From Struggles to Success
Mr. HAJI MOHD. RAFI SIDDIQUI
Building things had piqued Mr. Haji Mohd. Rafi’s interest at an early age. It was from a Railway quarters project in Aaaram Bagh that he realised his passion for construction.
In 1957, he moved to Delhi to a humble accommodation near the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Little did he know that he would contribute to the changing landscape of Delhi as we know it now. Like any young man ripe for life and full of curiosity he explored Delhi for 9 days. On the ninth day, on his way to Qutub Minar, he came across an incipient construction project in Green Park and Hauz Khas. He stopped and asked the elderly man leading the project for work and that is how Mr. Haji Mohd. Rafi started his first job with a daily wage of Rs 1.50. Soon, his prowess in organising the work and his potential for managing the workforce was recognised. He got his first independent contract for a residential structure at Rs. 1.25 per square foot. With some money coming in, he bought his first-ever mode of transportation - a bicycle.
Soon, Mr. Rafi became known for his organised and honest work and his sensibility for the optimisation of resources. At this time, he was managing 60 construction projects simultaneously. In 1960, he purchased his own land and built his house in Malviya Nagar. An incident then changed the course of things. A mere jab, a mockery, by a fellow contractor at his lack of contract license fuelled Mr. Rafi to acquire the license from the Town Hall in Chandni Chowk. With the growing reach of Mr. Rafi’s venture, he acquired the stature of an ‘A’ grade contractor. In fact, he was instrumental in laying the foundations of modern Delhi city.
At the close of the 20th century, his venture had already laid Dams, Bridges, National Highways, Roads and Railway lines of modern cities across the North. He had not only been successful but has also built cordial relationships with the politicians and who’s who of India. His relief work following the flood of 1978, which meant changing the course of the Yamuna River in Delhi to avoid future mishaps, was highly applauded for the sheer speed with which the emergency measures were carried out.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
His legacy is continued by his son, Mr. AFTAB AHMAD SIDDIQUI, and his grandson, Mr. SHAHAB AHMED SIDDIQUI, who have carried forward the vision and diversified into the construction of residential, commercial spaces like villas, apartments and offices.
Mr. AFTAB Ahmed Siddiqui
Soon after graduating from Delhi University, Aftab carried his paternal gene of being passionate about construction works. He grew up amidst the discussions of ongoing projects of his father Mohd. Rafi Siddiqui. His inherited experience and in-depth understanding has done wonders for the company.
Mr. Shahab Ahmed Siddiqui
Shahab is known for his creative vision and dedication to safety and aesthetics in all his building designs. His work spanning both residential and commercial projects focuses on aesthetic appeal, innovation and optimum utilization of space.
His passion for construction got nurtured in his childhood listening to stories from his grandfather and father who have built a legacy in the construction industry through their work over the last 50 years.