Impact Stories
The community leader
A 45-year-old Shahnawaz Pathan is a ray of hope for many residing in the industrial areas of Narol and Vatva. People have developed faith in him. They believe he will find a way to solve their issues. Resident of Narol Gam, Shahnawazbhai runs a Common Service Center – essentially a one stop shop for furnishing government documents and assistance for government programs. He encourages people in getting Aadhaar card, Pan card, Election card and helps them in railway ticket booking, hotel booking, online shopping, national pension system, online computer courses etc. He has been in this profession for the last five years.
He joined a non-profits after the 2002 Gujarat riots and worked there for twenty years. In his journey, he realised that the people of his community do not have major documents with them. He says, "These documents are indeed necessary for the existence. There is no future without an Aadhaar Or Pan card. Moreover, I did a lot of field work in the job. I wanted to make a switch from my job but the purpose was to work for people only."
He adds, "I started gathering material through various sites and worked hard to clear the exams. It is important to have such a centre in the area as government offers many schemes and subsidies to the poor but it never reaches them due to lack of awareness. This was a major hindrance. They have to go to far reaching areas for getting an Election card made so they ignore it. I felt it was the right time to have a center in this area. My center has completed five years in service."
His earnings come to Rs 20,000 per month. He has gained the love of people to such an extent that they not only approach him to get services from the centre but also discuss and seek his advice on personal, social, and economic fronts. A First Year College pass-out, Shahnawaz has played a crucial role in identifying those who needed help during the covid19 lockdown. He made notes on who were in genuine need and used technology to put word out. He put his number on Facebook and WhatsApp and sought help.
Mazdoor.co members got in touch with him. They inquired about the needs of people. Ration kits, fruits and oxygen cylinders were provided by Mazdoor.co. Here the people generally work as daily wagers, tailors, auto driver. Needy, widows, disabled were provided ration and fruits. Around 3,000 ration kits were made available to the poor. Even blankets during winters were given. Twelve oxygen cylinders were provided for the help. In one of the cases, a three month old baby boy suffered with multiple problems like jaundice, epilepsy, high sugar, issues in liver and this made his survival difficult. Parents couldn't afford the treatment. Meanwhile, he had to be admitted in NICU. The need for oxygen also arose. Mazdoor.co helped in the nick of the time and he survived. He is doing fine now.
Recently, a tempo of biscuit packets and fruits were sent by Mazdoor.co Ration kits were provided to 150 people a few days before. He states, "At times, there is a probability that people create the condition that they are in need but actually they are not. So, we check it properly. His job gives him immense satisfaction. It has made him reach to the people who are really in need of help. As far as social work is concerned, he think it comes naturally to him. He can sleep peacefully thinking he could help somebody through his job. He is grateful to God. He is now seeking a municipal school, hospital and a garden near the area from the government. He complains of how young children have to go far to study while regular citizens have to walk at least 4 kms to reach a garden. These are the basic necessities and they want their demands to be fulfilled by the civic authorities. He has taken a deep interest in these initiatives. So, it is no surprise people resort to Shahnawazbhai for any guidance or help!
