New Delhi

Awaz-The Voice presents ten notable Change Makers from Haryana, who are bringing about positive changes in the state known for its agricultural produce. These are men and women who have struggled against odds and emerged as sources of great inspiration. In this series, we focus on personalities from the most backward areas. Through these stories, we aim to feature people who are working selflessly for the public.

Haji Ibrahim Khan

Haji Ibrahim Khan of Mewat has launched many water conservation campaigns for three and a half decades. As president of Aravalli Jal Biradari, he has been fulfilling his responsibilities with sincerity. He says, “Since childhood, we have seen extreme water scarcity. Women suffer the most because they manage all household chores and walk long distances to fetch water. My inspiration came from ‘Waterman’ Rajendra Singh. I first built a dam between two hills near Ghatta Shamshabad. It solved the drinking water crisis for villagers. Later, with the help of Tarun Bharat Sangh, we built several johads (ponds) in villages like Pat Khori, Firozpur Jhirka, Giyasanian Bas, Mewli, and others, including on hilltops for wild animals.”

Parvez Khan

Parvez Khan of Mewat has proven that talent can take you anywhere. He rose from a small village to reach the United States. In May 2024, he won a gold medal in the 1500m race at the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Louisiana, finishing in 3 minutes 42.73 seconds. His personal best, however, is 3 minutes 38.76 seconds, achieved in California. He also won third place in the 800m race.

Mumtaz Khan

Mumtaz Khan from Chandeni village in Nuh has become the voice of Mewat. She has participated in many social movements and has raised her region's issues through the media as well. Chandeni is known for education and women’s empowerment initiatives, and this credit goes to people like Mumtaz.

She says, “Since childhood, I have been raising the voice of Mewat from various platforms. I actively took part in movements related to district formation, fair compensation for farmers, and issues of education, health, and employment.”

Siddiq Ahmad Mew

Dr Siddiq Ahmad Mew is a renowned writer and social worker from Haryana. He has done extensive work on the history of Mewat. He says, “My first article on the history of Mewat was published in 1991 in Haryana Samvad, the magazine of the Information and Public Relations Department. After that, many more articles followed. In 1997, my first book, Mewat: A Quest was published. In 1999, my second book Mevati Culture came out. Since then, I have been writing books, and by 2025, my 12 books on the history, culture, and folklore of Mewat have been published. Three poetry collections have also been published, while two more are under publication. Apart from this, about 200 of my poems have appeared in ten collaborative poetry anthologies.”

Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan

Mohammad Rafiq Chauhan from Karnal is an advocate and a social worker. He runs the voluntary organisation, Haryana Muslim Khidmat Sabha, which works to raise awareness on education, health, environment, and women's rights. He is so committed to the cause of Women’s rights that at times, when he finds the victim is unable to pay his fee, he contests their cases free of cost and doesn’t even charge for the stationery.

Rukhsana

Rukhsana from Sunari village in Nuh is working as a magistrate in Gurugram. After two failed attempts, she cracked the West Bengal Judicial Services examination, securing third rank. Her success has inspired many girls across Haryana and the country, especially those who believe that a girl’s world is limited to the four walls of her home, to work towards independent careers.

Rafiq Ahmad

Rafiq Ahmad from Indri in Karnal is the first Muslim graduate of Karnal. He devoted his life to public welfare, especially the construction and restoration of mosques. He says, “Many mosques and Eidgahs were built between 1960 and 1962. My life was spent working for these causes. Many people joined this mission, and gradually a caravan grew.” He believes that it is important to convey the true spirit of Islam.

Rajesh Khan Machchhari

Rajesh Khan Machchhari from Sonipat is a lawyer and a well-known social worker. Since 2006, he has been president of the Qabristan Intizamiya Sangharsh Samiti, which manages graveyards, ensures water and electricity supply, removes encroachments, builds boundary walls, and buries unclaimed bodies.

Aslam Khan

Aslam Khan from Gurugram is the founder of Haryana Anjuman Charitable Trust, which helps the poor and orphans. This trust began after Aslam witnessed patients suffering without money while seeking treatment for his mother, who had cancer. Deeply moved, he decided to create a trust for the needy. In 2003, the organisation was formally registered and has since attracted many supporters.

Hoshiar Khan

Hoshiar Khan from Hisar is the president of the Muslim Welfare Committee. The organisation works for the welfare of the Muslim community, raising issues related to reservations, basic amenities, and community rights.

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Due to the lack of mosques in Hisar, Eid prayers are organised in Krantiman Park with expenses borne by the committee.