Vidushi Gaur/New Delhi

Uvais Ali Khan, an ordinary boy from western Uttar Pradesh, once dreamt of making it big in life. His story began in the modest surroundings of his hometown, Kirtarpur in Bijnor.

“I had no guidance in education,” he recalls. “After completing my 12th, I didn’t know what path to take.”

It was only after moving to Delhi to live with his elder brother that he began to find direction. Initially planning to study law, Uvais stumbled upon the Chartered Accountancy program—and decided to give it a try.

Today, he is a Chartered Accountant whose journey stands as a beacon of perseverance and purpose. He cleared the entrance exam and qualified as a CA in 2007.

But the road was far from easy. When he failed the CA Final on his first attempt, many would have given up. Uvais, however, redoubled his efforts—studying up to 22 hours a day. His persistence paid off: in 2012, he cleared the exam, even becoming an All-India topper in taxation.

“I was never extraordinary in school,” he admitted. “But when it mattered, I gave it my all. Hard work truly changes your destiny.” With that success, he also became the first Chartered Accountant from his town.

Though his career soon took off, something inside him felt incomplete. “I wanted to do more than just earn a living,” he said. “I wanted to create opportunities for others.”

He quit his stable job and started his own business from a small apartment in Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi. Borrowing from friends and banks, he began building not just a company, but a platform for change.

Uvais believed in a simple but powerful idea: “Providing basic skills to individuals can open avenues for employment—and that one opportunity can transform an entire family’s future.”

His office soon turned into a hub of learning. Young, directionless men and women—much like he once was—would walk in seeking guidance. Uvais would teach them Excel, the basics of accountancy, and office work fundamentals. Many students benefitted with not only new skills but also jobs in respectable organisations.

I never say no when someone comes for help,” he said with quiet pride. “I train them, mentor them, and even support them financially until they can sustain themselves in a city like Delhi. That exposure gives them the confidence to build their own futures.”

As his work grew, so did his life. From a small setup in Laxmi Nagar to a home in Lajpat Nagar, and now a large office in New Friends Colony—Uvais’s personal growth has gone hand in hand with his service to society.

Today, his office is not just a workplace; it is a launchpad for countless young careers. “I worked hard to change my life,” he said. “Now, I work harder to change the lives of others.”

The instinct to give back runs deep in Uvais. Coming from a family involved in social service, he grew up cherishing what he calls “the joy of giving.” This value lies at the heart of all he does.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when fear and hunger gripped Delhi, Uvais personally organised ration distribution drives. “The government was doing its part, but we did ours too,” he said. “We distributed 300 quintals of rice, flour, and pulses across several months—it was open to everyone, no questions asked.”

His compassion didn’t end there. For the past eight years, on the last Thursday of every month, he has ensured that biryani is prepared and served to the poor. “It has never stopped—not even once,” he said firmly. “It’s my way of giving dignity to those who often go unnoticed.”

As a Chartered Accountant, Uvais also feels a duty to use his expertise for public good. When the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was newly introduced in India, confusion prevailed among small traders and shopkeepers. Uvais stepped in—organising a conference for local vendors to explain the new system in simple terms. “As a CA, it was my duty to guide my community in every way possible,” he said.

For him, charity is only one part of service. His larger vision is empowerment. “Giving someone food or helping with wedding expenses is good,” he reflected, “but my main aim is to make people employable. Skills and jobs bring lasting change. Employment doesn’t just sustain an individual—it uplifts entire families and strengthens society.”

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From a confused student to a changemaker, Uvais Ali Khan’s journey is proof that true success lies not in what one achieves for oneself, but in what one helps others to become.