Everything that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded to the individual. And Qari Mohd. Mian Mazhari, Chairman, National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation is one such person who is all out to ensure minorities in India get adequate opportunities to bloom and prosper. A man known for his social vision, integrity and dedication to societal cause, Mazhari, during decades of his service, has done a yeoman's service to the less privileged class.

Set up with the objective to promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of backward sections, the NMDFC through its persistent effort have helped various individuals and families through grants of loans and advances. It has come out with various schemes and projects, which has helped minorities in self-employment and integrating them with India's mainstream. To assist the up-gradation of technical and entrepreneurial skills of minorities, NMDFC under the able leadership of Mazhari and his equally competent predecessors came out with several novel schemes in the past and extended financial assistance to more than 52645 beneficiaries in 22 states and 2 union territories during the financial year ending in 2003.

A simple and down-to-earth man, it has been Mazhari's commitment to his social goals, which has earned NMDFC a great respect and goodwill in India as well as abroad. And it was his pioneering work in providing vocational training and marketing assistance to craft persons and underprivileged segment of the society which brought him wide accolade and appreciation. Working in tandem with numerous state governments and non-governmental organisations is not an easy task, but for a person like Mazhari who is known for his administrative skills and organising talent, these things come naturally to him.

And it's no surprise that Govt of India, as a result of Mazhari's initiatives has taken serious note of its social objectives. In fact, it hasn't been long when Finance Minister P Chidambaram proposed to increase the equity support for the NMDFC and also emphasized new schools under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan as well as the Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya to be located in districts or blocks having a substantial minority population. Certainly, if the goals are noble and there are people like Mazhari heading an organisation, there is no destination which couldn't be reached.