Hassan Cheruppa Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Hundreds of volunteers gathered in Jeddah recently to share their unforgettable experiences while rendering the best possible services for the pilgrims during this year's Haj. The review meeting was organized by the Jeddah Haj Welfare Forum, the umbrella body of about 20 Keralite social and cultural organizations based in Jeddah. Chemban Abbas, chairman of the Forum, presided over the meeting held at Lucky Darbar Restaurant auditorium in Sharafiyah. The volunteers won accolades, from those who spoke on the occasion, for their selfless services to the pilgrims, especially the sick and elderly Hajis. Several expatriates from other Indian states have also joined hands with the Forum volunteers. Shihab Edakkara of New Al-Wurood International School highlighted various aspects of voluntary work and its significance in Islam. “A mindset to serve people, especially the guests of God, and its translation into action is a sublime ideal for which there will be a great reward. A Haj volunteer is doing a great service by answering the call of God to serve in His path with his health and wealth,” he said. Abdurahman Wandoor presented the financial report while volunteers' Chief Captain Hashim Kozhikode and Coordinator Mustafa Chemban reviewed the overall performance of the volunteers. Jeddah Indian Media Forum President Sulfeekar Othai, Makkah Haj Welfare Forum leader Shaniyas Kunnikkode, K.T.A Muneer, Nasser Chavakkad, Mustafa K.T, Abdul Majeed Naha, C.M. Ahmed, Ali Moulavi Nattukal, Saleem Kuttai, Mujeeb Trithala and Ashab Varkala delivered felicitation speeches. Ismail Neerad welcomed the gathering and Shanavas Wandoor gave a vote of thanks. The Forum's public relations in charge Anwar Vadakkangara was the anchor. Captains of volunteer units shared their experience with the audience.
There was also a power point presentation highlighting the major activities and services rendered by the Forum. It was disclosed in the meeting that tens of thousands of rice soup packets and pickles were distributed among the pilgrims in their tents in Mina. The volunteers walked on foot kilometers carrying packets of rice soup prepared at the common kitchen in Aziziyah in Makkah. The volunteers guided thousands of lost pilgrims to their tents, and used wheelchairs to help the elderly pilgrims to perform stoning rituals as well as to take sick pilgrims to medical centers.
