ALKHOBAR — Prominent Indian community leader and social activist, Jawed Masoud, passed away in the Indian city of Allahabad last week. The Indian community in the Eastern Province mourned the sudden demise of Masoud, who was on a short trip to India where he died of cardiac arrest on Sept. 6. He is survived by his wife and four children, who are all based in Dammam.

Masoud was well known for his social and philanthropic works. He had a great passion for helping people and provided services to different groups engaged in social welfare activities in the Eastern Province. He was the president of HADAF (Human Abilities Development & Advancement Foundation), a “non profit organization’ based in Dammam.

He was also associated with different charitable groups and had formed ‘Al Khair Society’ to uplift the underprivileged sections of society in India. He also devoted his time in giving Tajweed lessons at his residence and thousands of people benefitted from his knowledge and skills.

Masoud was also made a mark on the growth of Urdu language in the Eastern Province and was a brain behind several literary events. He was working for ‘Ebtikkar Technology Company’, a subsidiary of National Technology Group.

Nayeem Javed, founder of HADAF and a prominent social activist, said it was a irreparable loss for the Indian community. “He will be immensely missed in all social and cultural events.”

Safi Jannaty, another prominent Indian and a well known writer, also paid glowing tribute to Masoud whom he termed as one of the finest soul who worked untiringly for the underprivileged and distressed people.

Wahid Lateef, another Indian social activist based in Jubail, said, “With the death of Masoud the Indian community has lost a prominent figure who had left an indelible mark.” — SG