P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network -Riyadh

Riyadh, Apr 28: Hidayah 'Fun and Care Fest-2013' was held recently at Al-Rushd Istirah (popularly known as “Manglorean Istirah”) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was an annual get-together organized by and credited afresh to the account of Hidayah Foundation (HF)-Riyadh.

HF is a non-profit and charitable organization that aimed at achieving various programmes, which spotlight mainly on the community services and developments, women’s empowerment and children’s development, socio-educational and health care programs in the socially and economically backward areas of the undivided Dakshina Kannada. Based on the mission, HF is operational in units in various gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar & Bahrain, having headquartered in Mangalore.

Unlike other events, the gathering was one-of-a kind as it more fully showcased to the audience the pains and cries of the deprived class of the community living in the remote rural areas of the twin districts of Karnataka State. HF members along with other adherents & supporters conducted a field works and surveys about the socio-economic conditions of the community people, who have been on the breadline of basic facilities. The outcome of the survey they conducted led to the design and development of “Hidayah Share & Care Colony” at Kavalkatte at Bantwal Taluk in Dakshina Kannada District. The Hidayah Colony is not a least effort that HF took it up on priority basis to cater a basic conveniences, but a comfortable feature of spot, to the most deserved people.

“If people were suffering from hungry and struggling for meal a day, how can we expect that our community should come forward and become socially & educationally improved and better; empty stomachs doesn’t worry about the education unless they are fully fed” was the basic recurring standpoint, on which HF footed firmly in order to elevate the wretched situation of those unfortunate families.  

Hidayah Foundation unearthed a fact that a major segment of the community have not gained the healthcare, socio-economic and educational forwardness yet, although mid or higher stratum of the Muslim community is under illusion that their people are on the speed pace of progress. The ground reality is different as sufferings and agonies of the underprivileged are still not being heard as it to be. Proper food, clothing, housing, medicine, education and other basic necessities are not adequately available for such people. Some women and children, who initially gets infected with minor diseases, are getting exposed to the major physical and mental sicknesses due to lack of the  medical care and treatment.

'Hidayah Colony' is the one of major landmarks achieved by HF that consisted of most of the amenities facilitating the social welfare and health care supports. Most deserved families especially orphaned and abandoned families have been provided with the 15 houses in the first phase. As Mohammed Ashfaq (Vice-President of HF Riyadh) briefed in his presentation describing the detailed achievements of HF, now 24 new houses are being built in the 2nd phase. HF set a plan to build 100 houses in near future at around 5.5. acres of land that was purchased in 2011. The Colony will have an sophisticated community development centre, which will house for self-employment program(like tailoring classes, self-help scheme groups, home industry etc.), educational centre (both Islamic and general educations) along with adult education, library, healthcare centre etc.

The event was kicked off with the recitation of the verses from the Holy Qur’aan by Aqeel Farooq, followed by a talk by Hafiz Imran Omri, who highlighted the significance of mass charity-giving as good as offering five times prayers in congregation. He focused on the saying of the Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh), who said: “Give charity (Sadaqah) without any delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”

In his welcome address, Abdul Rahman Hussain, President of HF, told that it was a unique gathering and a large number estimated at around 1500 people from different parts of India including guests from subcontinents took part in the Fest-2013. The prominent special guests amongst them were Mr. Hyder Ali, Chairman of Presidency Homes & Infrastructure and Prestige International School.

HF Chairman based in Dubai,  Khasim Ahmed was present to witness the colorful occasion and spoke occasionally. He extolled the fantastic team work and determination of the members of HF Riyadh. Haneef Hajee Golthamajal, president of the head quarters and Abid Asghar, administrator were the guests of honor, who touched down in Riyadh directly from Mangalore to be a part of the event.

“How to Stop Wasting Food” was a hair-raising and thought-provoking presentation made by Sheikh Mansur, general secretary of HF. He is also in charge of Monthly Ration Program. He explained as to how Hidayah Foundation channelizes nearly INR 12 lac per year to feed about 89 families in and around Udupi and Mangalore regions. A great deal of responses from the audience was seen flooding, when Mansur offered an invitation to the audience to participate in this noble effort. He said that those who  are interested in participating in the Monthly Ration Program can contact him at his mobile no. 0568763438 or at his email: msheikhhidayah@gmail.com.

A lot of events for the boys, girls, children, men and women were conducted, and winners and runners were awarded with fabulous prizes. Ayaz and his team conducted various sports events for men and children. Quiz competition was also one of the attractions of the Fest both for adults and children. Mansur led the quiz session.  Abdul Hameed and his team was in charge of the reception.

The audience were made aware of the new website of Hidayah Foundation www.hidayahfoundation.org, which is actively operational to be browsed and requested them  to provide support or comments through the website.

A scrumptious and lip-smacking food was served through home-made catering. Mohammed Ali B K and his team was in charge of the food section, which gained name for the taste and quality. Abdul Khader Khozama, through his AKF Tea Stall, provided a wide variety of aromatic tea / coffee to the guests.

The Fest-2013 was also immensely decked with the presence of various programs conducted by the ladies for the ladies side. Ghazala Iliyas led the focusing role to see that everything went well with the support and cooperation of the ladies members of HF. Qirat was given by Juveriya Majeed B K on the occasion. Sureena Latheef Idrees was also leading the role in conducting several events. Quran recitation competition was also organized for the kids. The prizes for this program were sponsored by Sheikh Ansar (A-1 Plastics).

Abdul Latheef Idrees anchored the event.