Nizam’s usually quiet and peaceful demeanor changes dramatically when facing the poor and marginalized; be it in his own Kaula Bandar (KB) slum or Surya Nagar slum in Vikroli. Being the first generational learners, he has experienced the difficulties of learning new skills. But experience of PUKAR’s Mental health, TB, Diarrhoea and Immunization projects has imparted not just research skills but critical skills in communications and community building in Nizam. Armed with those vital capabilities, Nizam becomes an embodiment of patience, compassion, tolerance, communicative assertion and positive energy once he is on the grounds where he is fully in charge of building the team of Barefoot Researchers. His Urdu mother tongue becomes an added asset. After completing 8th grade Nizam had to give up his aspirations of further education but since joining PUKAR he has worked hard to complete his Ty. BCom.
