Serving the haj pilgrims for over a decade

[email protected] (Media Release)
September 15, 2016

India Fraternity Forum (IFF) has been very keen and active in serving the Hajj pilgrims since it started the Hajj volunteer service more than a decade ago. It all started with a crude idea that sprang up in the minds of a few who of spending the Hajj holidaysby serving the pilgrims and the first group consisted of a few dozen, but the later years witnessed a steep growth in the number improvement in the modus operandi and the quality of the service.During last Hajj, IFF fielded more than 1000 volunteers for the service of pilgrims.

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Safety and health awareness classes

India Fraternity Forum has striven to improve the quality of service and expanded the area of service operation. For the last few years, the service of IFF starts with conducting the classes,educating the pilgrims on performing the rituals of Hajj in a safe and healthy environment through awareness sessionsat various locations in different states in India. Apart from conducting the awareness classes, IFF has prepared the Hajj guide that provides the details abouthealth and safety tips to help perform the Hajj rituals safely.

Receiving the piligrims on arrival

Next phase of volunteer service starts with the arrival of Indian pilgrims in Madeena. IFF volunteers receive them at the airports and help them to identify their luggage, as all of them look identical and in shame shape. IFF volunteers also assist the pilgrims to reach their accommodation building during their stay in Makkah / Madeena and Aziziyah.This servicewill continue till they leave the Kingdom after performing the Haj.

The service in Makkah near Masjidul Haram premises is remarkable and got appreciation from Indian Haj Mission and other authorities. Volunteers are working round the clock in Haram premises and Aziziyah guiding Hajis to their locations. Volunteers are distributing drinking water and slippers also to the pilgrims.

Service highlights - Mina & Arafa

Serving the pilgrims during the busiest days (7 – 13 of Dhul Hajja) in Mina is another major part and last year IFF has engaged 950 volunteers for this job.On the day of Arafat (9 Dhul hajja) around 200 volunteers were engaged in Arafa and Muzdalifa. The volunteers are given all necessary training and Arafa Mapabout locating the tents and to help a lost or stranded pilgrim to his destination very easily.

Map of Mina - developed by IFF

Few years ago, IFF has developed a map for Minawith grid lines, that enables a pilgrim or a volunteer to reachthe location easily and correctly, without any hurdles. IFF makes use of the numbering system for the roads, streets and correlating them with the numbers on the high mast poles making it easy to find the exact location of the tents in Mina, which had proved to be of great relief for the pilgrims, who are often lost and stranded.

The updated Map of Mina for 2016, will include the tent locations for the pilgrims under the Mutawwif organizations of South Asian countries, South East Asian countries, African Non-Arab countries, Turkey & European Muslims.

Mina tent locator app 2015

Considering the widespread usage of Android phones and access to internet India Fraternity Forum (IFF) has developed an app for the Hajj Service 2015, which would easily and precisely guide the Hajj pilgrims to reach their tents in Mina. This was a great leap ahead in solving a serious problem of getting stranded in Mina, particularly those pilgrims from outside the Kingdom.This android based app.(Mina Tent Locator) is quite simple and easy to use and requires internet connectivity only when it is downloaded for the first time.

Hajj navigator app. 2016- for Makkah, Mina & Aziziyah

Taking yet another leap ahead to serve the Hajj pilgrims, India Fraternity Forum launched an app, “HAJJ NAVIGATOR” which would easily and precisely guide the Hajj pilgrims to reach their destination(s) in not only in Mina, Makkah and Aziziyah.

This app is supported by the Google map and based on the data of roads and streets of Mina, building details of Indian pilgrim accommodation, hotels, hospitals & medical facilities in Makkah and Aziziyah. When the pilgrim or a Hajj service volunteer provides the data (of his location and his destination) in the app, he / she would find the route and distance with an approximate time to reach the destination immediately. 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 time to destination. Once downloaded from Google Play store and installed in the mobile phone, the app does not require internet for finding the details.

Adding another feather on the cap of IFF in serving the guests of Allah, both these applications are developed by Muhammed Mukhtar, one of the members of IFF.

Dedication & Sacrifice of IFF volunteers

During the stampede in Mina, IFF volunteersrushed to the sceneand worked hardalongwith the security forces and rescue service men to help out the alive, injured and dead pilgrimsfrom the location to reach them to the hospitals by loading them in to ambulances. One of the IFF volunteers from the state of Jharkhand(Neyazul Haq) has lost his life while saving others.

