Real estate pioneer and renowned educationist passes away in Hyderabad after a prolonged illness
NEW DELHI/HYDERABAD – In the death of renowned real estate pioneer, educationist and philanthropist, Ghiasuddin Babukhan, the country has lost a visionary who transformed Hyderabad’s landscape and touched countless lives with his forthright business acumen and unmatched generosity.
Ghiasuddin Babukhan, 83, who passed away in Hyderabad on August 25 after a prolonged illness, is widely recognised as one of the stalwarts who redefined real estate development in the city, playing a key role in shaping its modern skyline. With foresight and determination, he established projects that combined innovation with integrity, earning the trust of thousands of families and businesses.
Some of the landmarks in Hyderabad including the towering Babukhan Estate and Deccan Towers were built by his construction firm Babukhan Properties.
His father Khan Bahadur Abdul Karim Babukhan had built the construction empire with architectural gems like the Osmania University’s Arts College, Hyderabad House in New Delhi and Kadam Dam in Nirmal (part of erstwhile Adilabad).
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Babukhan was deeply committed to social causes. He championed education and community welfare through several charitable initiatives, particularly focusing on empowering the underprivileged. His philanthropic work reflected his belief that true success lay not just in wealth creation, but in uplifting society.
Ghiasuddin Babukhan was instrumental in establishing the Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Trust (HZCT) and the Foundation for Economic and Educational Development (FEED), which extended support to thousands of underprivileged students.
The Zakat Trust began with a modest collection of Rs 11 lakh in 1992 and expanded to support more than 24,000 students across 106 schools, many in remote areas of Telangana.
Admired for his humility and affable nature, Babukhan commanded respect across communities. Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers remember him as a man of principles who always put service before self.
Babukhan was honoured with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad National Award in 2014 by the Government of Telangana for his sustained commitment to minority upliftment through education and economic progress.
Babukhan is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter. His passing away marks the end of an era, but his contributions to Hyderabad’s growth and his philanthropic spirit will continue to inspire generations.
Extending condolences on the sad demise of Babukhan, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind called him a “true champion of education and a benefactor to the Muslim community.”
In a post on X, Jamaat said, “Janab Ghiasuddin Babukhan’s remarkable contributions to society, especially through the Hyderabad Zakat & Charitable Trust, which transformed the lives of thousands, will be remembered for generations to come.”
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also termed the passing away of Babukhan a great loss to Hyderabad.
Taking to X, Owaisi said, “The passing of Ghiasuddin Babukhan is a great loss for Hyderabad. He was a dedicated philanthropist whose efforts in educating the poor will be remembered. My condolences to his family and friends. May Allah grant him maghfirah and patience to his loved ones.”
