THOUSANDS, including children and the elderly, were fed Sunday at Gafoor’s Houston Complex even as the company rebuilds from the fire which consumed 40 per cent of its business at the complex.The occasion was in observance of the birth anniversary of corporate mogul Sattaur Gafoor, Executive Chairman of Gafsons Industries, who celebrated his 76th birth anniversary on Sunday.
“Traditionally on my birthday, I usually get together with the less fortunate and poor people from the homes and provide something for them, some people would have friends and have a big party. But rather than doing that I try to remember those who are deprived and help as much as I can,” the noted philanthropist said.

Many of the persons were shuttled with Gafsons transportation from orphanages and homes for the elderly as part of the feeding programme. They received meals and beverages at the rear section of the business complex which was not gutted by the May 9, 2016 inferno. Some 530 workers were affected in the aftermath of the fire.
Although at present space is a vital factor for business, Gafoor said air- conditioning units and a generator were placed in an unaffected section of the complex from where employees are now operating, while 25 per cent of staff has been absorbed in the various Gafoor’s branches throughout the country.
He said the section that was gutted will have to be extracted and rebuilt.
DOING REASONABLY WELL
“It’s been a very trying time, but with the support of my staff we are doing reasonably well. I would say we have 65 per cent of our business already on stream and up and running, except for 20 employees who have not yet been allocated because of their skill sets and the equipment they operate, they have already been paid 75 per cent of their salaries,” he explained.
Much of Gafoor’s working day is spent seeking to enhance the professional development of his staff. Many of them are university graduates, but Gafoor knows what he wants out of his employees and he believes he is the fittest person to provide that guidance.
The executive chairman has the sturdy appearance of a man who is used to the peaks and troughs of business. Gafsons has been in business for over six decades.