Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH – Abdul Mateen Mohammed Yusuf Nawrangge, who came for Haj from the western Indian state of Maharashtra, was among the pilgrims, who were honored by Haj guides (mutawwifs) for their commendable voluntary services to the guests of God.

Nawrangge was felicitated with a certificate of appreciation by the Field Service Group of Maktab 32 under the Tawafa Establishment for South Asian Pilgrims in recognition of his selfless and dedicated voluntary service at the holy sites during the Haj days. Wahib Ismail Ibrahim Badr, the muallim of Maktab 32, presented him the certificate.

Speaking on the occasion, Badr said Nawrangge was instrumental in addressing some issues faced by pilgrims at their lodgings in Aziziyah. “He was always with us in lending a helping hand to the fellow pilgrims as well as to the maktab. At Mina, he went out to help pilgrims, especially guiding lost pilgrims, and contributed to making the pilgrims’ journey smooth and comfortable during their four-day stay in the tent city.

Nawrangge told Saudi Gazette that the Indian volunteers were extremely helpful, especially in providing directions to lost pilgrims at the holy sites. “What made me proud as an Indian is that they were whole-heartedly ready to serve not only Indians but also pilgrims from all corners of the world. In future, if the Haj mission focuses more on giving proper orientation, it would be ideal to ensure a hassle-free and easier Haj,” he said.

The pilgrim also requested the Indian government and the Haj Committee to make the distribution of food among the pilgrims in Mina more systematic in a way catering to the tastes of pilgrims from different regions. “I told many complaining pilgrims that you are here to perform Haj and hence you have to show patience and restraint while encountering minor issues,” he added.