IFF feels honoured to serve the Hajj pilgrims from all over the world and thankfully remembers the support and cooperationof the Consulate of India, Hajj Mission in Makkah and Madina, Maraakiz Al Haya (Makkah) and Ministry of Health (MOH) and the selfless and sincere dedication of the volunteerswithoutwhich the successful service would not have been possible.

IFF Hajj service team is headed by Shamsuddheen (President of IFF) asthe head of organizing the activities of the Forum and & Eng. Mudassir Nazer as the (Coordinator) for the Hajj service. Volunteer orientation is carried out by Mujeeb(Volunteer captian) and Mohammed Sadiq (Asst. Volunteer Captain). Besides, the Forum has an efficient support team which includes, Logistics, Training, Media, Medical, Railway station, Transportation and Camp, that enabled a smooth and successful operation.

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Comments

Haneef
 - 
Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Masha allah.. amy allah accept all your good deeds..

Abdul Samad
 - 
Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Ma'Sha'Allah great humanitarian work done by volunteers of India Fraternity Forum.may allah protect our brothers in Duniya and akhira ameen Ya rab.

Abdul Samad
 - 
Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Ma'Sha'Allah great humanitarian work done by volunteers of India Fraternity Forum.may Allah protect our brothers in Duniya and akhira ameen Ya rab.

Ahmed
 - 
Thursday, 15 Sep 2016

Barakallahu Feek ... May ALLAH bless U all.. and accept the ibadat of our Hajis

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Media Release
March 2,2020

Kuwait: State of Karnataka is enriched with Daasa culture, which had contributed immensely to its literature, culture, art & philosophy. Daasa tradition in Karnataka was part of the Bhakti movement which flourished from around 15th century and it extended considerable spiritual influence over the masses. Kuwait Kannada Koota, a socio-cultural association for the people of Karnataka in Kuwait, organized its annual Daasotsava on 14th February 2020 in remembrance of these saints, thereby displaying the rich cultural heritage of the state. 

The program started with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Spoorthy Kamath, convener of cultural committee. Divine invocation prayer by Mrs. Vasantha Ashok and Mrs. Sandhya Arun set the trend for the event. This was followed by lighting of the traditional lamp by the 2020 executive committee, comprising of President Mr. Rajesh Vittal, Vice President Mr. Sandeep Chabba, General Secretary Mr. Praveen Kumar Shetty and Treasurer Mr. Pradeep Rao. President, while welcoming the gathering, spoke about the importance of Daasas in Kannada literature & history and briefed about the series of upcoming programs. Cultural programs started with fancy dress competition by Koota children comprising of all age group starting from infants to elder kids. This program stole the show as the efforts & time invested by children and their parents were clearly visible. 

2019 executive committee was felicitated by the current committee for wonderfully managing Koota affairs & programs. This was followed by the release of Koota magazine “Marala Mallige", comprising of informative articles, drawings, poems etc., entirely contributed by the association members. Event’s main attraction “Vrindavana Leelavarana", a colorful dance drama spectacularly portrayed by 54 Koota children, was very well appreciated & received by the attendees. Association children who successfully completed 10th and 12th were felicitated as a token of encouragement. Executive committee gave away prizes to Kids who excelled in the stage competitions held earlier. Audience was treated to a divine and melodious Bhajan program conducted astutely by the ladies & men. Koota women performed Bhajan Kolata, along with ladies bhajan, in a well-coordinated manner. Vote of thanks was proposed by the secretary of Koota, thanking those who contributed for the success of the event. Another attraction was a quiz competition “Rasa Prashne", conducted efficiently between the programs, by Mr. Mahesh Shiramgond. 

The whole event was planned and executed astutely by the cultural committee under the leadership of Convener, Mrs. Spoorthy Kamath. Public Relations Committee, led by Mrs. Suparna Dambal, welcomed the members in a vibrant & colorful way, showcasing a beautifully erected divine mantap. The event was sponsored by Unimoni, LIC HFL, VSPL, Geetherb, Kotak Life Insurance, Joy Alukkas, Lulu Hypermarket & Total Environment. The program ended with a sumptuous satvik lunch, sponsored by the senior Koota member, Mr. Ramachandran Seetharaman.

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News Network
June 17,2020

Doha: Qatar Indian Social Forum (QISF) once again set an example that no caste, creed, language and religion comes as hurdle for their humanitarian services and helped to perform last rites of Ramesh who committed suicide in Doha-Qatar.

