Draft:Shah Group

Shah Group

Shah Group is a diversified conglomerate established in India on April 22, 2004, by Shah J. Choudhury.

Originally starting with a focus on tourism, the group has evolved over the years and expanded its reach globally, with the head office now situated in New York, USA. Currently Shah Group has grown to encompass 19 different companies, with a strong emphasis on media-related activities

Shah Group
Founded	April 22, 2004;India
Founder	Shah J. Choudhury
Head Office	New York, USA
Area served	South Asia, Parts of USA
Webs	https://shahgroup.us/

History and Growth

Shah J. Choudhury initiated the group's activities in the field of tourism, gradually diversifying into media ventures. One of the notable early milestones was the introduction of the English newspaper, Hindustan Surkhiyan, shortly after the establishment of Shah Group.

Over the course of 20 years, Shah Group has become a significant player in the international arena, spreading its influence across different parts of the world. The group's primary focus is on media, spanning various modern mediums such as printing, television, and the internet.

Television and Broadcasting

“Shah Group” recognized the transformative influence of television, particularly in New York, and subsequently expanded their operations to Bangladesh and India. This vision led to the establishment of the "Bangla Channel", an exclusive Television Channel for Bengali Speakers. The channel's objective is to offer realistic and engaging content covering various aspects such as culture, economics, politics, and entertainment, catering to expatriate Bangladeshi viewers.

To enhance entertainment options, Shah Group introduced the 'East West Cable' IP TV Box, providing a multitude of satellite television channels at affordable prices.

In the domain of FM radio, the '''Shah Group''' introduced 'Radio Bangla,' broadening their media presence to enthrall audiences with compelling broadcasts.

Ruposhi Bangla Entertainment Network

Ruposhi Bangla Entertainment was established in 2016. With several media outlets, and publications having been launched under the name Ruposhi Bangla, it became necessary to bring all verticals under a single umbrella organization called “Ruposhi Bangla Entertainment Network” formed by the editor of the magazine.

In 2016, the Ruposhi Bangla Patrika network was formed with the aim to promote the essence of Bengal to different cultures, including Bangladeshi immigrants in the United States of America.

Third Eye Productions

The Third Eye Productions, As part of Shah Group, the company primarily engaged in event management (including social events and weddings), photography, and videography. Consequently, Third Eye Productions emerged as one of Ruposhi Bangla's key partners.

Publishing and Literature

The Shah Group’s '''Anuswar Publications''' has already released numerous mainstream and niche books, with this trend continuing. In February 2021, “Anuswar magazine” published by Anuswar Publications, focusing on contemporary politics and social policy, underlining the belief that everyone deserves attention in a democratic state system.

“Anuswar Sahitya magazine” was launched in 2023 by Anuswar Publications, aiming to advance the current trends in Bengali culture and literature. The magazine remains committed to this objective.

In 2023, 'The Generation', the only ongoing English language tabloid newspaper from the Bangladeshi community, debuted in New York. The newspaper is published in tabloid form every week on Tuesday and is distributed free of charge in New York.

Retail and Hospitality

Rosuighar and Café Bangla

Simultaneously, 'Rosuighar' entered the restaurant industry, offering traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, alongside the Food Court 'Café Bangla.'

Real Estate Ventures

Hope and Dreams Realty

The latest addition to Shah Group, 'Hope and Dreams Realty,' is a New York-based real estate company. Focused on addressing housing issues for migrants, the company not only facilitates property transactions, but also arranges investments on lucrative terms, including rentals.

Choudhury Estates

Choudhury Estates, another venture in New York's housing sector under Shah Group, engages in property transactions, rentals, and lucrative investments.

Healthcare Services

1^st Aid Home Care

In a recent partnership, Shah Group introduced '1^st Aid Home Care,' offering round-the-clock healthcare services, including nursing, nutrition, and medical social services. The emphasis is on professionalism and meeting customer needs.

Future Healthcare Ventures

'Choudhury Home Care' and 'Live-Well Urgent Care' are upcoming healthcare ventures poised to bring services directly to people's doorsteps.

Philanthropy and Social Initiatives

Shah Foundation

On April 22, 2017, to give back to the community, Shah J. Choudhury inaugurated the Shah Foundation, a non-profit organization and charity with a working ground extending across the United States, Bangladesh, and India. The foundation engages in various charity and blood donation programs, actively addressing humanitarian needs.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shah Foundation provided essential food supplies to those who unemployed and engaged in various humanitarian efforts. Notably, in June 2022, when heavy rains and landslides left many homeless in Bangladesh's Sylhet region, the foundation stepped in, offering relief and constructing shelters. Shah Foundation is still carrying forward this work of human service through various charity and blood donation programs.

Winter Clothes Distribution Drive

Narayanganj

On January 3, Fauzia J. Chaudhary, known for her roles as vice president and CEO of the non-profit organization Shah Foundation and as a member of the editorial board of The Generation, celebrated her birthday in New York with her family. However, the focus of the day shifted when her father, Shah J. Choudhury, organized a heartwarming gesture for her birthday. Instead of a traditional celebration, he arranged the distribution of warm clothes to children in need in Daudpur village, located in Rupganj union of Narayanganj district. Mr. Choudhury emphasized the importance of humanitarian efforts over lavish celebrations, stating that providing warmth to underprivileged children was a meaningful way to mark his daughter's birthday. The distribution was coordinated by community leaders and members, including Mubin Khan, executive editor of Ruposhi Bangla and The Generation.

