Indian tycoon Ram Buxani launches updated autobiography

Dubai: The rapid transformation of Dubai from a sleepy town to a bustling metropolis has partly been captured in a rag-to-riches story of self-made Indian business tycoon Ram Buxani.

Buxani, ITL Group president, on Sunday launched in Dubai the new edition of his autobiography, ‘Taking the High Road’.

The updated Dh90-softback includes developments since the initial book launch in 2003 in Dubai. The second edition was also unveiled at India Club in Oud Mehta.

All sales proceeds will go towards Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, according to a statement.

When Buxani started working in Dubai some five decades ago, he made about Dh8 (125 Indian rupees) a month at ITL. Today, he is a 50 per cent shareholder in the same conglomerate.

As business boomed in Dubai, Buxani too rose through the corporate ranks. But the 72-year-old Sindhi-speaker also recounts the hardships faced by him and his community.

“These 10 years have been rather extra educative. Perhaps with advancing age, one loses power and energy to face storms and hurricanes of life. But having lived for 54 years in Dubai, I have got used to face such situations. Our [UAE] Rulers have a rare art of sailing through difficult times,” Buxani said.

Indian ambassador to the UAE, M. K. Lokesh, was among the guests during the book launch. “The success and contribution of the Indian community in the region must be told as all such stories everywhere in the world,” Lokesh said.

Buxani is also chairman of India Club, Dubai. He was also Chairman of Indian High School, Dubai, from 2000 to 2004. He is a board member of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, Dubai.