Generous Hands

To start this journey today,it’s only apt we begin from the past. Sixteen years ago,a mechanic from Ropar dreamt big. And he didn’t just aspire but believed in making his dreams a reality. So SP Singh Oberoi packed his bags and zealous nature and arrived in dusty Dubai with no place to begin with. “I was confident of my skills and began to scout construction companies for work,” reminisces Singh as we meet him in his capacity as Chairman of Apex Group of Companies,a leading construction and de-watering organisation of Dubai. “We are leading de-watering and anchoring contractors having laid the foundations for more than half of Dubai,” Singh mentions matter of fact. Interestingly,all of the machinery used in the process has been put together by Singh himself. “It’s been made right here in India,” he smiles at our surprised expression. “That’s the same expression my first employer had. I convinced him that these machines worked better and proved the same with each assignment,” he shares.

Over the years,Singh has worked hard single-handedly managing projects and has even acquired a hotel in Dubai and built a 3/4th replica of the Taj Mahal by flying in as many as 370 skilled craftsmen. “But all these years I yearned to come home and I did for my son,” shares the chairman who admitted his son in the Navjivini School of Special Education near Patiala. “In my association with the school I realised they could do with some help,” mentions Singh who has been pumping in substantial amount of money in the construction of the school’s new hostel wings. Apart from the building,he’s also looking to recruit more teachers as well as aid in their training financially.

Keeping with the spirit of giving back to society,each year Singh organises mass marriages for the lesser privileged. “God has been extremely kind and I just want to share my good fortune,” he says modestly. From what we hear,not only does he fund the marriages but also allocates money for 21 essential items for the newly weds and feasts for entire villages. “This year we are aiming to touch 600 weddings,” he informs. Singh has also sponsored engineering students in Punjab,paying for their education and assuring them of jobs in Dubai. “You’ll be pleased to know that many of them are girls!” he shares proudly mentioning of future plans to aid young widows and their families.