In the heart of Hyderabad, where communities often come together to strive for change, Zubair stands out as a true example of service, dedication, and social activism. From volunteering in hospitals to providing relief in flood-hit areas, Zubair’s work is a reflection of his passion for making a tangible difference in society. His journey, which began long before he came across Rubaroo, has been shaped by his experiences and commitment to community-driven development.
Discovering Rubaroo
Zubair’s discovered Rubaroo through social media. Having already been involved in numerous social causes, he found Rubaroo’s work in interfaith dialogue, gender equality, and youth development to be in alignment with his values. “I attend a lot of programs, and Rubaroo was one I felt I should get involved with,” Zubair shares. His involvement with Rubaroo’s community center provided him with new opportunities to deepen his impact, as it connected him to like-minded individuals passionate about creating change.
On the Ground: A Fighter for Social Justice
As a social activist, Zubair doesn’t just talk about issues; he gets involved in solving them. From investigating issues like lake encroachments, which flood people’s homes during the monsoon, to visiting government hospitals to understand the challenges faced by doctors and patients, Zubair is always on the move. “We go to hospitals, talk to doctors, and collect data on the challenges they face, like a lack of equipment or late arrivals of staff,” he explains. This information is then shared with the authorities to bring about change.
But Zubair’s activism doesn’t end there. He is also a professional MMA fighter with 16 fights under his belt. The struggles he faces in the sport mirror the challenges he deals with in his activism. Fighters like him often deal with financial constraints, weight management issues, and logistical hurdles while competing. “The hardest journey in sports is that of an MMA fighter,” Zubair remarks, highlighting the difficulties of staying in top shape while balancing the demands of life and sport.
Promoting Unity in Diversity
One of the central themes Zubair emphasizes is the culture of unity and respect that transcends religious boundaries. Despite the sometimes divisive political climate, he observes that people on the ground rarely let these differences affect their interactions. “I have many Hindu friends, and when we train, eat, or travel together, there’s never a sense of division,” he says. In fact, Zubair has worked closely with both Hindus and Muslims in the various social projects he leads. Whether it’s providing flood relief or distributing essential supplies, people from all walks of life join hands to help.
“There’s no such feeling between us when we work together. We understand the pain of the people and help without looking at religion,” he explains. Zubair’s work is a testament to the power of collaboration, where people from different communities work side by side to make Hyderabad a better place for everyone.
Tackling Ground-Level Challenges
While Zubair is passionate about making a difference, he’s not blind to the challenges that come with social work. The biggest hurdles often come from local political leaders who are resistant to change or interference. “We face problems with local leaders when we conduct surveys in hospitals or collect data. They often ask, ‘What are you doing with this data? Who will benefit from it?’” Zubair shares. Despite the resistance, he believes in the power of persistence and education. “We have to explain to them that we are doing this for the greater good, for the people,” he adds.
Zubair’s frustration with the lack of action from local leaders is palpable, but his solution lies in collaboration. “When everyone works together, the work progresses,” he asserts. Whether it’s a road repair project or a crisis like flooding, Zubair believes that a united effort, across all communities, is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.
Advice for the Youth: Step Up, Be the Change
Zubair’s advice to young people looking to make a difference is simple: get involved. “If you want to make a change, don’t just sit at home and talk about it. Come out, see the reality on the ground, and get your hands dirty,” he urges. He encourages the youth to join organizations like Hyderabad Urban Lab Foundation, where they can learn the realities of community work and engage with projects that directly impact people’s lives. For Zubair, the path to social change starts with understanding the needs of the community and working collaboratively to address them.
A Closing Thought: Building a Better Tomorrow
Zubair’s dedication to social change is a testament to the impact one person can have on their community. His work with Rubaroo and various other organizations is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: when people from all backgrounds come together to work toward a common goal, change is inevitable. “When everyone works together, no matter the community, the work progresses,” Zubair concludes.
As Zubair continues to fight for a better tomorrow, his message remains clear: we all have a role to play in shaping the future, and only by collaborating across cultures and communities can we create lasting change.
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