Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Ambernath Hawker's 16-Hour Workdays Build Brighter Futures
Iqbal Badshah Shaikh is a 55-year-old hawker who works 16 hours a day at Ambernath railway station.
He sells items like rain covers and school supplies.
Iqbal is an orphan who grew up without a family but found a father figure in Iqbal Badshah, whom he cared for until his death.
Iqbal adopted his name as a mark of respect.
Despite his hardships, Iqbal is determined to educate his children.
His daughters are pursuing degrees in Accounting and Finance, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Sociology.
His youngest son is in Class III.
Iqbal's wife, Noorjahan, supports him by managing the household and encouraging the children to focus on their studies.
The children help each other with their studies and celebrate each other's achievements.
Iqbal believes that education is the greatest wealth a parent can give, and he is proud to see his children building futures he never had the chance to dream of.
Iqbal Badshah Shaikh works 16 hours a day as a hawker at Ambernath railway station.
He sells items like rain covers and school supplies to support his children's education.
Iqbal is an orphan who found a father figure in Iqbal Badshah, whom he cared for until his death.
His daughters are pursuing degrees in Accounting and Finance, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Sociology.
His youngest son is in Class III, and the family supports each other in their educational pursuits.
- Who
- Iqbal Badshah Shaikh, a 55-year-old hawker at Ambernath railway station.
- What
- Iqbal works long hours to ensure his children receive an education.
- When
- Every day, starting before dawn and ending around 11 pm.
- Where
- Ambernath railway station, Thane, India.
- Why
- To provide his children with the education he never had and to build a better future for them.
Hard Work and Sacrifice
Education and Opportunity
Work Ethic
Hard Work and Sacrifice
Iqbal's relentless 16-hour workdays demonstrate his commitment to providing for his family.
Education and Opportunity
His hard work is driven by the belief that education is the key to his children's success.
Family Support
Hard Work and Sacrifice
Noorjahan manages the household and encourages the children to focus on their studies.
Education and Opportunity
The children support each other in their education, staying up late to complete assignments.
Sacrifice
Hard Work and Sacrifice
Iqbal endures physical pain and long hours to ensure his children's education.
Education and Opportunity
The children prioritize education over luxuries, understanding the value of their father's hard work.
- Name
- Iqbal Badshah Shaikh
- Age
- 55
- Occupation
- Hawker
- Location
- Ambernath Railway Station
- Children
- Four daughters and one son
- Education Focus
- Accounting and Finance, Medical Laboratory Technology, Sociology
- Work Hours
- 16 hours a day
- Family Support
- Noorjahan Shaikh