Nai Nangla village is a tiny speck on Haryana’s map. As far as the state’s administration goes, the speck probably doesn’t even exist. For several decades this little village in Mewat district languished in misery. Apparently, since Independence, no administrator bothered to visit the village. Until recently, there were no roads leading up to the village. The poor remained poor, access to healthcare was limited, there was no clean drinking water, illiteracy was rife, and women were downtrodden.
It is these skills — ingenuity, the ability to think and act on the fly and create opportunity where none exists — that Khan brings to Mewat after spending 40-plus years in the corporate world. He views Nai Nangla’s problems like a puzzle, the pieces of which he looks for and fits in. That’s the beauty of Khan’s model: While looking for the pieces that fit, he looks beyond the ordinary.
(This story appears in the 08 January, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
Thanks Mehmood bhai. You did what a son of soil ought to do.
on Apr 1, 2016Yesterday I had a chance to visit the said places along with Dr. Khan and had seen the changes he is making. I hope his efforts will make Mewat one of fastest growing districts in India. The scope is ample so does the enthusiasm and courage to do progress. Plans are being framed and resources are being mobilized for self motivated growth process in the areas. The first joining the growth process will gain more compared to those who join after seeing the great changes.
on Jun 15, 2012Great job in building self reliance and consequent self sufficiency in a small village. Great learning as well, particularly for school going and college students. A \'must visit\' spot. Takes me back to a quote: \"Instead of giving a free fish to a needy, teach him how to fish\" from the book \'Rich dad, Poor dad\' by Robert Kiyosaki.
on Jun 6, 2012You did work which i wish to do. Please send me your contact no if possible.
on Jan 5, 2012It is excellent and encouraging for all of us who have been lucky to be educated and well settled, to engage for improving the lot of our brethern left behind in our respective villages. All the best and good luck to my good brother Mr Khan.
on Mar 30, 2011Mohammed Khan has not weaved a magic wand but has leveraged the human resource at hand and channelized them by monetizing their day-to-day activities in a profitable manner. The streak of innovativeness that India is blessed with should trigger more such initiatives. <br /> What has however not been highlighted in the feature is that Mewat in Haryana is one of the areas where the Muslims live in abject poverty and a brother from their community has taken the cudgels to improve their lot. Imagine, what might happen if more such influential Muslims return to their native places to provide new lease of life to their fellow brethren. If it does happen there would not be a need for providing them a succor of reservation as the fruits of economic development would not trigger that yearn at all.
on Dec 21, 2009What a fabulous and inspiring piece of work. Have Rotary International been approached to see if they can support your efforts? Best regards Andy
on Dec 21, 2009Dear Andy Do let us have Rotary International contacts. Thanks Mehmood
on Dec 24, 2009We are proud and very happy about your great work. When ever you are in Delhi Please let me know we would meet.<br /> Reagrds<br /> Rohit
on Dec 21, 2009Its truly inspiring. Approach that men like Mehmood adopted is the answer to many of our social issues prevailing in rural India. One day, I too will follow his foot steps.
on Dec 21, 2009An inspiration to us all. God bless him !!
on Dec 20, 2009For those of us who only dream and talk of going back home one day, this is an inspiring story, not only to return but to make it truly count.. Well done Mr Mehmood, at least our best wishes are with you!!
on Dec 20, 2009amazing!! a little goes a long way indeed.. Cheers to Mr.Khan
on Dec 20, 2009Extreme corruption and abdication of all responsibility by the Indian administrators and politicians have eroded our faith in the basic goodness of humans. People like Mehmood go a long way in restoring this faith. There are uncoordinated efforts like this all over the country, where development is being eked out in spite of the administration. My compliments to Mr Khan for doing the work he had done, and also for sharing it with others as a beacon of hope.
on Dec 20, 2009He is such an inspiration and I look upto him as a role-model. His work is beyond any awards or trophy recognitions--the impact he has made on hundreds of lives is outstanding. I look forward to collaboration with him to spread education in Mewat.
on Dec 20, 2009I am certainly impressed. Great soul. Salute to you Mr. Khan.
on Dec 19, 2009I had the pleasure and the honour to know Mehmood in his Unilever days and I am sure he will continue to surprise all of us with what he can and will do. All the best. Matteo
on Jan 7, 2010