Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Jul 24: The first group of faithfuls selected for the Haj pilgrimage this year from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkmagaluru and Hassan districts, left here for Mecca on July 24. The Haj flight took off in the evening from Mangaluru International Airport.
Karnataka State Haj Committee had arranged a formal inauguration programme of the first batch of pilgrims at Ansar School, Bajpe before the pilgrims departed.
Speaking on the occasion, minister of urban development and Haj department Roshan Baig said, "I request all Haj pilgrims to pray for peace especially in the coastal region. Every murder is a great loss to the victim's family and the society. Peace is essential for us in the troubled times. In Mecca and Madina, our pilgrims will follow the Indian flag. The state government has already allotted Rs 10 crore for Haj Bhavan at Mangaluru and Rs 2.5 crore has already been sanctioned. We all hope that the dream of having a Haj Bhavan here will be realised next year. I wish a happy pilgrimage to all the pilgrims."
"I will visit Pejawar Swamiji after this programme. I want to thank him on behalf of the entire Muslim community in Karnataka. By organising Iftar on Eid, he showed his concern towards humanity and harmony," he added.
Addressing the pilgrims, district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai said, "I am happy to you meet you before you leave for the Haj pilgrimage. It is a God given opportunity for all of you. Please pray for peace in the district and all over the nation. We need to pray to God to make us the instruments of harmony. If our hearts are filled with love and peace, automatically the society will be in harmony. Prayers at a holy place like Mecca and Madina are more powerful. I wish you all the very
best."
MLA Abhayachandra Jain said, "The prilgrims who have got an opportunity for Haj pilgrimage are very lucky. Our government is providing all facilities for the pilgrims. We will have a Haj Bhavan at Mangaluru very soon. So my request to all the pilgrims is, please pray for us and our nation."
Minister for food and civil supplies U T Khadar, MLAs Mohiuddin Bava, J R Lobo, member of Karnataka State Haj Committee KM Aboobakar Siddeeq, Khazi P M Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal, and VV Rao, director, Mangaluru airport were present.