Kochi: Ask Parveen Hafeez, a successful entrepreneur and her husband Dr. Hafeez Muhammad, the formula for a successful marriage and they will state it is the readiness to mould character or attitudes according to the partner's expectations.
“Every one of us has great expectations from the spouse. But, each person is different with varied perspectives of what is right and wrong.
Hence, it is important never to be adamant about a fruitful relationship,” says Dr. Hafeez, a noted laparoscopic surgeon and founder and chairman of Sunrise Hospitals.
It was in January 1992 that Dr. Hafeez, hailing from Kodungalloor, married Parveen, from a business family in north Malabar and brought up in Chennai. She always had a fascination for entrepreneurship as four of her brothers are successful businesspersons.
“Soon after marriage we moved to Ahmedabad where he was completing his post graduation. Even during those days we were planning to start a healthcare business.
Since he was based in Kochi, we decided to settle down in Kakkanad. As business was in my genes, I didn't think twice about starting Sunrise Hospital at Kakkanad in 2005,” says Parveen who heads the finance and administration of the diversified organization of Sunrise, comprising a multi-specialty hospital chain and medical supplies companies.
Parveen's vibrant persona, charm and warmth have helped in creating professionalism and good work ethic among the staff and management of the hospital.
At home she believes in spending quality time with family and nurturing healthy relationships.
“We are fortunate to have a very supportive family and close friends as well. My brothers are Dr. Hafeez's best friends."
The couple has three daughters. Sonia and Ayisha are pursuing MBBS course while the youngest Mariam is still in school.
Dr. Hafeez says that marriage, family and children are responsibilities. “Whoever you are, whatever your profession you can't stay away from responsibilities.
And parenting is a big responsibility. We spend quality time with our kids, go for outings and indulge in small enjoyments and excitements, just like any other parents.
Our children have never complained about our busy schedule,” he says. While Parveen stresses the need to educate children on the importance of nurturing healthy relationships.
“We should tell our kids about the significance of family values. Rather than making them professionals, we should mould them to be good human beings.”
Parveen is all praise for her husband.
“He is a good critic, a pillar of strength and an inspiration for me to reach higher both in my professional and personal life.
He always encourages me to pursue new courses in management and to be active in social life.”
Though both of them work and live together, Parveen says there is no question of overlapping of roles.
Offering a tip to newlyweds and youngsters, Dr. Hafeez added, “In true relationships, we don't need to act or pretend. It should be an effortless relationship.”