Dhaka

On December 31, 2023, as the year came to a close, it also marked the birthday of Husneara Choudhury, co-founder and vice president of the New York-based non-profit organization Shah Foundation, and a member of the editorial board of The Generation, an English-language weekly. Despite not making any special plans for her birthday, she spent it with her family. However, her husband, Shah J. Choudhury, executive editor of The Generation and founder and president of the Shah Foundation, arranged a significant surprise. He organized the distribution of blankets to the needy in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital. The distribution began in the afternoon at the west gate of the National Press Club, with journalists from various media outlets present. Later, blankets were provided to 50 individuals sleeping on footpaths in Mouchak, Malibagh, Shantinagar, and Kakrail areas of Dhaka after midnight. Mubin Khan, executive editor of Ruposhi Bangla and The Generation, oversaw the distribution alongside businessmen Abdul Baset Rasel, Nayan Khalid, and journalist Makhdoom Sami Kallol.

Gaibandha

Winter garments were distributed to those in need in Gaibandha during a two-day event coordinated by the Bangladesh Khetmajur Samiti, Palashbari Upazila, and Bangladesh Youth Union Gaibandha Branch from February 7-8. Founder Mr. Shah J. Choudhury stated that 200 destitute individuals in Kamarjani Union, Sundarganj upazilas, and Merirhat, Palashbari upazila, Gaibandha received sweaters and blankets. Poet and Bachik artist Debashish Das Debu, teacher and folk music artist Ranjit Sarkar, and others delivered speeches on the first day. The following day, winter clothes were distributed to poor farmers and farm laborers in Merirhat, with Gaibandha Udichi District President Principal Zahurul Qayum as the chief guest. Cultural activist Shirin Akhter and community leaders expressed gratitude to the Shah Foundation, highlighting the impact of their contributions to the welfare of the community.

Blood Donation Campaign

The Shah Foundation organized a voluntary blood donation drive in New York, with blood donors gathering in Jackson Heights on August 15, 2023. The campaign, in collaboration with Nabanno Restaurant and the New York Blood Center, attracted both foreign nationals and Bangladeshi immigrants, collecting around 41 bags of blood from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM. New York Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz inaugurated the program, with Fahad Solaiman, Director of the Shah Foundation, also in attendance. Shah J. Choudhury, founder and president of the foundation, expressed gratitude to contributors, emphasizing the importance of blood donation, while Fauzia J. Choudhury stressed its life-saving significance. Various dignitaries, including community leaders and writers, attended the event.

Monetary Donation

The Shah Foundation, provided a bank cheque worth 1 Lac Taka for the treatment of Ripon Kumar Saha^[7], a student from Rangabali, Patuakhali, who is suffering from Neurofibromatosis. Ripon Kumar Saha is a first-year BA student at Rangabali Degree College.

Shah J Choudhury, founder and trustee of the Shah Foundation, clarified that the assistance should not be termed as a donation but as an effort to support Ripon in his battle against Neurofibroma tumor.

The bank cheque was handed over by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain at an event held in the Patuakhali Press Club auditorium on September 20. The event was attended by various dignitaries including Civil Surgeon Dr. Md Jahangir Alam Shipon, Press Club President Swapan Banerjee, and former President Nirmal Kumar Rakshit, along with representatives from different media outlets.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain commended the Shah Foundation for their contribution and promised an additional BDT 50,000 for Ripon Saha’s treatment.

Ramadan Donations

Iftar Box Distribution

Iftar boxes were distributed to fasting individuals by the Shah Foundation, Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA), and Jackson Heights Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz. On April 29, the distribution took place in front of Navanna Restaurant on 73rd Street in Jackson Heights. Attendees included Catalina Cruz, Councilman Shekhar Krishnanan, JBBA President Harun Bhuya, and Shah Foundation Chairman Shah J Chaudhary. Local police officers and various community members also participated. A total of 300 iftar boxes were distributed, with 200 from Catalina Cruz and 100 each from the Shah Foundation and JBBA.

Catalina Cruz expressed her satisfaction in being able to provide iftar to Muslim friends, stressing the importance of harmony in New York. Shah J Choudhury wished everyone a happy Ramadan and emphasized the Shah Foundation's commitment to serving people in Bangladesh, India, and America. Fahad Solaiman underscored JBBA's efforts to support the community in times of need.

Ramadan Food Distribution

The Shah Foundation distributed Ramadan aid to over 600 individuals in Jackson Heights and Jamaica. Led by Director Moynu Zaman Chowdhury, the foundation provided essential assistance, including food items, in anticipation of the holy month. Notable attendees included Shah J. Choudhury, founder of the foundation, and Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz. Councilmembers and community leaders praised the foundation's efforts, highlighting its commitment to serving the needy. The initiative, supported by partners like Haque & Sons, underscored the foundation's dedication to humanitarian causes. Approximately 600 individuals benefited from the two-day food distribution program, demonstrating the foundation's ongoing commitment to community welfare.

Street Children Foundation

Recognizing the immense responsibility towards children, especially those living below the poverty level, Shah Group established the Street Children Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to working for the well-being and future prospects of impoverished children, contributing to their education and overall development.