Greetings, my name is Akram Raza Khan. Originally from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India, my early years were spent in the rural landscapes of the village. At the age of 18, I ventured to Lucknow in pursuit of employment and eventually found myself navigating the city streets as a rickshaw driver.
In 1998, a significant turn of events occurred when I encountered Mr. R.C. Gupta. He rode in my rickshaw and, following our journey to a hotel, proposed a tour of Lucknow. During this tour, he revealed himself as the General Manager of the Telecommunications Department and offered me a government position as a gardener. The catch, however, was that I needed to relocate to Delhi for this opportunity.
With the approval of my family, I made the journey to Delhi, where Mr. Gupta facilitated my employment as a gardener. Unfortunately, ten days later, under the pretext of a medical checkup, one of my kidneys was surreptitiously removed. Mr. Gupta's son-in-law, Sanjay Mittal, a surgeon at the hospital where the procedure took place, was implicated in this unfortunate incident. Subsequently, police complaints were filed against nine individuals, including four doctors.
In 2004, I documented my life story in a book published in seven languages by Media House. A year later, a prominent news channel produced a documentary titled "They Stole My Kidney, " shedding light on the ordeal.
During this tumultuous period, I had the privilege of meeting Most Rev. Dr. Vincent M. Concessao, the Archbishop of Delhi. Additionally, I forged a connection with the esteemed film actress Shabana Azmi, who provided invaluable support for my studies. This association with influential figures ignited my passion for social service.
In 2007, three like-minded friends and I established Mariam Ashram, an old age home. Here, we provided free accommodation and sustenance for widows, disabled individuals, and the elderly. Our initiatives extended beyond mere housing; we engaged in activities such as sewing and embroidery for underprivileged girls, as well as offering free tuition to impoverished children. This commitment to community service remains steadfast to this day.
With an unwavering commitment to societal welfare, I persist in my endeavors despite having only one kidney. Currently engaged in a new and impactful project, my aspirations extend beyond personal challenges.
This initiative is dedicated to the cause of education for seventy underprivileged children, predominantly consisting of Rohingya refugees and individuals from the Banjara caste. These children reside in humble tents along footpaths, facing barriers to education due to financial constraints. In light of this, I earnestly request the support and collaboration of compassionate individuals in bringing this meaningful project to fruition.