MAKKAH: The Indian Community Makkah organized a distinguished gathering at the Asian Polyclinic Auditorium in Makkah, bringing together dignitaries from the Karnataka State Hajj Committee, prominent Indian community leaders, and dedicated Hajj and Umrah volunteers. The gathering was marked by a spirit of brotherhood, goodwill, and a shared commitment to serving pilgrims and ensuring their welfare.
The memorable event was successfully organized by Indian Community Makkah President Eng. Fazal Mohammed and his dedicated team. It brought together prominent personalities and representatives of various Indian community organizations to discuss ways to strengthen Hajj and Umrah services through enhanced coordination and closer cooperation between government authorities and volunteer networks, with a shared focus on the welfare, comfort, and support of pilgrims.
The gathering was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Janab Zulfiqar Tippu, Hon’ble Chairman of the Karnataka State Hajj Committee, and Janab Jeelani Mukashi, Executive Officer. Other eminent personalities in attendance included Janab Vazil Ali Khan, Hajj Committee Member; Janab Aleem Ulla Sharif, Congress Leader; Janab Tanzim Ulla Sharif; Janab Siddique Sahab; Janab Zeeshan Ali Khan; and Janab Faheem Sahab. Their presence added significance to the occasion and reflected the collective commitment of community leaders towards the welfare and service of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The programme commenced with a soulful recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Musab Zakir. The welcome address was delivered by Eng. Fazal Mohammed a prominent social worker and well-known community personality in the Western Region, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and audience members for taking time out to support this noble cause.
The programme was eloquently anchored by Dr. Mohammed Nauman Makki, whose effective presentation and coordination added grace and coherence to the proceedings.
Guest of Honour Janab Jeelani Mokashi Executive Officer appreciated the dedicated services of various organisations and volunteers in assisting Hajj pilgrims. He praised their selfless efforts, commitment, and valuable contributions towards ensuring the comfort and well-being of the Hujjaj.
Chief Janab Zulfiqar Tippu, Hon’ble Chairman of the Karnataka State Hajj Committee, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizations and dedicated volunteers serving the Guests of Allah (Hajj and Umrah pilgrims). He highlighted the approval of a new Hajj House in Karnataka and the government’s affordable Umrah package initiative. He also raised serious concerns about fraudulent travel agents and cited a tragic incident involving an agent from Gulbarga who reportedly died by suicide after being unable to arrange accommodation for pilgrims. He urged community leaders to share their valuable experiences, practical suggestions, and innovative proposals to further improve services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah.
Janab Mr. Mujeed, KMCC representative, expressed serious concern over the lack of awareness among Hajj pilgrims regarding medicines and restricted drugs. He emphasized the need for pre-Hajj awareness programmes to educate pilgrims about Saudi regulations, required medical prescriptions, and prohibited medicines to avoid legal complications and ensure a safe Hajj journey.
Janab Qamar Saada, President of the Bhatkal Association, appreciated the Government of Karnataka’s initiative to introduce an affordable Umrah package, emphasized the need for affordable, transparent, and reliable Umrah services.
Mr. Mohammed Imdad Ali, President of Gulbarga welfare society, Makkah Chapter, extended heartfelt thanks to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, and volunteers for their dedicated for such noble service to the Hujjaj.
Mr. Imdad Ali emphasized the need to identify, train, and encourage young volunteers for humanitarian service and urged the Karnataka Minority Welfare Department to establish structured volunteer programmed across all districts of the state. He stated, “Let our spirit of voluntary service extend beyond Makkah to every district of Karnataka. Let Karnataka become a role model for voluntary service across India by inspiring our youth to serve humanity with sincerity, dedication, and compassion.
A significant highlight of the event was the felicitation of leaders and executive members representing various Indian community organizations in Makkah. Representatives from GWS, KMCC, RSC, MIF, IWA, MTS, KCF, THANIMA, OICC, MNF, IOC, IPWF, ICF, NAVODAYA, SIC-VIQAYA, and ICM, along with several other dedicated organizations, were recognized for their valuable contributions to community welfare and their continued efforts in serving Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The selfless contributions of community leaders and volunteers towards pilgrim welfare were warmly acknowledged through the presentation of traditional shawls and tokens of appreciation, recognizing their dedication, commitment, and valuable service to the community.
Commemorative mementos were also presented to the distinguished chief guests, Janab Zulfiqar Tippu and Janab Jeelani Mukashi, Janab U. T. Khader Sahab —as a gesture of gratitude and in recognition of their valuable contributions and services to the community and the welfare of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
During the event, the Hon’ble Chairman of the Karnataka State Hajj Committee felicitated Gulbarga Welfare Society (GWS), Makkah Chapter office-bearers, including President Mr. Mohammed Imdad Ali, Vice President Mr. Shaik Arif, Joint Secretary Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, and Executive Committee Members Mr. Ghouse Patel and Mr. Mohammed Wahajuddin. They were honored with traditional shawls and tokens of appreciation in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and valuable contributions to community welfare and the service of Hajj pilgrims.
The evening concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude byvice president Gulbarga welfare society Makkah chapter, MrShaik Arif Ali.
