Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Taking yet another leap ahead in serving the Haj pilgrims, India Fraternity Forum (IFF) has launched an app that will give the pilgrims precise directions to reach their destinations in Mina, Makkah and Aziziyah. The app, Hajj Navigator, was launched by Abdul Khader Khan, president of Indian Pilgrim Welfare Forum (IPWF), at a local restaurant in Jeddah last week. Khan lauded the efforts of the Forum and said the android-based app would be a blessing not only to the pilgrims, but for all volunteers serving the guests of God in Makkah and the holy sites. IFF had launched the Mina Tent locator app during last year's Haj. Hajj Navigator is supported by Google Maps and based on data of roads and streets of Mina as well as details of Indian pilgrims' accommodation, hotels, hospitals and medical facilities in Makkah and Aziziyah. When pilgrims or Haj volunteers feed their location and destination in the app, they would immediately find the route and distance with an approximate time to reach it. If a pilgrim does not know his location he can select "my location" using the GPS, then provide his destination, which would mark the route to reach the destination together with the distance and the time needed. Once downloaded from Google Play Store and installed in the mobile phone, the app does not require Internet connection for finding the route. Presiding over the function, Shamsudheen, regional president of IFF, congratulated the efforts of Mohammed Mukhtar and Omar Hussein, who worked hard to develop the application, ensuring its authenticity and accuracy. He also appreciated the mutual cooperation between the Fraternity Forum and IPWF, which started more than a decade ago. He expressed his gratitude to IPWF for continuing its support and extending it further. Abdul Aziz Kidwai said IFF has an edge over all other volunteer groups as they have members from many Indian states, which is very useful particularly while serving pilgrims who speak different languages. IFF began its services even before the pilgrims started arriving in the Kingdom. It organized Haj camps in different places elaborating on the spirit of Haj and how to perform the rites in a safe and healthy environment. This year, the Forum will field 800 volunteers and their focus of attention will include, but not limited to, guiding stranded pilgrims to reach their destinations and helping sick pilgrims to avail of medical care. Abdul Ghani explained the functioning of the app and the numbering system followed in Mina through multi-media presentations. Aijaz Ahmed Khan (president, India Forum), Shameem Kausar (chief patron, Khak E Taiba Trust), Ayoob Hakkim (secretary, India Forum), Qamar Sada (IPWF), Ubaid Askary (secretary, Bhatkal Community), Sakeer Edavanna (general secretary, OICC Jeddah), Noorul Ameen (member of the Managing Committee, International Indian School, Jeddah) and Ashraf Morayur (president, Indian Social Forum) delivered felicitation speeches. Many dignitaries from various community and cultural organizations attended the function. Earlier the program began with the recitation from Noble Qur'an by Master Umar Ahmad. Mudassir (IFF Haj coordinator) welcomed the gathering. Mubashir (IFF media coordinator) proposed the vote of thanks.
