JEDDAH — The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association (AMUOBA) Jeddah Chapter hosted a special felicitation ceremony to honor community volunteers. The event, titled “Taqreeb-e-Tahseen: Khadiman-e-Hujjaj ke Naam,” recognized the selfless individuals who assisted Indian pilgrims during the 2026 Haj season.
Consul General of India in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, attended as the Chief Guest. He was joined by senior Consulate officials, prominent community leaders, and the volunteers themselves. The gathering celebrated the profound impact of grassroots service on the massive annual pilgrimage.
AMUOBA Jeddah President Dr. Prince Mufti Ziaul Hasan opened the evening. He described serving the pilgrims as both a privilege and a sacred duty. He stressed that administrative planning alone cannot guarantee a successful Haj. Volunteers serve as a vital human bridge. They provide essential guidance, dignity, and comfort to elderly and exhausted pilgrims. Dr. Zia also commended the Indian Haj Mission and various government bodies for their tireless efforts.
Consul General Suri highlighted the massive scale of the 2026 operations. The mission successfully supported a quota of 175,025 Indian pilgrims. This required extensive coordination across healthcare, transportation, and accommodation. He praised a remarkable logistical achievement regarding luggage management. Despite the immense volume of baggage, only two cases of lost luggage remained unresolved.
The Consul General also highlighted the success of the Indian Community Makkah (ICM). This initiative provided a unified platform for volunteer coordination. Special appreciation was directed toward Engr. Fazal Muhammad. His deep understanding of ground realities ensured volunteers were deployed precisely where pilgrims needed them most.
Volunteers traveling from Makkah received certificates and mementos for their endurance and compassion. For many, the ceremony offered rare public recognition for their quiet, grueling work.
General Secretary Athar Rasool expertly coordinated the program. Executive Committee members Emran Siddiqui, Fahad Afridi, Abid Hussain, and Adnan Shoeb ensured seamless arrangements. The Association also expressed deep gratitude to sponsors Saad Anwar and Dr. Mohammed Abdul Saleem for their generous logistical and financial support.
Vice President Rabnawaz Khan delivered the vote of thanks. The evening concluded with a fellowship dinner. The event stood as a powerful reminder that the success of the Haj relies heavily on the silent, profound dedication of community volunteers.
