Hindustan aur Kuwait (Tarīkhī, Ilmì aur Thaqafatī Rishte’ by Dr Abdul Qadir Shams launched in Delhi.
New Delhi:
Hindustan aur Kuwait (Tarīkhī, Ilmì aur Thaqafatī Rishte) i.e. India and Kuwait: Historical, Academic and Cultural Relations in Urdu, a book crafted out of the doctoral thesis of late Dr Abdul Qadir Shams Qasmi (1972-2020) originally titled ‘Ulūm-e-Islamī ki Tahqīq-o-Isha’at mein Wazārat-e-Auqaf Kuwait ka Kirdar by Mohammad Khalid Azmi (residing in Kuwait) was launched at Hotel River View, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi on Saturday, 25 February, 2023. The launch programme witnessed a good number of participants from media, academia and other spheres.
The participatns appreciated Khalid Azmi for his timely efforts to turn the thesis into a book with helpful additions to focus on the bilateral role of India and Kuwait in the academic and cultural domains.
The event was presided over by Prof Akhtarul Wasey, Islamic scholar and former president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur. Academics and media persons including Dr Raziul Islam Nadwi, Professor Iqtidar Mohammad Khan, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salafi, Dr Waris Mazhari, Dr Khalid Mubashshir, Dr Mohammad Ajmal, Suhail Anjum, Siraj Naqvi shared their views.
Dr Shahabuddin Saqib Qasmi, senior sub-editor, Urdu daily Inquilab, conducted the event, organised by Qari Zafar Iqbal Madni of Jamiatul Qasim Darul Uloom -il Islamia, Supaul, Bihar.
Mufti Mohammad Ansar Qasmi of Jamiatul Qasim presented vote of thanks.
It should be noted that author and senior journalist, Dr Abdul Qadir Shams Qasmi, had died of cardiac arrest on 25 August, 2020, during Covid-19.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Books / by Manzar Imam / February 27th, 2023
American Specialty Foods Co, on February 19 celebrated its 10th anniversary in Dubai with Valerie Brown, Regional Agricultural Counselor at USDA, US Consulate General Dubai attending the event as the Guest of Honor.
American Specialty Foods Co. that serves the taste of American flavors to over 50 countries with 20 product categories unveiled a brand new catalogue boasting over 650 products. The catalogue was unveiled by worldwide CEO of American Specialty Foods Co. Hany M Haneef, a prominent and dynamic NRI entrepreneur hailing from Mangalore.
“When I founded this company, it was a dream that I aimed to accomplish through passion. Despite the struggles we went through and the challenges we accomplished, it is the undying support of everyone which has enabled the company to achieve more than what we envisioned,” Hany M Haneef said during the event.
Valerie Brown, lauded the company and its achievements adding that the company was epitome of a company that “gets it”.
“They are deliberate, diligent and dynamic in promoting the best the US has to offer. I am delighted to celebrate them,” Valerie said.
Another guest Moroslav Hosek, spoke about the intensity with which Hany works as a professional.
“I have known Hany for five years now, but it feels like I have known him for at least 10 years. So intense a personal and business relationship it is indeed,” he said.
Incorporated in the USA 10 years ago, with a corporate office in Maryland, and a marketing office in New York, American Specialty Foods Co. includes a wide variety of products across 20 categories, including sauces, dressings, mayonnaise, tortilla chips, salsa, potato chips, popcorn, syrups, olives and more.
American Specialty has increased its global footprint, with regional offices in Dubai, London and Mexico.
The company is now venturing into the B2C segment to reach an increased number of households and bring the goodness of American taste to all, a press statement from the company said.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 25th, 2023
Mouzam Makkar is currently seen on high voltage legal drama “The Fix” on ABC.
Actor Mouzam Makkar, who plays Loni Kampoor on ABC’s ongoing series The Fix, has come a long way since she arrived in the US as an excited 12-year-old. Today, she along with many other South Asians in American entertainment industry, are not only defying brown stereotypes but are also introducing a newer idea of success in otherwise academically inclined South Asian American families.
