Daijiworld Media Network

Muscat, Sep 13: The Indian Community Eid Milan 2011 was held recently at the Embassy of India organised by the Embassy of India, Eid Milan Committee and the Indian Social Club.

CM Najeeb welcomed the gathering and Raheema Imtiaz offered  a felicitations speech.

Anil Wadhwa, ambassador of India to Oman, congratulated Muslims on the occasion. He said, “Eid culminates the month-long fasting and to mark the occasion we celebrate Eid Milan every year. We should make it a habit to visit each other on the occasions of Muslim and Hindu festivals.”

Yusuf Nalwala, member of the Eid Milan Committee, said,  “It is believed that when one exchanges greetings and gifts with another person, it increases the affection and respect and cleanses the heart from the ill-will and grudge about others.  Eid is an ideal occasion to exchange greetings and visits.”

Yusuf Nalwala felicitating Anil Wadhwa.

Delivering the keynote address, Sridhar Sridharan, managing partner of Ernst and Young, said, “Muslims have practised self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. Zakât is, in fact, the first known system of community wide welfare regulated as a social support network for those in need. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. It is an act of worship by which the rich thank God for surplus bestowed and through which they purify their wealth.”

Aftab Kola, co-ordinator of the Eid Milan 2011, compered the programme. Dr Satish Nambiar, chairman of Indian Social Club, proposed the vote of thanks.

Students from Indian School Muscat and Indian School Al Ghubra presented a short cultural programme.

About 400 people, including families were present.