Mohammad Farhan Israili/Jaipur

Abdul Latif, fondly known across Rajasthan as 'Arco,' is not just a businessman but someone who blended enterprise with social service to change the lives of common people.

“Organise a wedding for a few thousand rupees, but educate your children. Don’t waste money on dowry and extravaganza,” says Latif, 79, who has stood up against social evils with a missionary zeal.

Born in a small village near Chomu, Rajasthan, Abdul Latif’s journey began in a rural family. Today, he lives in the Chini Ki Burj area of Jaipur. His parents, Rahmatullah and Hafeejan, instilled in him values of hard work, honesty, and service to others—principles that shaped his life.

Abdul Latif's company, Abdul Razzaq & Company (Arco), became a well-known name in electric motors, fans, coolers, and much. Additionally, his hotel, Arco Palace, located near Sindhi Camp Bus Stand in Jaipur, reflects his vision and dedication.

During the 1960s, when India was rapidly changing in the post-independence period, Abdul Latif received training in electrical repairs, and in 1962, he started Abdul Razzaq & Company.

His enterprise began as a small shop repairing electric motors and soon grew into a manufacturing business of producing motors, fans, coolers, and pumps. These were shipped across India.

In 1972, he launched a cotton tape factory for motor winding, and received demand for these from all over India. However, the disputed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was demolished in 1992, which created a downturn—business declined, payments were blocked, and trade suffered.

Yet, he did not give up. He rebranded as 'Arco Enterprises' and 'Arco Industries' and ventured into hospitality with Hotel Arco Palace, which now has 125 rooms and several shops. The hotel also serves as a hub for social welfare activities.

He also served as a director of Petro Field (Baroda) and Jaipur Central Cooperative Bank, demonstrating leadership and a sense of responsibility.

Driven by a mission for social good, Abdul Latif began serving the community in 2001 as President of the Mansoori Panchayat. His biggest initiative has been organizing mass marriage ceremonies for Muslims, aimed at eliminating dowry and promoting simple weddings.

Between 2001 and the COVID-19 lockdown, he held 22–23 such events, marrying 50 to 140 couples at a time, totalling around 3,000 couples.

Post-lockdown, he turned Hotel Arco Palace into a venue for weddings, providing packages for families from bridal dress to food for 50 guests at minimal cost.

Abdul Latif at a Public Function

The Panchayat also helps find matches by collecting biodata and offers counselling and dispute resolution for troubled marriages. Every month, 20–25 cases are resolved. He has a 10-member legal team, including his grandson Advocate Minhaj Abuzar Arco and other family members, offering affordable legal aid.

To eliminate societal evils and organize the community, he formed the Provincial Muslim Teli Mahapanchayat in 2018. With over 2,000 active members today, it conducts talent recognition events and is building hostels for students across various districts of Rajasthan.

Latif believes education is the most powerful tool for societal transformation. Since 2001, he has hosted annual award ceremonies for students. Initially, felicitating 40–50 children, the number has now grown to 300. Students scoring over 85% in grades 10 and 12, and Hafiz-e-Quran, are given cash prizes and recognition—over 6,000 children have been awarded so far.

He has also launched two schools in Jaipur: Arco Kids School in Shastri Nagar (which is up to Grade 5) and one in Hasanpura’s Banjara Basti (up to Grade 8). For the last 6–7 years, he has run coaching centres offering English-speaking and competitive exam prep.

Abdul Latif distributing awards

As Chairman of the Qaumi Sahulat Educational Fund, his goal is to support Hafiz children in pursuing graduation and competitive exams like RAS, IAS, medical, and engineering programs. “Most Hafiz kids are from poor families and can’t afford higher studies. We want to build a fund for them,” he explains.

As elected President of the Rajasthan State Weavers' Cooperative Association (1992–1995), he fought for the rights of weavers. At the time, traders sold power loom cloth as handloom, hurting genuine artisans. He successfully stopped this practice and ensured only genuine handloom products were procured by the government—protecting jobs and dignity.

For the past 16 years, as President of the Rajasthan Dalit-Muslim Unity Forum, he has worked to prevent communal clashes and promote harmony between Dalit and Muslim communities.

“We eat the same food, live in the same areas, and face the same poverty. Some miscreants divide us for their gain,” he says. His team visits conflict zones, mediates disputes, and helps with legal aid and bail to avoid unnecessary arrests.

As the Rajasthan Secretary of the All India Milli Council, he has advocated for Muslim welfare. In 2007, he and his team met then-PM Manmohan Singh, discussing issues like reservation, education, healthcare, and housing.

Awarding girl students of his school

He believes this effort contributed to the formation of the Sachar Committee, which led to important initiatives like scholarships for Muslim students.

He opened three ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes), which ran for seven years and trained around 3,500 youth. Though later demand declined due to shifts in government contracts, he remains optimistic about creating new opportunities through education and employment.

Abdul Latif, much known as ‘Arco,’ is not just a successful businessman but a transformative social leader. Whether it’s dowry-free weddings, promoting education, protecting weavers, fostering unity, or amplifying community voices—his work has touched thousands of lives. “My strength lies in serving people,” he says.

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Today, he is epitome of trust, hard work, and public service. He holds senior positions in several organizations and also serves as National Coordinator for INTUC.