News and pics: Yahya Abbas
Abu Dhabi, Jun 20: The region's chapter of Sahebaan, a premier social group representing Urdu speaking Muslim community from the twin districts of Mangaluru and Udupi, hosted a grand Iftar get-together at India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC), here on June 18 for community members with their families.
Sahebaan, Abu Dhabi has been actively involved in the charitable and social activities which directly benefit the community members in general and the poor in particular. It has been organizing annual Iftar events for the last several years which the community members eagerly look forward to. The event was well attended by the community members residing in Abu Dhabi as well as some prominent members from Dubai and other Emirates.
After an initial round of meet and greet, the function started off with reading of verses from Holy Quran by Muhammad Shoukat and were translated by Faizan Ummer Khathib.
Sahebaan veteran, Suhail Kudroli hosted the event and spoke about the purpose of organizing the community Iftaar, which besides being a sacred act also serves in uniting the community and gives an opportunity to meet one and all. He also emphasized on the importance of charity in addition to fasting and briefly spoke on the benefits of reaching out to the poor directly rather than through intermediaries. In some instances, credible organizations also play an important role in the distribution of charity effectively, he said.
To enable the community members to stay in touch Sahebaan Abu Dhabi chapter introduced a new email ID, Sahebaan.auh@gmail.com for the exclusive communication with Abu Dhabi residents of the community. On the larger issue of reaching out to the community members living in UAE and elsewhere, a facebook account by name 'Sahebaan Sahebaan' was also introduced. Community members are requested to visit the page and participate actively to address some of the social issues faced by the Sahebaan Community.
The event was well attended by over 600 members who were served light refreshments to break the fast followed by a sumptuous dinner which was appreciated by one and all. Special thanks to the main sponsors Abdul Shukoor Tonse of Abdul Shukroor Auto Parts, Abu Muhammad of Mutliline Technical Co, Mohammad Akram of Al Sitara Gulf Contracting supported by co-sponsors Al Bustan Trading, Sharjah, Sumtech Multiline Trading, Technos Eletro Mechanical.
It will not be out of place to appreciate the hard work of Asif Abdul Kareem, Althaf Khathib, Lathif K H, Faizan Khathib, Syed Ajmal, Rafique Ahamad, Mohammed Aslam etc, in ensuring all the arrangements went well to make the event successful. Food catering was by Elite Caterers to the satisfaction of all the guests.
Team Sahebaan would like to extend special thanks to some of its distinguished guests, Janab M I Jameel, ret superintendent of police, Karnataka Janab Akthar Ahmed Khan, adviser and administrator of Touheed Education Trust.
Janab Mohammed Ali Uchil with members from BWF Abu Dhabi Janab Nisar Ahmed and Zaheeruddin from Dubai graced the event.