Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 17: Sahebaan Welfare Trust (SWT) Mangaluru, an NGO formed in December 2023 for the welfare of Sahebaan Community (Urdu speaking Hanafi people hailing from DK and Udupi districts) hosted ‘Sahebaan Launch and Meet’ event in Ocean Pearl Hotel Kodialbail here on December 16.
The event was attended by more than 120 leading and distinguished members of Sahebaan Community from both districts and GCC countries.
The function started with the Qirath recitation by Janab Imtiaz Khatib. The president of the Trust Janab Afroz Assadi welcomed the gathering and thanked them for their participation.
Janab Imtiaz Khatib, trustee, SWT introduced the Trust to the gathering and narrated its purpose and goals.
The keynote address was made by Prof Muzaffer Assadi, former vice chancellor of Mysore University who spoke about the challenges being faced by the Sahebaan community and stressed upon the need for improvement thru Education and skill development.
Janab Shabih Ahmed Kazi, former president of Jamiyyatul Falah DK and Udupi districts and spoke on the occasion.
Janab Siraj Ahmed, MD, Inland Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Mangaluru emphasized during his speech on the need to adopt with the changes taking place and called upon the Sahebaan youth to take the lead.
Janab Kota Ibrahim Saheb, former president, Udupi Zilla Muslim Okkuta appreciated the formation of the trust and extended his support.
Syed Siraj Ahmed, secretary of the Trust stated that the SWT is an offshoot of Sahebaan UAE which has been active in the social and cultural activities of Community for over 30 years. He stated that the most of the community people have migrated to other parts of the India and abroad in search of employment and livelihood and therefore the community remain unrepresented in DK and Udupi.
He highlighted that the community has gifted to the nation freedom fighters, top ranking civil servants, members of the Indian armed forces, bankers, judges, professionals, scholars, renowned artists and leading businessmen who remain as the source of inspiration to the community.
Janab Mumtaz Hussain from Qatar spoke on Urdu culture and language and the need to promote and nourish the same.
The following were felicitated during the function for their achievements and significant contributions to the society and Nation:
- Major D M Nizamuddin (Retd), Indian Armed forces and bravery medal winner
- B G Mohd, renowned artist, Karnataka Rajyothsava Prashasthi winner
- Dr Safwan Ahmed, neurologist and Gold medallist
- Dr Fathima Raeesa, radiologist and Gold medallist
- Ilham Dawood, 2nd rank holder, PU Science, 2021/22
- Aliya Imtiaz Khan, 4th rank holder, PU Commerce 2022/23
Leading dignitaries including Janab Mateen Ahmed, Haq Assadi, Meraj Yousef, Najmuddin Assadi, Mohd Akram, Asif Iqbal, Abid, Zubeir Amber were honoured for their achievements and contributions to the community.
The event was ably anchored by Anshu Maryam.
Janab Iqbal Manna, trustees Rafiq Assadi, Althaf Khatib, Sahil Zaheer extended their support and cooperation towards making the event a grand success.
Aliya Imtiaz proposed a vote of thanks.