OBAT Helpers was initially formed as a family initiative to alleviate the suffering of displaced people, in a limited manner. In fact, OBAT is an acronym formed by the first letters of the names of the parents of Anwar Khan & Afshan Khan, the founders of this charitable initiative. How ever, once ‘Stranded Pakistanis or Biharis’ were chosen as the immediate relief focus, the founders realized that a family initiative like theirs would be rendered totally ineffective by the extreme severity and magnitude of the crisis on hand.

It has always been our staunch conviction that once the consciences of men and women are aroused, even the seemingly impossible deeds can be accomplished with ease. OBAT Helpers was thus incorporated as a non-profit, non-religious and non-political organization in the State of Indiana. The organization is strictly bound by its commitment to provide relief to all needy people irrespective of narrow partisan concerns like race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, national origin, economic background or gender.

OBAT Helpers as a non-profit organization is solely dependent upon donations and volunteer support to carry out its programs and activities. 

Objectives

OBAT Helpers aims to provide effective relief and rehabilitation, through the 'involvement and empowerment' of the affected communities to bring about sustainable development. The key objectives of our programs initiated for the welfare of the stranded Pakistani population in Bangladesh encompass:

• Awakening the power of human spirit towards this immensely understated tragedy of alarming proportions.
• Ensuring adequate financial assistance and resources to provide better living conditions for these unfortunate souls.
• Working for the betterment of women in these slum settlements and the help them rebuild their lives with pride and honor.
• Providing good education and nutritional care to the younger generation to help them face the world with renewed confidence and higher self esteem.
• Establishing their right to humane treatment, as well as adequate protection and security.
• Developing community participation, problem-solving and local capacity building to give them confidence and expertise to take charge of their lives.