IFF Haj volunteers a role model for other countries: Indian CG

Jeddah, Nov 29: The services rendered by Haj volunteers from the Indian Fraternity Forum (IFF) has inspired several other countries to arrange their own volunteers to help their pilgrims in the holy sites of Makkah during Haj, said Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.

The consul general was speaking at a get-together of Haj service volunteers organized by IFF at the Consulate of India premises.

He said that many countries had sought copies of the map of Mina, which was prepared by IFF.

“The selfless and timely services of IFF volunteers during the Haj is praiseworthy. Their service was much valued and have benefited thousands of Guests of Allah not only from India or Asia, but from many other countries. I could always spot IFF volunteers who stood out with their orange jacket in every nook and corner of Mina,” he observed.

IFF President Ashraf Morayur said the task of helping sick pilgrims and elderly women was carried out smoothly by IFF through a team comprising the volunteers from the IFF’s women’s wing — Women’s Fraternity Forum — as many pilgrims from India were above 70 years of age.

“This year, there were 32 women volunteers and 24 students in their team from the total of 1,200. The trip on Haj train service was made more comfortable, thanks to the round-the-clock service of IFF volunteers who helped the pilgrims to utilize the facility,” he said.

“The immense service of the Indian volunteers indeed came as a blessing to thousands of pilgrims. The forum volunteers were very active in round-the-clock services in Makkah, particularly in the Haram premises,” said Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh, the Haj consul. He congratulated the forum leadership for being “very active in rendering service in Mina along with their volunteers.”

Mukhtar Al-Kindi, in-charge of the Youth Team of World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY); Muneera Khalid Balahmar, director, Health Education Administration, Ministry of Health; and others also praised the role played by IFF volunteers during the Haj.

Ashraf Morayur, presiding over the function, expressed gratitude to the consul general for his tremendous support and remarkable service to the expatriate Indian community. On behalf of the IFF, Ashraf presented a memento to the consul general.