While The Fix began airing last month, Makkar has been slowly establishing her identity as a talented Indian American actor. Last year, she was seen in Champions on NBC that was created by Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy. Before this, Makkar was also seen in The Following, Exorcist, Law & Order: SVU and many other shows.
“It’s a very exciting time to be a South Asian actor,” she says about being among the few brown actresses who may be changing the long-held stereotypes on American TV. “There are more of us doing TV and film than ever before and the types of roles we play continue to expand. There are also more South Asian content creators and that makes a big difference in expanding the types of narratives we get to tell. It’s been wonderful to be a part of a variety of stories where my characters were not solely defined by my ethnicity.”
Makkar, who hails from Kerala, India, spent a few years in the UAE before making America her home. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and worked in both investment banking and private equity before shifting to entertainment. Asked if it is doubly difficult for a person of color to find a foothold in the highly competitive Hollywood, Makkar says, “Hollywood is a very tough industry and being a person of color when the majority of the stories are still being told through a white lens makes it that much more difficult. However, things are changing and an important aspect of that change come from people behind the camera. Directors, producers and casting agents who are willing to think outside the box when they’re trying to fill a role make a difference in changing what’s on screen.”
Makkar also spoke about a growing number of South Asians in entertainment. “Those creating their own content can make some of the biggest difference in this industry and that’s exactly what the likes of Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, Hasan Minhaj and Kumail Nanjiani have done with their projects,” She says. “When you write the story, you no longer have to play the supporting character – you can be the hero, the story can revolve around you and your experience. That what these folks have done with their TV shows and films – they’ve shown that the South Asian character and story no longer has to be an afterthought – they can be the main attraction.”
She spoke about the kinds of roles that she would want to see more on TV and in Hollywood. “As a Muslim artist, I would love to see a broader representation of Muslims in TV and film,” she says. “Muslims are an especially misunderstood group in this country and I truly believe that more nuanced and diverse portrayals of the Muslim diaspora can go a long way in helping the general public dismantle many of the negative stereotypes they may hold against Muslims. Given the recent attack in New Zealand, understanding and compassion is more important now than ever. The stories you see in TV and film can go a long way in humanizing people and experiences that you yourself might not directly encounter.”
On the artists that may have inspired her, Makkar says, “My dear friend, Fawzia Mirza, is an amazing filmmaker, actor and activist and she is absolutely an inspiration for creating and sharing stories boldly. As a queer storyteller, she brings yet another layer to the narrative and filmmakers like her are instrumental in showing the world that there isn’t just one type of Muslim or South Asian in this world. We are a varied and diverse group, dealing with unique and universal struggles and we can’t be neatly boxed into a single category.”
source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home> News> Entertainment / by Zofeen Maqsood / April 04th, 2019
Sahebaan Business and Professionals Group (SBPG) and Sahebaan UAE conducted a Business and Professionals Meet at Al Jumairah Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, on 5th February 2023 from 2.00 PM onwards.
The event, sponsored by the Sahebaan Business Community UAE, was a success, with Sahebaan Community delegates from UAE, GCC, and India in attendance.
The event commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. The convenor of SBPG, Althaf M.S., welcomed the gathering and explained the purpose of this maiden initiative.
The Program thereafter commenced with a panel discussion moderated by Althaf M.S., an EPC Oil and Gas Professional. The panel consisted of Dr. Abdul Rahiman Beig, a Professor at Khalifa University Abu Dhabi; Mrs. Ambreen Sheik, a Businesswomen and also an Honorary President of the Indian Ladies Association, Abu Dhabi; Mr. Mumtaz Hussain, an established Businessman from Qatar; Dr. Waleed Ahmed, Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and a well- known consultant and Mr. Syed Siraj Ahmed, Ex banker & Risk Management Consultant.
While speaking during the event, Mr. Imran Hidayath, CEO of Hidayath Group, Dubai, dwelt on his entrepreneurial journey to success.
Mr. Suhail Kudroli, Chartered Accountant, urged all to participate in such gatherings.
