IFF volunteers render great service for Hajj pilgrims

Mina (Saudi Arabia), Oct 23: India Fraternity Forum, a social organization which is uniting expatriate Indians in the Kingdom and conducting many social services has continued its service for hajj pilgrims this year as well. Over 1200 volunteers of India Fraternity Forum rendered service during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage including women and school children.

Office bearers of IFF had fielded volunteers from various parts of Saudi Arabia in order to extend their help to hajj pilgrims. The volunteers cordially received pilgrims who reached Jeddha and Madina Airports from various parts of India and rendered month long service for them. In the last phase of the Hajj a huge number of volunteers were deployed in holy places like Arafa, Meena, Muzdalifa and Jamrath. Wearing blue T-shirts and the saffron-coloured jackets from WAMY (World Assembly of Muslim Youth), these volunteers were in action at the holy sites forming the largest expatriate volunteer group.

After holy act of gathering in Arafa, the volunteers served pilgrims during their stay in highly occupied Mina and Muzdalifa. Pleased with the selfless service of the volunteers, the pilgrims prayed for them and their family. IFF volunteers provided wheel chairs service to elder and disabled pilgrims who could hardly walk to their desired destination. Medical and food facilities were also provided for the needy people. Pilgrims from all over the world were the beneficiaries of their selfless, untiring and dedicated service.

The volunteers in Mina gave a great help and support to elderly pilgrims and those who had lost their way or got separated from their relatives. Well organized teams and vigilantly prepared road maps came handy to transit the stranded pilgrims. Local police too sought help from these multi linguistic volunteers who could communicate in English, Hindi, Arabic and other South Indian Languages. Few volunteers also used sign languages to lead stranded Chinese pilgrims to their respective camps.

This year, Saudi government had provided metro rail service for hajj pilgrims. South Asians including Indian pilgrims used this arrangement and IFF had deployed its volunteers in 9 railway stations to help them. Noticeably women’s and children’s services benefited great number of female pilgrims and it was appreciated by all. IFF volunteer’s dedicated effort did not go unnoticed as Indian Hajj Mission and Kingdom’s main stream media appreciated this holy act of serving guests of Allah.