for convenience and launched Apna Bazar Online, an e-store where parents can order essential supplies for their children studying at the Bidar campus. What started as an online service has now expanded offline, bridging the gap between parents and students seamlessly.
Another innovative venture is Laundry Bird, a laundry service initially created to meet the needs of students. However, Haseeb saw an opportunity to extend its services to the community, including cleaning prayer mats for local mosques. This initiative reflects his ability to identify societal needs and turn them into sustainable solutions.
When asked about the expansion of these ventures, Haseeb’s response was both humble and inspiring. He is open to collaboration, welcoming individuals who share his vision of doing good for society while empowering themselves. His initiatives are not just businesses; they are platforms for growth, innovation, and community service.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Education
When I inquired whether the institution serves exclusively the Muslim community, Abdul Haseeb responded with a meaningful smile, “Pooja was our first non-Muslim student, and now, 40% of our students are non-Muslims. We have never discriminated based on religion; this inclusivity is the cornerstone of our success. Today, we operate schools across 17 Indian states with 103 campuses and are preparing to launch in Saudi Arabia.”
He continued, “Recognising the challenges faced by traditional madrasas, we’ve initiated the ‘Madrasa Plus’ programme. This initiative engages students who have completed Hifz, aiming to empower them as societal leaders. Currently, we’ve adopted 25 underperforming madrasas to enhance their resources for the benefit of the community and society at large.”
A Vision for India’s Future: Beyond Competitive Exams
When asked about Shaheen’s contribution across the nation, Abdul Haseeb leaned forward, his eyes reflecting both passion and purpose. “Initially, our focus was on preparing students for NEET and JEE, ensuring that they could compete at the highest levels in medical and engineering fields. But we soon realised that the nation’s needs were much broader. Now, we have expanded our efforts to include coaching for UPSC and CA, nurturing future civil servants and financial experts who will shape the country’s future.”
He paused for a moment, then continued with a sense of conviction, “Education should not be limited to those who are already excelling. What about the students who struggle, who drop out due to circumstances beyond their control? For them, we launched the Academic Intensive Care Unit (AICU) – a unique initiative where a single teacher focuses on only six students at a time. The transformation we have witnessed through this programme is nothing short of extraordinary. Many students who had once given up on their dreams are now thriving, rewriting their futures with renewed confidence and success.”
Bringing Global Standards to Shaheen
Beyond academics, Shaheen has become a beacon of opportunity. “We have developed a curriculum tailored for primary kids, laying a strong foundation in their early years. And this is just the beginning. Soon, we will be expanding it to cover higher classes as well, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded and forward-thinking education.”
His eyes lit up with a spark of excitement as he shared a significant milestone, “We have signed an MoU with the Western Australian Curriculum, bringing global educational standards into our system. This initiative is yet to be launched, but when it is, it will open doors to a world-class learning experience for our students.”
Creating Employment and an Ecosystem of Growth
Today, Shaheen provides employment to over 4,000 individuals across the nation – both in teaching and non-teaching roles. “It is not just about educating students; it is about building an ecosystem where education uplifts entire communities.”
A moment of silence followed before he concluded with a dream that seemed larger than life but was rooted in unwavering determination. “My ultimate vision is to establish a university – one that does not merely teach but inspires. A place where knowledge is not just absorbed but applied, where young minds are nurtured to become the torchbearers of progress, and where education is a force that propels the nation forward.”
As I stepped out of the campus, I found myself reflecting on the essence of true contributor to the society. It’s not about titles or recognition. It’s about action, vision, and the courage to build something greater than oneself. And in that, Abdul Haseeb is a leader in every sense of the word.
