This story was reported by The Indian Express on January 7, 2025
Thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds thronged the Deccan College Ground in Pune to visit the ‘Saifee Burhani Expo’. The 4th edition of the three-day event, organised by the Dawoodi Bohra community, brought together around 170 exhibitors from India and abroad, ranging from established businesses to innovative startups.
Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin, son of His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, inaugurated the expo along with the Chief Guest Rahul Kirloskar, Chairman of Kirloskar Pneumatic Industries and other dignitaries including Umesh Shah, President of Bharti Janta Party Vyapari Agadi and Fatehchand Ranka, President of Federation Trade Association of Pune.
In his address, Shahzada Burhanuddin encouraged community members present to continue to strive to enhance their entrepreneurial spirit and expand the community’s business legacy while continuing to adhere to honesty and ethical practices. He said, “We should believe that success in business is not just measured by profit, but by the integrity with which we conduct our affairs and the positive impact we have on people and society.”
He concluded his address with a prayer for the prosperity and success of Pune, Maharashtra, and for the advancement of the nation as a whole.
“This expo serves as a remarkable platform that reflects the Bohra community's enduring values of collaboration, innovation and enterprise sustainability,” expressed Rahul Kirloskar, Chairman of Kirloskar Pneumatic Industries. “It beautifully integrates the cultural ethos of the community with modern aspirations and business practices.”
Participants included young women who have successfully turned their passion into startups, multi-generational family businesses and industries, and innovative social enterprises that empower local artisans. Insightful panel discussions, keynote sessions and hands-on product demonstrations were also conducted alongside the bustling marketplace.
“Guided by the teachings of our leader His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, I strive for excellence in all my business endeavours,” said Taha Zakir, a mechanical engineer who came from Bengaluru to showcase his company’s hardware products. “Exhibitions like these empower entrepreneurs to realise their potential and create meaningful connections.”
“The Saifee Burhani Expo is an initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Business Development Department, Tijaarat Raabehah, which promotes a commitment to economic growth, entrepreneurship and harmony,” said Murtaza Jasdanwala, coordinator of the Expo. "This year, the expo particularly highlighted businesses that are setting trends and contributing to environmental sustainability,” he added.
