Zeb Akhtar/Ranchi

There was a time when Azad Nagars name was associated with crime, fear, and a negative image—much like Dhanbad’s Wasseypur. It took the vision and determination of one man to change it.

Mukhtar Alam Khan’s efforts have transformed the living conditions and image of Azad Nagar, a neighbourhood in Jamshedpur, Chhattisgarh.

It’s due to the efforts of Mukhtar Alam Khan that locals are no longer hesitant to claim it as their locality; they show their belongingness to Azad Basti with pride.

Mukhtar and his companions --Syed Mateenul Haq Ansari, Mohammad Moinuddin Ansari, Syed Asif Akhtar -- turned despair into hope.

Mukhtar Alam at a school function

Even today, Mukhtar and his team could be seen among the poor, weak, or needy and responding to their call for help. Whether it’s arranging blood and medicines for patients, food for the hungry, or supporting children in education and competitive examinations, Mukhtar Alam and his team are around/

Their work has become synonymous with compassion and community service.

When asked about funding, Mukhtar says, “Some of it comes from our own pockets, and some from community donations. During Ramadan, we use zakat funds to support the poor.”

In 2019–20, when the COVID-19 lockdown brought life to a halt, Mukhtar Alam decided not to remain a bystander. Along with a few residents from his neighbourhood, he resolved, “We won’t just watch—we will act.”

Mukhtar Alam and his team distributing food

They began distributing food, clothes, and medicines in Azad Basti and nearby areas. For those in critical condition, they arranged hospital admissions. Sometimes they struggled to find oxygen cylinders; other times, they searched for blood donors.

While most people stayed behind closed doors, Mukhtar and his team stood at the forefront, risking their lives to help others. When the lockdown ended, life slowly returned to normal—but Mukhtar decided, “This work will not stop.”

After the lockdown, Mukhtar launched a food service for underprivileged patients and their families at Jamshedpur’s largest government hospital, MGM Hospital. To organise this effort, they formed the Human Welfare Trust, Jamshedpur. Mukhtar explains, “Most patients here come from remote villages. Their treatment happens, but they struggle with food and shelter. We decided to provide free meals twice a week.” Today, over 500 patients and attendants eat wholesome meals every week, and the initiative continues to this day—it has become Mukhtar’s identity.

Children with new school bags given by Mukhtar Alam

The next mission was to provide free medicines and organise blood donation drives. Thousands of units of blood have been donated under Mukhtar’s leadership. All services are free of charge and without any discrimination.

Mukhtar and his team also work for the Sabar community—an underprivileged tribal group. Once a month, they bring Sabar children to the city, show them around, and distribute gifts. Recently, when Tuna Sabar and his wife Sumi Sabar were hospitalised, the Human Welfare Trust provided nutritional supplements, medicines, and fruits, assuring continued medical support. Every Christmas, Mukhtar and his team visit Sabar families, distributing warm clothes, stationery, shoes, and food for children—extending their service beyond city limits into rural and tribal areas.

Mukhtar’s mission was not limited to aid; he wanted to change Azad Basti’s negative image. He began inviting successful candidates from NEET, Civil Services, CA, and Judiciary exams to inspire local children.

The change was visible—kids from Azad Nagar began to dream bigger and achieve higher. The most inspiring moment came in 2024 when Kahkashan Parveen, daughter of a fruit seller, scored a perfect 720/720 in NEET-UG, becoming one of the top scorers in the country. Her achievement inspired not just her family but the entire Jamshedpur community.

In 2025, on Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the Human Welfare Trust organised a mega blood donation camp at Azad Marriage Hall, collecting a record 303 units of blood. The event’s chief guest, Jharkhand’s Additional Secretary, praised the organisation’s work, saying, “Human Welfare Trust has always served humanity without discrimination. It’s the first to respond whenever someone needs blood.”

Mukhtar Alam with locals

Mukhtar Alam and his team continue to set examples of humanity—installing public drinking water stations, distributing blankets during winters, aiding disaster victims, and funding the education of meritorious students. They provide sports kits to children, honour successful youth, help rickshaw pullers own their vehicles, and support small vendors to start businesses. They even operate a help desk for those in distress.

Their proudest moment came in 2023 when the Human Welfare Trust was honoured by the district administration on Republic Day for its exceptional social service.

Today, Mukhtar Alam's Human Welfare Trust has become a centre of hope in Jamshedpur. Every initiative runs under its banner. People no longer see Azad Nagar as a “negative place” but as a “symbol of transformation.”

ALSO READ: Shahnawaz Quraishi is changing lives of Ranchi's slum dwellers

This change wasn’t easy, but Mukhtar Alam Khan and his companions proved that with pure  intentions and genuine commitment, no community, no neighbourhood, and no person is beyond redemption. Mukhtar Alam’s story is not just Jamshedpur’s—it’s an inspiration for the whole nation.