Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Several members of the Indian community were honored at a felicitation ceremony at the Indian Consulate premises here for their voluntary service to Indian pilgrims during the Haj this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh hailed the invaluable services rendered by the large contingent of more than 6,000 Indian volunteers who served the pilgrims during the Haj.

The consul general presented the “Niyasul Haque Mansuri memorial Best Haj Volunteer Award” to Abdul Ghaffar of India Fraternity Forum. Yumkhaibam Sabir (Haj Consul), who was also in attendance, said Abdul Ghaffar was selected unanimously from 6,000 plus volunteers who served under different expatriate cultural organizations. A large number of Indian expatriates gave a standing ovation to Abdul Ghaffar when his name as the best volunteer was declared by Asif Saeed (Haj Mission in-charge, Makkah).

The best Haj volunteer award was instituted to commemorate the martyrdom of Niyasul Haque who died while serving the Hajis. “The demise of Niyasul Haque is a matter of grief. We accept it as his sacrifice is accepted by Almighty Allah,” Consul General Sheikh added.

The award consists of a plaque and a cash prize of SR2,000.