Mangalore: Pilgrimage Brings Feeling of Fulfillment, Transformation - Mumtaz Ali

Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Oct 25: The first Haj Camp, aimed at providing proper guidance and facilities to the pilgrims in view of the direct flights to Jeddah becoming operational from the local airport from Sunday October 25 onwards, was inaugurated by the state Wakf and minorities welfare minister, Dr Mumtaz Ali, at the camp site near Bajpe on Saturday October 24.

In his address, he wished that the pilgrims will witness a spiritual transformation in their lives and get a sense of fulfillment with the completion of this pilgrimage, which happens to be a long-cherished dream of the Muslims. "Every Haj pilgrim is fortunate to get this opportunity. The pilgrimage is aimed at earning the virtues that uplift their lives. By making concerted efforts to be honest and by conserving internal purity, the pilgrims should contribute to the holiness of this pilgrimage," he advised. He revealed that two women have been accommodated in the Haj Committee, taking into consideration the fact that about 50% of those undertaking Haj pilgrimage, happen to be women.

State Haj Committee president, S Muhammed Ghouse, presided. The city Kazi, C M Abdulla Musliar Chembarika performed the Dua. Assistant Kazi, Twaka Ahmed Musliar, city camp president Y Muhammed Kunhi, Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation chairman N B Abubakker, MLA U T Khader, state Haj Committee executive officer Niaz Ahmed, Muslim Central Committee president K S M Masood, former minister B A Moidin and various other dignitaries were present.

The camp, organized at the Ansar school ground in Bajpe, has been equipped with all the facilities needed by the pilgrims, including foreign exchange. Dr Navinchandra and Dr Renuka of the local primary health centre have been conducting the H1N1 screening tests for the pilgrims. A team of doctors from Yenepoya Medical College has been engaged in conducting other medical tests for the pilgrims. Separate accommodation and prayer facilities have been provided for the convenience of the pilgrims. Ullal Darga Committee has taken up the responsibility of providing food and bus facility for the pilgrims up to the airport, free of cost.