While speaking at the sidelines of the meeting, UAE Sahebaan Convenor Mr. Afroz Assadi and Mr. Siraj Ahmed appreciated the initiative and urged all to lend their support.
Business presentations were made subsequently by Mohd Salman on his startup business “The Stepup Ventures,” followed by Sahebaan ladies, Sahara Asif on “Life Skills Education” and Waseem Shaikh & Thanziya Khan on “Tru Choco & Nuts.”
The event’s highlight was Speed Networking, which evidenced active participation by delegates and interaction on a one-to-one basis with every delegate.
The Program was managed by Althaf M.S, Mohd. Samiulla, Mohd Sufiyan, and Faizaan Khateeb and anchored by Mohd. Sufiyan.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023
A Mangaluru student, Shaikh Uzayr Mohammed, studying in Qatar has won Bronze Medal at the International Mathematics Championship 2022.
Uzayr is a grade 3 student of MES School, studying in Qatar. He hails from Kankanady in Mangaluru.
The championship was held in December 2022 and the results were announced on Monday, February 20, 2023.
A total of 2288 students from over 20 countries had participated in the championship organised by Champ Yellow, wherein Uzayr secured a place in top 40%, thereby securing a rank in Bronze Medal category.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 20th, 2023
Jabeen wants to show US military has a place for anyone who wants to serve.
India born Saleha Jabeen, who has become the US military’s first female Muslim chaplain, says she has to set an example and show that there is a place in the military for anyone who wants to serve.
“I did not have to compromise on any of my religious beliefs or convictions,” said First Lt. Jabeen, who graduated from Air Force Basic Chaplain Course Feb. 5 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
“The graduation ceremony for BCC Class 21A was a historic event as the Air Force aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive service,” according to a USAF release.
“I am surrounded with people who respect me and are willing to receive what I bring to the table as a woman, a faith leader, and an immigrant,” said Jabeen.
“I am provided with numerous opportunities to learn and develop skills that best equip me to be a successful officer and a chaplain in a pluralistic environment.”
“I get to provide spiritual care to all service members, Guardians and families and advise the commanders on religious and moral matters regardless of my faith, ethnicity or gender.”
“Like our boss says, it has never been a better time to serve as a chaplain in the US Air Force Chaplain Corps,” said Jabeen.
Jabeen says she is passionate about her role as a chaplain and takes her duty as a spiritual mentor very seriously.
“We all have a purpose that is specifically meant for us to fulfill,” Jabeen said.
“We must listen to our heart and follow our conviction. It is important to have people in our lives who model that for us. Choose that kind of mentorship and choose good companionship.”
“I just want people to remember that God, or higher power or the values that people uphold, remind us that we all are created with a plan: to become the best versions of ourselves,” Jabeen said.
“There is a ‘why’ for our existence and ultimately it is meant for us to be the best versions of ourselves. Commit to it, accomplish it and uplift others to do the same.”
“Do all that needs to be done with kindness, generosity, resilience and the grit to never quit,” she said.
All BCC students have advanced degrees and many arrive at the Chaplain Corps College with years of experience as members of the clergy as civilians, the USAF release said.
Throughout the course, Jabeen and her classmates are instructed how to apply their prior experience within the Air Force, it said.
“My goal is to create chaplains who are ready to provide front-line ministry upon graduation,” said Capt. John Richardson, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain.
Capt. Mara Title, Air Force Chaplain Corps College staff chaplain, said Jabeen’s addition to the chaplain corps will be of great benefit to everyone.
“The Air Force Chaplain Corps endeavors to promote diversity in all respects,” Title said. “Chaplain Saleha Jabeen’s presence enables an even broader scope of spiritual care for our Airmen, and for this we are very grateful.”
“She is as determined to take on the role of chaplain as she is kind, caring and compassionate. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity for her to graduate with the class of BCC 21A.”