45-year-old Ramesh son of K. Nagan hailing from Panikulam, Thrissur district in Kerala, who was working as a tailor committed suicide in his house at Ruwias in Qatar on 30th May 2020.

On hearing this news, some of his friends in Kearla informed Mr. Shihab who is also from Thrissur and a member of QISF and the same was brought to the notice of QISF humanitarian team head Mr. Abdul Latheef Madikeri and Basheer Ahmed of Tamil Nadu.

Immediately, the QISF team intervened and contacted the family members of the deceased in India and discussed the matter and consequences of sending the body back home to India in this pandemic COVID 19 situation.

Considering the prevailing situation, the family members gave the consent to bury the body in Qatar itself.

QISF team collected the required documents from the family of the deceased and managed to clear all the necessary formalities from the police department, Health Department, Embassy of India and Hamad Medical Corporation.

Finally, the body of the deceased was buried in Qatar on 7th June 2020 and the copies of all the relevant documents have been handed over to the family members.

The family members of the deceased thanked and applauded the leaders and all the members of QISF for their effective and on time humanitarian service rendered even in this pandemic crisis and having no bias.

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Media Release
January 16,2020

Kuwait: The Fourth annual general body meeting of Mogaveers Association Kuwait (MAK) was held on January 3rd 2020 at Tamarind Restaurant , Abu Halifa, Kuwait.

Mr. Suresh Salian who was an excellent host for the day welcomed all the MAK members to the event & thereby invited all the committee members to the dais.

As is customary and traditional, the proceedings of the MAK AGM commenced with  Kuwait & Indian National Anthem followed by a prayer song sung by Mr.Santhosh Kunder.

The lighting of the lamp was done by the President Mr. Rajesh Mendon, Conevener Mr. Ramesh Kidiyoor the Management Committee members Mrs. Poonam Mendon, Mr. Kishore Kotian ,Mr. Arun Mendon, Mr. Dinesh Suvarna & senior MAK members Mr. Gopal Suvarna, Mr. Ashok Suvarna ,Mr. Shekar Thingalaya and guest  Smt. Prema Mendon who was on visit to Kuwait.

The General Secretary, Mrs. Poonam Mendon read the Annual Report of the activities of the association for the year 2019. While the Treasurer Mr. Kishore Kotian read out the financial report for the year, both of which were approved by the members.

Some of the major events of 2019 are as follows MAK organized its third indoor, National level Volleyball & Throw Ball Tournament under the title of “MAK Champion Trophy 2019 “ which was held on 25th Feb American International School, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait

As part of the welfare project Scholarships were given to First three Meritorious students of Mogaveera Management Schools in India Mahalaksmi English Medium School, Uchila & Sagar Vidya Mandir, Beach Road, Padubidri.

The outgoing members of the management committee Mr. Kishore Kotian, Mrs. Poonam Mendon, Mrs. Kusuma Girish, Mr. Dinesh Suvarna & Mr. Paresh Karkera were honoured with mementos for their dedicated service to the association.

President Mr.Rajesh Mendon is his speech urged all the members to be united He also assured the members, that management committee would support and provide help to any member who is in need of help. He urged everyone to Support & come forward for the upcoming event “MAK Champion Trophy 2020” a National Level Volley Ball & Throwball tournament which will be held on 25th Feb 2020 at American International School,Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.

Convener Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor urged all the members to come forward showcase their talent and increase the visibility of the Assocation in Kuwait & take the association to the next level.
MAK’s Seniormost member Mr. Gopal Suvarna was presented with a florel bouquet to mark 75th year of his birthday.Our guest Smt. Prema Mendon was also presented with a bouquet as a mark of respect.

As part of the welfare project scholarship of INR.10,000 was given to Master Rishab Puthran Son of active member Mr. Srinivas Puthran who has scored 95.36% in S.S.L.C.

The Main attraction of the AGM was Bhajan & Kolata which was beautifully choreographed by Mr.Suresh Salian & performed by Mrs. Geetha Suvarna & Team. Audience were mesmerised with the performance.The participants were Mrs.Geetha Suvarna, Mrs.Ranjitha Pandari Kanchan,Mrs.Poonam Mendon, Mr.Arun Mendon,Mr.Dinesh Suvarna,Mr.Kishore Kotaian, Mr.Rajesh Mendon,Mr.Kiran Kuamar,Mr,Dhanajaya Salian, Mr,Manoj Amin, Mr.Neishant Salian,Mr.Nithin Suavarna,Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Prashanth Kunder .Solo dance performance was given by Mr.Arun Mendon.

