Puran Dawar’s family migrated to Agra from Pakistan after the traumatic Partition in 1947. The beleaguered family took shelter in a refugee camp at Malpura and then began a long phase of hardships and daily struggle for food. It was to leave an indelible mark on young Puran’s mind.

The young and old members teamed up to survive no matter what it took. From tailoring and selling milk to supervising labor and selling coal… no stone was left unturned to get the family back on the track. Studying between jobs and small businesses, Mr. Dawar went on to do his post-graduation in Economics and subsequently his LLB.

After a stint in shoe retailing, he started a footwear manufacturing unit. One thing led to another and before he knew it, he was exporting shoes. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, The Dawar Group is one of the most respected renowned & professionally run business houses of Agra with diversified interests. Having been there & done that, Mr. Dawar is now refocusing his energies on causes which have always been dear to his heart.

He has always been passionate about upliftment of the poor and th underprivileged section of society. SDMT reflects this passion and its manifestations in full measure.

Other milestones in his illustrious career include

1. Started Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Chamber (Now popularly known as AFMEC) in 1994 to boost footwear exports from Agra and firmly establish it on the world footwear map. AFMEC also organises the biggest conclave of Intellectual Property Rights in the footwear industry.
2. Founder of Agra Development Foundation. This foundation is devoted to the development and growth of the Agra City.
3. Presently member of the National Board of MSME, Govt. of India & Regional Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports under the aegis of the Ministry Of Industry and Commerce.