Jabeen, who came to the US 14 years ago as an international student, was commissioned in December as a Second Lieutenant at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Jabeen completed her BA in Business and Economics at North Park University, followed by an MA in Theology–Inter-religious Dialogue from Catholic Theological Union and course in counseling psychology from Trinity Christian College.
source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home> Religion / by Arun Kumar / February 18th, 2021
Indian American Zohaib “Zo” Qadri has become the first Muslim elected to the Austin City Council in Texas after winning 51% of the vote in last week’s runoff election against Linda Guerrero.
He will replace Council Member Kathie Tovo, who reached a term limit. Qadri is scheduled to be sworn in on Jan 6.
“Representation matters,” said Qadri, who will represent District 9 which includes downtown Austin, the UT Austin campus area, and portions of Central and South Austin, on the council.
“When I saw folks who looked like me — whether it be in the media or on the news — it was always in a negative light … a villain or the butt of a joke,” he was quoted as saying by KUT, Austin’s NPR station.
During the campaign season, Qadri gained a lot of support among students, and election results showed he polled well in and around UT’s campus.
“We wanted to make sure that every precinct, every neighborhood, every constituency was reached out to,” he said after winning the election on Dec 13. “Whether it be longtime Austinites or young folks who have just moved to the city, I believe everyone deserves to have a voice in City Hall.”
Housing has been at the forefront of every City Council race on Austin’s ballot this go-round — particularly in Central Austin’s District 9.
Qadri said he wants to accurately represent the majority-renter city, and tackle issues including the climate crisis, housing affordability, and public health and safety.
The first-born child of immigrants, Qadri moved to Texas at the age of 12 with his parents and two younger sisters, his website says. After deciding to follow in the footsteps of his mother who worked in a pathology lab and his father who was then an oncologist, Qadri began to pursue an education in science at the University of Texas at Austin.
He switched paths midway to study the structures of political decision-making. He received a Master of Public Administration degree from Texas State and a second graduate degree from Rice in Global Affairs.
Qadri worked on the political campaigns of Beto O’Rourke and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. A local activist and volunteer, he has worked with the Texas Homeless Network, Austin Latino Coalition, and No On Prop B. He also serves on the advisory committee for the Travis County Democratic Party.
source: http://www.americanbazaaronline.com / The American Bazaar / Home> Politics / by Arun Kumar / December 22nd, 2022
Sahebaan UAE, a premier organization for the Urdu-speaking Muslim Community hailing from the twin districts of DK & Udupi, hosted a grand social family get-together followed by gala dinner at Al Jumairah Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, on 4th February 2023 from 5.30 PM onwards.
The event, sponsored by the Sahebaan Business Community UAE, was a grand success attended by more than 800 community members from all over UAE, neighboring GCC countries and India. Eminent personalities from the Sahebaan Community graced the occasion.
The event commenced with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Master Fazil Raheel Ali. Althaf M.S Coordinator, Sahebaan UAE welcomed the gathering and stated that Sahebaan UAE has been providing a platform for the community members to come together, connect and strengthen the brotherly bond.
The patrons of the Sahebaan community Janab Hidayathullah Abbas, K.S. Nissar Ahmed and Afroz Assadi were honoured in recognition of their outstanding business achievements and contribution to the local economy, commendable humanitarian service, charity work and unstinted support to Sahebaan UAE and its activities. Janab Syed Siraj Ahmed, Suhail Kudroli, and Althaf Khalife initiated the honoring proceedings.
On behalf of the patrons, Janab Hidayathullah Abbas thanked the organisers and the gathering for the honor bestowed on them. He urged the Community to strive hard for success, prioritize family, help the Community, and give back to society, thus earning goodwill for Sahebaan.
The Chief guest of the evening Janab Kassim Ahmed H.K., founder of Hidaya Foundation Mangalore, while addressing the gathering called for the upliftmemt of the poor and the deprived.
Janab Mohd. Akram, Mohammed Asif, Althaf Khateeb and Irshad Moodbidri conducted the felicitation of Sponsors. Dr. Abdul Rahiman Beig, Professor at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi & recognised as a top rated scientist by Stanford University and Mrs.Yasmeen Irfan, winner of Foodshala UAE 2022 were honoured on the occasion.
