A degree drop out, Abdul Rahim, is today running a school which has 2000 students. From selling garments on footpath to setting up garments factory, Abdul Rahim’s life has been a roller coaster ride. He is the Principal Secretary of Global Public School, which is known to give education to poor students. Speaking to Newskarnataka.com, Abdul Rahim talks about his dreams, ambition and his future plans:
Tell us about your childhood?
I was born in Bapujinagar. I was a naughty kid. I had five siblings. My dad was businessman. He came up in life in a hard way. Most of the children in our area were not encouraged to take up education. But my father wanted all his children to be educated. I studied in Holy Saint English School and did my PU in Al Ameen College.
Why did you drop out of college?
When I was in degree, my father died. We were living comfortably all these years. But with my father’s sudden death, we had to face several problems. His business suffered loss at the same time. Our whole family was shattered. We did not have money with us. With no option left I dropped out of college and started doing small business.
What type of business were you involved in?
I started to sell blankets, slippers and garments on footpaths of Shivajinagar, Brigade Road and MG Road. I started to make good profits over a period of time. From the profits, which I made, I started to invest in garment business.
What made you become an educationist?
When I used to sell in streets, I always felt if I was educated, I would not be doing this. I felt that education is a great weapon which can change the world. A child without education is like a bird without wings. If a person has to grow, education is very important. I was not qualified, but I wanted to impart education to others. I made loads of money as my business picked up. However, I was not getting peace of mind. I wanted to do something for my community and nation. My father always used to say that he wanted to start a school for poor children. I decided that I will fulfill my father’s dream. In 2009, I started Global Public School.
How did you manage to get students for your school?
Bapujinagar is one of the least developed areas in Bengaluru. Muslims form a large percentage of population here. Most of the children do not go to school and prefer to work. When I started school, I had only 70 students in the first year. It was very difficult to convince parents, as they preferred their children to earn Rs 200 per day, than sending them to schools. I had a difficult time. However, after seeing many students shining, they started sending their children to our school. Today we have expanded our school to three branches and have nearly 2000 students.
With nominal fee, how do you run the school?
I did not start this education institution with the aim to make money. My bread and butter is my garment business. Imparting education is my passion. We charge nominal fee from parents, who can pay fees. For children, who are orphan, we give them scholarships. I want more children to be educated. When I see students doing well in their life, I feel so proud. No money gives me happiness as a student excelling in life gives me. Even though most of the students in our school are Muslims, we do not have any religious bias. Students of all religion and caste study in my school.
What are your future plans?
I hope to set my university in a few years. We are planning to start college for imparting PU education. In next few years, we are planning to have ten schools all over Bengaluru. We are getting calls to set up schools in Gulbarga, Raichur and northern Karnataka region. With God’s grace, I hope to set up schools.
Tell us about your personal life?
I have three children, a daughter and two sons. My wife has been a great support system for me. My siblings have also supported me a lot. Whenever I was down, they have always been with me.
What message do you want to give to youngsters?
I want the youngsters to be confident and positive in life. There will be many hurdles in life, but they have to cross it without losing hopes. I hope to see my country becoming one of the most developed countries in the world.
Giving back to society is something which we all should do. Abdul Rahim’s story is a true inspiration. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
