News: P A Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh, KSA

Riyadh, Mar 3: “Muslims have a major role to play with regard to their religion through Dawah works as well as the world wherever they are; time will pass without any interruption if you do it or not; but it is everyone’s obligation to make his life happy and successful here and hereafter, said Dr Ahmad Totonji.

Ahmad Totonji is the man of versatile faculties and established the Dept of Petroleum Engineering in King Saud University, Riyadh in 1974, a senior Da’ee and pioneer of various Islamic Intellectual Organizations in UK, USA, Europe and other parts of the world. He was addressing the huge audience thronged in “Hidayah Fest-2011” organized recently by Hidayah Foundation (HF), Saudi Arabia unit at Al-Rushd Istirah here. 

"We should not be self-centered and egotistical by confining ourselves to only our family, and ignoring our brothers and sisters, who are underprivileged and on the breadline of basic needs and amenities; we failed to enlighten ourselves through education, while brothers in other communities are on the rapid move in the field of education; I know that there are a number of Muslims in India including your Mangalore, whose social, educational and economic condition is no less worse than other backward classes. We should take a proper initiative and work in that direction by spending our spare time so that we can definitely achieve our goal; God will not change your condition unless you initiate to change yourselves, he said.

He also emphasized the role of Muslim women in leading the communities in its all walks of life. “Our sisters have potential talents and abilities to play a different role in the society within the frame work of Islam; there is no any hitch for them to come forward to be the partner of the works and services for the betterment of the community; during the period of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions, the women used to play a significant part in different ways. Unfortunately, their roles have been institutionalized as insignificant in our community. Everyone including women should involve in the community and welfare activities-like Hidayah- to have a better life and better prospects," he said.

Khasim Ahmed, who was the Foundation’s Innovator, informed to Daijiworld that HF has a major plan to adopt 40 families from different regions, whose condition was filmed in a documentary named-“AAKRANDANA PART-I & AAKRANDANA PART-II, and rehabilitate them with all basic facilities in a colony built in 20 acres of land in Belthangady Taluk. He said-“We invited four resourceful persons all the way from Mangalore to be present in the Gathering; we are seriously working out and putting our concentrated efforts to implement this scheme in near future so that the impoverished family can get benefit out of this exertion”.

The Fest-2011 showed a huge turn up of participants from different provinces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It gave access not only to the people from Mangalore, but welcomed the people all over Karnataka and other parts of India also. The paces of the Gala was going in different ways as teens, aged around 10-15 years, were in the forefront in voluntarism dressed with red colors, who were vibrantly motivated by the tips of Teenage Workshop held in a Parenting Programme conducted by HF in the end of last year.

“Saare Jahanse Achcha; Hindustan Hamaara A Hamaara” was a thrilling national song sung by a group of girls melodiously that really echoed the whole auditorium and toned to the breezing wind. It was followed with the tune of “Praise to Allah”.  

Asma Samad Bantwal, English Lecturer at Riyadh King Saud University’s Health Science Division, conducted a unique “JAPODY” event to the teens (both girls & boys) under the age group of 14-18 years. It indeed enthralled the youngsters and enabled them to dig out their competencies and talents in various fields including their IQ level. It also consisted of a special practicum as to how to face and relieve the pressure of exams.

Siddik Abbas Ullal organized workshop for the children aged of 3-7 years. Several items were included in the workshop namely, IQ evaluation, general knowledge, puzzle, painting & drawing competition that held at 11.00 pm and ended at 3.00 am. Most of the kids took active participation in the event.

Al-Furqan Group rolled up a different Islamic Exhibitions to the ladies followed by other events. They highlighted the importance of life here & hereafter and illustrated the value and consecration of “Baith-Al-Muqaddis” situated in Jerusalem, which is one of holiest mosques after the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Pick-and-Speech, Qur’aan recitation competition, games and other programmes were also conducted by the ladies for the ladies.

AKF Tea Stall was showed up that provided a different taste & savors of tea to the mass. Khader Khozama sponsored this booth. Kids Milk Counter was also displayed, which catered the assorted gourmets to the children within the age group of 3-10 years. Besides, Book Stall by Darussalam was also put in the exhibition, who was selling the books at 20% discount for the participants in the Fest.

Several events were also conducted for the men including volley ball, cricket etc. Qura’an and other brains activities were held for the boys.

The Fest started with Qur’aan recitation at 9 p.m. and pulled its curtain at 3 a.m. Abdul Rahman Padubidri, made a detailed presentation about the aims & objectives and achievements made by HF. It was witnessed by the presence of Sayed Ahmed, Chief Administrator of HF, Umer U.H. who is a social activist and resource person, Haji Haneef Golthamajal, Basheer Farangipete, who have been in the constant involvement in the HF’s activities & programmes from the day one itself. All these four persons, who came all the way from Mangalore to attend this mega meet, were the guests of honor. They were warmly felicitated on the occasion. Mr. Sameer, who is one of patrons of HF in Jubail was also recognized and felicitated.

Dr Sayed Hamid, Principal of Jubail IIS; Asif Amaco, entrepreneur; P.A.HameedPadubidri, Daijiworld Correspondent & Advocate,  Jamal Kudroli, President of HF-KSA, Ramesh Shetty, President of KWAR, Royston Prabhu and Rajesh from KWAR and others were present on the occasion as chief guests. All the members of the HF were recognized for their relentless services and works to make the event grand successful.

Khader Hejamady, former Mr Mangalore, was the event manager of the Fest-2011. Abdul Lathief Idrees, Mangalore made a master of ceremony on the occasion.

HF is a non-profit organization based on the objectives like Empowerment of Women & Children, Parenting Programmes, Community Services, Gaining and Transferring Knowledge, Self-Development and Social Awareness amongst the community people back in hometown in the undivided Districts of Dakshina Kannada.