Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Sept 17: The foundation stone for the proposed Mangaluru Haj Bhavan was laid on Thursday at Bajpe, near the Mangaluru International Airport, under the auspices of the Karnataka State Haj Committee.
Karnataka State Haj Committee chairman Syed Zulfikar Khan announced that the facility is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half years, promising that it will stand as a unique model of its kind across the country.
Presiding over the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Khan stated that the Karnataka government is funding the project at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, with former chief minister Siddaramaiah having already released Rs 10 crore towards it.
Spanning an area of 60,547 square feet with a distinctive architectural design, Khan noted that no such Haj Bhavan currently exists elsewhere in India. He credited chief minister D K Shivakumar, ministers U T Khader and Zameer Ahmed Khan, and businessman Inayat Ali for their dedicated efforts. Although Haj pilgrims will not be able to depart directly from Mangaluru this year, Khan assured that arrangements will be finalised to facilitate travel from the city starting next season.
Additionally, addressing complaints that private Haj tour operators have allegedly cheated Umrah pilgrims, Khan announced that upon the directions of Haj and Waqf minister U T Khader, the State Haj Committee will soon make preparations to organise Umrah pilgrimages directly through the committee.
Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan remarked that establishing a Haj Bhavan in Mangaluru has been a long-standing dream, noting that he held multiple rounds of discussions with U T Khader, donor Inayat Ali, and Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi, while highlighting Siddaramaiah's vital contributions.
Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah stressed that unity among people is essential for peace and development, alleging that the BJP attempts to create social divisions for political gain and urging citizens to resist communal forces.
Haj and Waqf minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U T Khader laid the foundation stone, while Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal led the dua. Greetings were extended by Dakshina Kannada district Qazi Panakkad Syed Nasir Abdul Hayy Shihabuddin Ba-Alawi Thangal, Udupi Joint Qazi Mani Abdul Hameed Musliyar, and Rajya Sabha member Mansoor Ali Khan.
The event witnessed a large gathering of leaders and dignitaries, including former MLC Nasir Ahmed, State Minorities Commission chairman U Nisar Ahmed, State Waqf Board chairman Syed Muhammad Ali Hussaini, State Minorities Development Corporation chairman B K Altaf Khan, former ministers B Ramanath Rai and Abhayachandra Jain, former MLA Moideen Bava, Mangaluru City Corporation president Padmaraj Poojary, KPCC general secretary Rakshith Shivaram, alongside various Haj Committee and community representatives.
Mangaluru Haj Management Committee president Haji Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi welcomed the gathering, while KPCC general secretary, businessman, and land donor Inayat Ali delivered the introductory remarks. Bajpe Eidgah Masjid Khateeb Haris Saqafi recited the Qirath, and Nizam Ansari Kalladka and Noufal Vitla compered the programme.