P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh

Riyadh, Mar 2: 'Fun and Care Fest-2012' organized by Hidayah Foundation (HF)-Riyadh over the weekend in Riyadh Al-Rushd Resort was meaningful and colorful, thronged by more than two thousand people from across Saudi Arabia.

HF is a non-profit and charitable organization based in Mangalore, working relentlessly for the empowerment of women and development of children through its various programmes. HF-Riyadh Unit is one of the key wings that aimed at achieving such programmes that focus mainly on the community services and developments, acquiring and conveying knowledge and awareness amongst the people residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other parts of the gulf countries.

Though the usual fun and frolic were on the go, yet the 'Cries and Tears of the Down and Out' took a significant dimension in the gathering through 'The Fact'. A realistic documentary, named 'The Fact' (Vaastava), picturing the wretched conditions of the Muslim community in and around Mangalore and Udupi, was featured on the screen. The documentary is filmed on the real facts of the situations, which are being suffered by the community in the remote regions of the Districts. The film came out as a result of field works and surveys conducted by HF members and others comprised of both men and women.

"No one should in the world suffer like us; we are sending our daughters to some other houses for work for small bucks...," were some of the feeble voices that sprouted in the screen from the mouths of the group of men and women, who have been on the breadline of livelihood and basic needs of the life. A large segment of the community are still on the social, economical and educational backwardness. Muslims, especially the elite section, believe that their community is on the rapid move of development; however, the silent agonies being suffered by their fellow people in the remote areas of the Dakshina Kanannda and Udupi Districts are still unheard. They lack even the basic needs of the life like adequate food, shelter, clothing, medicine, education etc. It is said that two out of every ten house with mentally retarded, handicapped and diseased person can be found in the far-off places. They are living habitually in the spine and pain. According HF, most of the people, who were initially patients with curable sickness, shortly turns out to be patients with chronic mental and physical disorders without proper medical care and treatment.

The documentary is rated as very useful as it effectively spotlighted on the grievances of the indigents. It is believed that 'The Fact' certainly impact on the people particularly amongst the community heads and privileged both in the Gulf countries and the hometowns. HF already adopted a project of worth more than one crore to set up a model rehabilitation centre at Kavalkatte in Bantwal Taluk. The centre is encompassed with all facilities and conveniences for the overall improvement of the most deserved people consisted of mainly orphans and abandoned families.

Khasim Ahmed, Chairman of HF based in Dubai, who firstly briefed to the audience in present about the various activities of HF, told Daijiworld that "HF take on its various objectives based on the field survey and pragmatic feasibility study; we will accommodate those underprivileged and less fortunate, who are depicted in 'The Fact', in our upcoming project situated in 20 acres of land; initially we took up the scheme of building 40 houses and each house is estimated at Rs. 1,35,000...."

He further said, "The housing construction is already started and we expect it to be completed within six months; besides, we also plan to build a 'Centre for Children with Special Needs' in order to bring the underprivileged and orphaned children into main stream of the society. He urged everyone in the community to come forward for the betterment of the community in particular and the society in general…."

He opined that a smallest bit of help and service will definitely go a long way in making a big difference in the community. Khasim is the initiator of 'The Fact' and was also the brainchild behind filming of 'MUNNUDI' 'AAKRANDANA PART-I and AAKRANDANA PART-II.

Despite the chilly weather, a large number of crowd estimated at around more than two thousand people from Mangalore and other parts of Karnataka and India as well as other countries, showed up in the gala. Special delegates from German Embassy were also present on the occasion.

Scores of events for the boys, girls, children, women were conducted, and winners and runners were conferred with attractive prizes. Two fabulous lucky prizes were also handed to those, who came out to be lucky winners. The Kids’ Workshop was the special attention of the Fest. It was conducted by Siddiq Ullal for the age group of 3-12 years that helped them to uncover their talents and skills although it colored with full of funs and frisks. Both kids and their parents enjoyed the workshop.

At the start, Ranim A.R Hussain beautified the dais with her group of singing girls for half-an-hour. She and other girls sang a variety of cultural and religious songs that spellbound the audience greatly.

The Fest-2012 was immensely decked with the presence of the intellectuals, scholars, philanthropists, community leaders and others alike. Abdul Malik Mujahid (General Manager, Darussalam Publications), Shaikh Akthar (President, Jammi’yathul Falah-Riyadh), Mohammed Shaji (Managing Director, Safa Makkah Polyclinic), Mohammed Sameer (Darbar Restaurant, Olaya), Abdul Basheer (Sodexo), Ahmed Husain (Hit Pest Control), P A Hameed Padubidri, Daijiworld Saudi reporter were present to witness the vivid event. The key sponsors-Saudi Pan Gulf (Food Division) and Watania Paultry-were felicitated for their contribution for the event.

There were different Islamic Exhibitions conducted by Al-Furqan Study Center to the ladies followed by other events. The exhibition was also co-ordinated by Ghazala Iliyas. Juveria Abdul Majeed recited the Qirat followed by the welcome address by Sureena A. Latheef. HF Women’s Wing President, Waheeda Abdul Rahman presented the activities of HF to the audience and urged the women to actively participate in the community services. The founder president of HF Women’s wing, Masuda Khasim was present on the dais. Mubeena Mohammed Shaji, Anisa Firdous, Faiza Farheen Ajaz, Shabana Sameer and Huda Sultana were present as the chief guests on the occasion and were conferred with plaque of appreciation for their support and effort for Hidayah Foundation. General Secretary Sabia Mohammed Ali introduced the chief guests. Farida gave vote of thanks.

The event was kicked off with the Qur’aan recitation by Master Danish Haneef followed with the welcome speech by HF President Abdul Rahman Padubidri. Haneef Fakhruddin gave vote of thanks. Abdul Latheef was the Master of Ceremony.