Mr. Abdul Razzaq ‘Razi’ Faquih was born on 16 January 1964 in Bhiwandi, Thane. He studied at St. Peter's School, Panchgani, a renowned Anglo-Indian School. At school, he was an all-rounder, excelling in academics and various sports disciplines. 'Razi' has represented the school and college at various inter-institutional tournaments. College education brought him to Burhani College, Mumbai.

Married to Shahnaaz, a postgraduate in Environment Science, having schooled at Dastoor Girls' High School, Pune, and graduated at Garware College, Pune, and Post-Graduation at the University of Pune. She has worked as a lecturer and Professor in various institutes in Pune. By the grace of the Almighty, they are blessed with a son, Shahrukh, and a daughter, Hiba.

Q. Could you provide us with a brief overview of your professional background and areas of expertise? 

While at college, he managed his family business of Salt Works at Vasai and further developed and expanded the family business through two new Salt Works at Vangaon and Dahanu. However, their creative and entrepreneurial instinct made him launch Captions Outdoor Advertising, which commenced operations in 1989 as an outdoor space vendor of electronic media. Captions started setting up sites across the city of Pune. Despite obstacles, with the grace of Almighty, the firm progressed and is today recognised as a critical player in the outdoor advertising industry, with operations spread across Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. Caption is a member of The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), The Maharashtra Outdoor Advertising Association (MOAA), The Pune Outdoor Advertising Association (POAA), and the Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (MCCIA). A key mover for the regulation of outdoor advertising was nominated on the committee for drafting rules and regulations for outdoor adverting by the Ministry of Urban Development, Maharashtra State.

Mr. Razi Faquih is currently the president of the Maharashtra Outdoor Advertising Association and was instrumental in its earlier functioning as an advisor and mentor.

Mr. Razi Faquih is a member of the Anjuman – I – Islam and was the Executive Chairman of its very reputed Anjuman-I-Islam Public School, a co-educational boarding school in Panchgani, where he guided and implemented ways to improve and upgrade the school.

Mr. Razi Faquih is also the founder of the Exploring New Avenues (ENA) Foundation and has served as its Treasurer. ENA Foundation aims to make a difference in the community by educating the less privileged.

In 2009, Mr. Razi Faquih, along with his brother Mr. Haseeb Faquih, set out on their most dear journey and established the Orbis Education Society, which runs the very prestigious Orbis Schools, which are co- educational day schools of much repute affiliated with the CBSE at Keshav Nagar and Mundhwa in Pune. Under their leadership, these schools have excelled and received numerous awards.

Pune is among the cities with the largest youth population. There has been a tremendous expansion in the city. Peripherally, due to the rise in the IT industry, residential projects spurted in no time. There were hardly any CBSE schools in Mundhwa. We did a survey and decided to provide a school in this area so that people can access world-class education easily.

Q. Could you highlight some and your key plishments the field of education?

I am the recipient of the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam cellence Award, New Delhi, in September 2017. My family all those who started on this journey with me, and all those who joined the caravan have been the support I needed to come this far! 


Q. Your inspiration or belief that has been a con stant part of your journey and has made you the kind of person you are today-

As very rightly said by Colin Powell,  'A dream does not become a reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination, and hard work,' I too believe that when you undertake something, there has to be a lot of preparation. You accomplish it only by sheer hard work and determination. When we began the Orbis journey way back in 2009, we were determined to create an institute where children would come to celebrate learning, where every other stakeholder, parents, and teachers too, would be the driving force and part of this celebration, and the school would put together all that is needed for this celebration! We had our dream carefully chalked out, and we worked tirelessly to make it possible. Our hard work is bearing fruit; the Orbis School, Keshav Nagar, and The Orbis School, Mundhwa, are considered amongst the top CBSE schools in Pune. With over 7500 students being groomed at the schools, recipients of 100+ awards, and over 80% scoring above 71% in Board Exams, the schools are on the path we set out to be on!

Q. What advice can you give emerging education professionals/fellow educators regarding essen- tial leadership qualities in this field?

I want to tell the upcoming professionals to invest in good teaching staff and teacher training programs. Also, to adopt innovative teaching methods. Ensure that every student takes part in sports and cultural activities. I would like to have professionals to foster interest in fine arts, music, and theatre. Harness the skills of parents and involve them as partners in the student's intellectual and emotional development. I would like to have them build a good school culture culture by cultivating good relationships with management, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents, and all stakeholders in the domain.