Helping the Needy and Underprivileged Community

Since 2019, Muqtasid has been dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities through impactful initiatives. His efforts include providing soft skills training to children who lack access to such programs and organizing self-defense workshops for young women in need. These initiatives, along with other meaningful projects, stem from his deep-rooted commitment to social change—a passion inspired by his grandfather and mother, who have long been engaged in large-scale community service.

To amplify his social impact, Muqtasid joined forces with his elder brother, Ihtesham, and cousin, Farzad, in early 2019 to establish Prodigies and Pathfinders—a dynamic group committed to social empowerment. While Ihtesham led the initiative, Muqtasid played a pivotal role as the driving force behind the self-defense workshops. Over time, their efforts gained momentum, and the group became a subsidiary of the Socio-Economic Empowerment Foundation of India (S.E.F.I.), a registered NGO.

The details of my contributions and ongoing initiatives are outlined below

Self Defence Workshops for underprivileged young females

Conducting soft-skills classes for the underprivileged

Other important social engagements in school

Empowering underprivileged young females through self-defense

Since 2015, Muqtasid has been rigorously trained in Kung Fu and Mixed Martial Arts.

Gradually with time, getting deeply concerned about the alarming state of female safety in India, he has always aspired to create a meaningful solution, leveraging the skills he has been working to build. After years of dedicated martial arts training—honing both mind and body—Muqtasid mastered the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat.

In addition to training in reputed institutes, fighting combat matches, winning rewards, Muqtasid was seeking to learn more practical techniques, in order to create his own combat framework, which was the foundation of his grand plan ahead. From year 2020 onwards, he expanded his knowledge through self-learning via online platforms.

In 2022, he transformed his expertise into action. He laid the foundation for a groundbreaking initiative—leveraging his combat skills to curate self-defense training programs under the registered NGO, Socio-Economic Empowerment Foundation of India. His workshops target young women from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those unable to afford private training.

Muqtasid developed an innovative approach where, in just a few hours, participants gain both physical techniques and psychological preparedness to defend themselves. In his own words, this is what he explains to the participants while commencing any workshop:

"There are moments in life when we face threats that trigger panic, leading to poor decisions driven by fear. The key to survival is quick, calm decision-making. That is the essence of self-defense. We must learn to avoid danger, but when confrontation is inevitable, we must know how to FIGHT BACK."

The impact of these sessions extends far beyond the participants. While empowering women with self-defense skills, these experiences have also strengthened Muqtasid’s personal growth, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills.

Below is a list of few, out of the many workshops conducted so far, showcasing the transformative impact of this initiative.

Sector 31, Noida

In June 2023, a self-defence workshop was held for underprivileged children in Nithari Village, Sector 31, Noida — a place tragically known for a series of heinous crimes against children in the past. Organized as part of a summer camp by the NGO SSCA, the workshop aimed to equip young participants with vital life-saving skills.

Nearly 50 children took part in the session, showing remarkable enthusiasm and determination to learn. The workshop focused on four fundamental self-defence techniques: blocking, elbow strikes, palm strikes, and knee strikes. Through hands-on partner training, the children practiced each move with focus and energy.

The impact of the event was widely recognized, including coverage by Navbharat Times, which highlighted its significance in building confidence and resilience among vulnerable youth.

The following day, Muqtasid was invited back for an award ceremony, where he had the honor of distributing certificates to students who had shown exceptional performance during the summer camp.

Several moments from the workshop were captured in photos and videos, a few of which are shared below. Additional footage is available to view here.

Kanchan public school, sector 68, Noida

In August 2024, a self-defence workshop was conducted for underprivileged children at Kanchan Public School, located in Sector 68, Noida. The initiative aimed to build confidence, awareness, and personal safety skills among young participants.

More than 70 children enthusiastically took part in the session, displaying incredible energy and a strong willingness to learn. The workshop focused on four key self-defence techniques: blocking, elbow strikes, palm strikes, and knee strikes. Children engaged in hands-on partner training, practicing each move with focus and determination.

The positive impact of the workshop was acknowledged widely and received coverage from a local newspaper, further emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in community outreach and youth empowerment.

Several moments from the event were captured in photos and videos, some of which are shared below. Additional footage is available to view here.

MET school, sector 8, Noida

In December 2024, a self-defence workshop was conducted for young female students of MET Public School, Sector 8, Noida. This initiative was designed to foster confidence, situational awareness, and personal safety skills among the participants.

More than 60 young women took part in the session with great enthusiasm and commitment. The workshop focused on four essential self-defence techniques: blocking, elbow strikes, palm strikes, and knee strikes. Participants engaged in dynamic partner-based drills, practicing each technique with energy and precision.

