JEDDAH — “Wherever I went, I saw the India Fraternity Forum (IFF) volunteers serving the Hajis,” said Mohammad Shahid Alam, deputy consul general & Haj consul, while inaugurating the Haj volunteers reception organized by IFF.

“Several NRI organizations rendered volunteer service to Haj pilgrims in the holy sites of Makkah, Mina and Arafat during the Haj days and it is with pride for our country that I say Indians are doing such an exemplary job. Pilgrims from all over the world benefited from their selfless dedicated services. The role of all organizations in this was remarkable,” he added.

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Bazaid, manager of Marakizul Ahya – Makkah, said that the number of volunteers increased this year and it is a very encouraging sign. He assured more cooperation and support from Marakiz in the coming years. Sheikh Talal Hassan Khaleefa and Mohammed Siddiqui from Marakiz too spoke on the occasion.

Prominent leaders from Saudi community and expatriate Indian community Asif Daudi, Mohideen Sirajudeen, Mohammed Siddiqui, Zakaria Biladi, Abdul Aziz Kidwai, K.T. Muneer, Farzan Razvi and Abbas Chemban shared their views about IFF and its Haj operations during their felicitation speeches.

“We have to follow the footprint of India Fraternity Forum”, “We take Fraternity Forum as a model Haj operation”, “They not only limit their services to Haj operation, but are into so many social and welfare activities”, “Whenever Indian Consulate requests for any service at any location, IFF immediately responds and extends their selfless support”, were some of the highlights from the felicitation speeches.

IFF introduced ‘Fraternity Award’ to honor selfless social workers who served the community extensively day in and day out and to motivate other community people to follow the footprint of these leaders. Mohideen Sirajudeen, Zakaria Biladi, Farzan Rizvi, K.T. Muneer and Mohammad Shameem Kauser received the ‘Fraternity Award’

Another award introduced was the ‘Haj Volunteer Award’ to honor Haj service workers who have been working hard for so many years to make the Haj volunteer operation a successful one and to ease all hardships of Hajis during haj. ‘Haj Service Award’ was presented to Abdul Aziz Kidwai (IPWF), Abbas Chemban (Haj Welfare Forum), Jamal Vattappoyil (KMCC) and Noufal (RSC).

IFF regional President Faizuddin too spoke and Shamsudeen (Secretary, IFF) gave the welcome address. Mohammad Iqbal Chemban and Abdul Gani were the co-anchors and Ali Koya received the guests.

The program began with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an by Sibgathullah and concluded with vote of thanks by Mohammad Ali. — SG