RIYADH – “Saudi Arabian Telugu Association” (SATA) Riyadh organized an Iftar event recently displaying a goodwill gesture of unity in diversity. Iftar was being served, non-Muslims offered prayers and Muslims offered Maghrib prayers, hymns and naats were sung in Telugu. It was a heart-warming scene of interfaith brotherhood at a sprawling function hall in Riyadh. SATA organizes this iftar party every year. More than 600 men and women participated in this feast organized on Friday. After the Taraweeh prayer, a dinner consisting of typical Andhra dishes was served.
Saudi Arabian Telugu Association “SATA” is the largest social organization in the country in terms of number of members. In which all the Telugu speaking people of the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana irrespective of religion and nationality are united only on the basis of language. Its branches are established in every city of the kingdom. Thus, the number of members of the organization is thousands.
After Maghrib prayer, a short program was organized, which started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz and Qari Saadeen Zian and the translation of the recited verses into Telugu was presented by Mazhar. Founder President Mallesh and Anand Raj while addressing the audience highlighted the aims/objectives and activities of SATA and described inter-religious unity as indispensable for the development and prosperity of the country. He also said that the coexistence and unity of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians is an ancient tradition of our country which we have inherited from our ancestors.
Speaking on the topic of “Ramadan and Holy Quran”, the keynote speaker Amir Maruf said that Quran is a manual of living for the human race. Its translations are available in most languages of the world. In the Holy Qur’an, there are clear instructions on modern scientific sciences, rules and regulations of economic and social life, and instructions on how to maintain mutual relations. Amir said that fasting for one month in a year is the best practice for maintaining the balance of the human body and leading a healthy life. He said that during fasting we stay away from some harmful health and bad habits. This is training for us. Those of us who do abstinence and good deeds for one month should maintain this best practice for the rest of the eleven months.
The event was also addressed by TM Mohammed Mubin, journalist Mohammed Saifuddin and K. N. Wasif. At the end, the young boys and girls also presented an interesting cultural program. Mohammed Sadiq performed the duties of organizing the event. SATA active member Mohammad Muzammil thanked Al Kabir Company, other sponsors and the men and women who participated in large numbers.