Janab Afroz Assadi Patron and Convenor of Sahebaan UAE presented awards to the talented Sahebaan Youth, namely, Sham Akbar Sheik, Safa Tamadur, Rafa Riyaz Khalife, Daniyal Danish Iqbal, Rafhan Balanthi Baig, Mohd. Rafan, Sheikh Saahir Akbar, Mehek Sheikh, Nuha Riyaz Khalife for excellence in academics.
Anbar Althaf and Saqib Baji for Sports achievement and Anam Aslam for performing arts.
Faizaan Khateeb, Mohd. Samiullaha, Mohd Sufiyan and Abdul Ahad presented a photo journey of Sahebaan UAE through the years.
Well-known bollywood stand-up comedian and mimicry artist Jayvijay Sachan entertained all with his mimicry & comedy. A Sufiana troupe from mumbai mesmerized the crowd throughout the evening with their melodious rendering.
Sahil Zaheer, a fellow Sahebaan and a hugely popular stage & radio artist from Mangalore, compered the program and entertained the crowd with his wit and humor.
Sahebaan Ladies Wing members Sahara Asif, Reena Althaf, Mehek Sheik and Riza Mustafa managed the children’s Program.
The function was sponsored by Hidayath Group, NASH Engineering FZCO, Northern Insurance brokers LLC, Prestige Engineering LLC, Petrosolutions FZCO, Creative House Scaffolding, Advanced Creative Techncial Services, Al Sitara Gulf Contracting, Multiline Technical Co. LLC, Progressive Technology & Services LLC, Sumtech Multiline Trading, Right Choice Trading, Al Bustan Trading, Vertex Engineering, Izza Gold & Diamonds Dubai, Cell Town, Invension Medical Requisities, Core Elements Interior Decoration LLC and Hasmai Mangalore.
The function concluded with a raffle draw and vote of thanks by Syed Mohd. Ajmal.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023
Siddi children performing Dance Dhamaal in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India. Courtesy Sayan Dey, CC BY-SA
The term Siddi refers to Afro-Indians – Africans who mixed with Indians through marriage and relationships. Africans crossed the Indian Ocean and arrived in India during the 1200s, 1300s and 1400s. They were transported by Islamic invaders and Portuguese colonisers as enslaved people, palace guards, army chiefs, harem keepers, spiritual leaders, Sufi singers singers, dancers and treasurers.
Today, the majority of Siddis are found in the west and south-west of India, in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana states. As they settled, they preserved and practised their African ancestral sociocultural traditions – and also adopted local Indian traditions.
This interweaving of African and Indian cultural values gave birth to various creolised (mixed) food, music and spiritual practices.
As a diversity studies scholar, I have been researching Siddi culture for some time. Working within this community in Gujarat and Karnataka, I found that their creolised cultural practices emerged as a resistance to colonisation, racialisation and victimisation in postcolonial India.
My most recent research – which can also be seen in a new documentary – has focused on the music and dance performances of the Siddi community in Gujarat, called Dhamaals.
The story of Dhamaal performance traditions reveals the rich and complex mixing of cultures in a world shaped by human movement and history.
What are Dhamaals?
Dhamaal is a mix of Sufi and African (mostly East African) musical and dance traditions. It refers particularly to the spiritual practices of the Siddis of Gujarat.
The Siddis begin almost every Dhamaal song by blowing into a conch shell. This is often followed by the slow playing of East African percussion instruments like the musindo and the slow thumping of feet that marks the onset of the singing and dancing Dhamaals. The ritual of foot thumping is a crucial part of spiritual East African dance and musical traditions.
The Siddis are followers of Islam and arrived in India from Muslim communities in East and Central Africa. Dhamaals are performed in memory of their spiritual leaders, among them Bava Gor, Mai Misra, Baba Habash and Sidi Nabi Sultan. According to Siddi folklore they arrived from Ethiopia through the Nubian Valley, Syria and the Indian Ocean to the coast of Kuda in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.
