Dedicated and sustained work can change community's image: AS Puthige

Mangalore, January 6: Sustained and committed work by a small group of resourceful individuals can surely solve many problems faced by the downtrodden section of the Muslim community in the region, said Abdussalam Puthige, Chief Editor of Varthabharathi.

He was delivering the presidential address at a documentary launch-cum-discussion programme organised by Hidayah Foundation at IMA Hall, here on Friday.

Pointing to the new documentary titled 'The Fact', which visualised the pathetic condition of the Muslims living in the rural areas of Dakshina Kannada district, who were deprived of all facilities and among whom there were a large number of physically and mentally challenged men, women and children, Mr Puthige said determination and hard work by a few enthusiastic and committed youths can bring about a change in the society.

Such kind of poverty related problems are not new to the Muslim community, he said adding that “what we need are the 'people-with-life', who can move by witnessing the heartrending facts of their community, as we cannot expect anything from 'dead bodies'.”

Mr Puthige pointed out that the irresponsibility of the well off segment of the community has largely contributed to conversion of 'khaira ummah' into the 'community with special needs', in which you find a large number of beggars.

Giving the examples of Reza Shah Pahlavi of Iran, Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, the three powerful Muslim rulers, who finally met tragic ends, he warned the affluent section of the Muslim community of similar dire consequences if they failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

Chairman of Unity Academy of Education Dr C P Habeeb Rahman, who launched the documentary, opined that the returning to the Qur'an and Sunnah is the only solution to all the problems of Muslim community, which has moved away from the Islamic teachings.

Reminding the people about their short life in this world, social worker Abdul Rauf Puthige suggested the affluent class of the Muslims to write a will to distribute at least 10 percent of their property among the needy after their death.

State joint-secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Mohammed Kunhi said that there was a need to create awareness about Zakath in the community, apart from trying to create an alternative system when the elected governments were failing in their responsibilities.

Mangalore MLA U T Khader, Imam of Ibrahim Khaleel Masjid Imran, Rafeeuddeen Kudroli and Zameer Amber also took part in the discussion. Abdul Razzak Ananthady compered the programme. Mohammed Haneef G welcomed the gathering and Umar U H proposed vote of thanks.