Games were Conducted By Mr.Suresh Salian & Mrs Geetha Suvarna which was enjoyed by all the MAK members .Melodious songs were sung by renowned artist of MAK Mr. Suresh Salian, Mr.Jaya Kotian,Mr.Purandara Manchi,Mr.Dinesh Suvarna Mr.Dhananjaya Mendon & Mr.Kishore Kotian.

The returning officer, Mr.Nithin Suvarna announced the new managing committee for the year 2020. The group unanimously relected Mr.Rajesh Mendon as the president.

The officer bearers for 2020 are as follows:

President               :   Mr.Rajesh Mendon, Suratkal
Vice President        :   Mr.Sachidanad Suvarna, Yermal Bada
General Secretary   :   Mr.Dhananjaya S Salian, Malpe
Treasurer               :   Mr.Lakshmeesh Salian,Malpe
Cultural Secretary  :   Mr.Prashanth Kunder ,Malpe
Sports Secretary     : Mr.Arun Mendon, Boloor
P.R.O & Welfare officer : Mr.Jaya Kotian,Kinnimulki

The managment committee members introduced themselves, thanked and assured all the members for rendering their best service during their tenure.

President, Mr.Rajesh Mendon in his speech thanked all the members for relecting him as president.

Below Welfare Projects would continue as informed by the President

-Death Grant of IRS. 1,00,000/- in case of death of any active member, financial help will be provided to next of kin of the deceased.

-Financial help (Health Grant) of IRS. 25,000/- will be given to the members in case of serious health issues or permanent
disability or severe injury due to accident.

- Merit Cum Means Scholarship- Children of MAK members residing in Kuwait or India would be awarded Scholarship of IRS. 10,000/- for 10th Standard Students & IRS. 20,000 for 12th Standard Students.

Scholarship for Mogaveera Management School in India President, Mr. Rajesh Mendon also announced that scholarship of IRS. 7,000/- , IRS. 5,000/- & IRS. 3,000/- would be awarded to the First three Meritorious students respectively for the year of 2019-2020, for the following schools of the Mogaveera Community Mahalaksmi English Medium School, Uchila Sagar Vidya Mandir,Beach Road, Padubidri

The new management Committee welcomed the new year 2020 in a traditional way by distributing the “OleBella” (palm jaggery) to all the members.

Executive Committee of 20 members were announced by the President who are as follows 

Mr.Suresh Salian, Dr.Vikyath Boloor,Mr Divakar Kotian, Mr.Kishore Kotian,Mr.Kiran Kumar,Mr.Purandar Manchi, Mr.Neishant Salian, Mrs.Geetha Suvarna,Mr,Rakshith Suvarna,Mr.Srinivas Puthran,Mr.Nithin Suvarna, Mrs.Kusuma Girish,Mrs.Poonam Mendon,Mrs. Ranjitha Pandari Kanchan, Mr.Pandari Kanchan, Mr.Santhosh Kunder,Mr.Kaushik Kanchan &Mr.Manoj Amin Katapady, Mr.Ramesh Kunder, & Mr.Jeevan Amin

Followed by, A Sumptuous Lunch was served by Tamarind Restaurant.

Prizes were given away to the winners of games.

Mr.Jeevan Amin & Mr.Arun Mendon for musical Chair.

Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Kiran Kumar for Group Game.

Mr.Dhanjaya Salian,Mrs Indiara Purandar & Mr,Baskar Amin for Alphabetical bingo Game.

Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Vittal Sriyan for passing the parcel.

Mr.Nithin Suvarna & Mr.Lakmeesh Salian for Pillow Game.

Mr.Shekar Amin,Mr.Jayanth Kunder,Mr.Neishant Salian,Mr,Purandar Manchi,Mrs Ranjitha Kanchan,Mr.Arun Mendon,Mrs.Indira Purandar & Mr Arun Mendon won the Housie Housei.

Quiz was won by Mr.Arun Mendon & Mr.Ramesh Kunder.

Surprise gifts was won by Mr.Dhananjaya Salian & master Kanishk Kumar.

“Lucky Mogaveera” was won Mr.Jeevan Amin.

Beautiful Moments of the day were captured by Mr.Kiran Kumar,
Music was played by D.J Neishanth Salian
In his  vote of thanks Mr.Dhananjaya Salian expressed his gratitude to each and every member who supported to make the event successful.

It was totally a funfilled day for all the MAK members who enjoyed all the activities memories of which such always be cherished.

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