The event received appreciation from various quarters and was featured in a local newspaper, highlighting the importance of such efforts in promoting youth empowerment and safety education.

Several moments from the session were captured in photos and videos, some of which are showcased below. Additional footage is available to view here.

MET school, sector 8, Noida - advanced session

In April 2025, MET Public School, Sector 8, Noida, hosted an advanced Level 2 self-defence workshop for its young female students, following the successful introductory session held in December 2024.

Approximately 30 spirited participants took part in the training with remarkable enthusiasm and dedication. The workshop covered essential self-defence techniques such as targeted groin kicks, focused knee strikes, and the tactical application of assertive aggression—intended strictly for critical, high-risk scenarios. The session was brought to life with dynamic, partner-based drills that allowed participants to practice each move with energy, precision, and confidence.

The event received coverage in a local newspaper, emphasizing the crucial role such initiatives play in empowering young women and strengthening safety education.

Several memorable moments from the workshop were captured in photos and videos—some of which are featured below. Additional footage is available to view here.

SEFI Computer Center - basic and advanced session

In July 2025, SEFI India computer center, Sector 8, Noida, hosted a combined basic cum advanced Level 2 self-defence workshop for its young female students.

Approximately 20 participants took part in the training with great enthusiasm. The workshop covered essential self-defence techniques such as defend and attack, focused knee strikes, and the tactical application of assertive aggression—intended strictly for critical, high-risk scenarios. The session was brought to life with dynamic, partner-based drills that allowed participants to practice each move with energy, precision, and confidence.

The event received coverage in a local newspaper, emphasizing the crucial role such initiatives play in empowering young women and strengthening safety education.

Several memorable moments from the workshop were captured in photos and videos—some of which are featured below. Additional footage is available to view here.

Conducting Soft Skills classes for underprivileged

Snippets of Muqtasid's first soft skills workshop are shown above and the video clips are available here. Since the age of 11, Muqtasid has been working alongside a group of passionate, like-minded young individuals who are committed to empowering children from underprivileged communities. Their mission is to bridge the gap in access to quality education—not just academically, but also in essential life skills. Together, they provide soft skills training to these children, enabling them to build a stronger foundation for their future.

It is well acknowledged that the lack of proper education among underprivileged sections of the Indian population remains a critical challenge. While various initiatives by the Indian Government, NGOs, and other institutions are addressing academic disparities by focusing on subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, these efforts—though vital—do not comprehensively address the skills required for holistic development.

To truly uplift these children and equip them to break the cycle of poverty, it is imperative that they are trained in areas beyond academics. For them to aspire to and secure prestigious, well-paying careers—far beyond the professions traditionally pursued in their households—they must develop strong communication skills, confidence, and workplace readiness. Unfortunately, access to soft skills coaching remains limited, particularly for those who are disconnected from reputed institutions or international curriculum schools.

In early 2019, Muqtasid joined forces with a dynamic initiative called Prodigies and Pathfinders—a high-powered group formed with a shared vision to make a meaningful impact on the world. The group's logo itself is a powerful symbol of their core mission: to guide, mentor, and uplift emerging talents from marginalized communities.

Through this collaboration, Muqtasid and his team regularly conduct engaging and interactive Soft Skills Workshops. These sessions are designed to be joyful, immersive, and practical—making learning a delightful experience. Children are encouraged to participate actively, and those who demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm are identified for advanced training opportunities.

More snippets of the second workshop are available here.

Moving further, Muqtasid and his group started conducting soft skills training at an advanced level. This training is usually divided into 2 sections: writing and speaking. The writing section consists of concepts such as email writing and organising content in reports and articles. On the other hand, the speaking section focuses on verbally communicating confidently in public and learning highly applicable skills such as introducing oneself or answering common interview questions. At the end of this course, one becomes a better speaker and writer, empowered with more confidence and skills.

Snippets of these advanced workshop sessions are captured here and also shown below. These snippets do not cover all the sessions which Muqtasid has been consistently conducting from 2019 till date, as it was difficult to manage recording so many classes, while the real work of delivering the sessions has always been more important.

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Other Important Engagements while being in School

Stationary Distribution drive and Generic Planning guidance workshop for Underprivileged children

Worked with S.E.F.I. folks to conduct a generic studies planning workshop and stationary distribution, for children of an underprivileged school.All the proceedings of this workshop event can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAeDIg05RLEEZ3azjFCvWsupV2cQoe8Yq

Helping the Needy and Underprivileged Community

Empowering underprivileged young females through self-defense

Sector 31, Noida

​Kanchan public school, sector 68, Noida

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MET school, sector 8, Noida

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MET school, sector 8, Noida - advanced session

SEFI Computer Center - basic and advanced session

Conducting Soft Skills classes for underprivileged

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Kanchan public school, sector 68, Noida