Shipping line Shipping ports Railway line Map: Usifo Omozokpea Source: Sayan Dey Created with Datawrapper
Usually, Dhamaal songs and dances are performed to celebrate the anniversary of the birth and death of spiritual leaders. They are performed in two ways – Dance Dhamaal and Baithaaki Dhamaal. The Baithaaki Dhamaal is performed in the sitting position and the Dance Dhamaal is performed in both sitting and dance positions.
During the performance of Baithaaki Dhamaal the focus is more on the lyrics and less on the musical instruments. During Dance Dhamaal the focus is more on the sounds of the instruments. These are often played in a frenzied manner and accompanied by frenzied dance movements. The spiritual songs that are sung during the Dhamaals are known as zikrs.
A mixing of cultures
The creole cultural aspects of Dhamaals are broadly reflected through the Swahili Creole language used to sing the zikrs, the Indian and African musical instruments used to perform them and the Afro-Indian body movements of Dance Dhamaals.
Historically, the Swahili Creole language in India emerged among the Siddis through the mixing of Kiswahili from East Africa with Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu languages from India. As an example, these are the lyrics of one zikr:
Ya bolo sabaya hua wey
Ya bolo sabaya hua wey
Hu sabaya
Salwale Nabi Sultan
This zikr is sung in the praise of Siddi spiritual leader Nabi Sultan, believed to have arrived in Gujarat from the Nubian Valley. The Swahili words that have been used are “hu” (a common expression of consent) and “sabaya” (meaning that everything is alright). The zikr means that with the blessings of Nabi Sultan no evil can befall the Siddis of Gujarat.
Siddis performing Baithaaki (sitting) Dhamaal in a shrine in Gujarat. Courtesy Sayan Dey, CC BY
The musical instruments used to perform the zikrs are East African percussion instruments. The musindo, for example, is a cylinder-shaped, two-sided drum from Kenya. The misr kanga is a small, funnel-shaped instrument from Ethiopia, containing small stones. The mugarman is a large, cylinder-shaped, one-sided drum from Tanzania. These are played along with traditional Indian musical instruments. These include the harmonium (a keyboard instrument) and the dholak (a two-headed hand drum). The intermingling of Indian and African musical instruments generates creole rhythmscapes which are traditionally African and Indian at the same time.
During the Dance Dhamaal, the hand and the body movements of the Dhamaal dancers in Gujarat are very similar to the Ngoma dancers of East Africa. The Ngoma dancers thump their feet and swing their arms sideways to the rhythm of drums. The Dhamaal dancers also swing their arms sideways, but the thumping of feet depends on the context of their dance. During religious occasions, for example, the foot thumping is slow. This is because the Siddis follow many spiritual aspects of the Sufi tradition. For Sufis, heavy and frenzied feet thumping is prohibited when worshipping spiritual leaders.
Transoceanic roots
These creolised musical and dance performances allow the Siddis in Gujarat to maintain their African ancestral practices. They do so in collaboration with Indian practices so that they do not forget their historical roots yet can respect local traditions at the same time.
Siddis performing Baithaaki (sitting) Dhamaal in a shrine in Gujarat. Courtesy Sayan Dey, CC BY
These creole practices have allowed the community to build a transoceanic identity (one which crosses the oceans). This is done in a collaborative, reciprocal and diverse way.
The Dhamaal tradition of the Siddis has socially, culturally and economically empowered the community as well. Several community members, through the assistance of government and private organisations, travel across India and the world to perform at cultural festivals. This encourages the Siddis to share their creolised cultural values across the globe.
This in turn invites audiences to consider history through an interracial and intercultural lens.
source: http://www.theconversation.com / The Conversation / Home> Global / by Sayan Dey, University of Witwatersrand / February 03rd, 2023
President William Ruto awards the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community Syedena Mufaddal Saifuddin on Monday.[PCS]
His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community, was among 460 people who were feted by President William Ruto on Jamhuri Day.
Saifuddin received the most prestigious award of the Order of the Golden Heart for his philanthropic contributions across the world, including in Kenya.
He was among the leaders invited by President Ruto to this year’s celebrations on Monday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxGgOs4EnTE&t=2s
Speaking during the ceremony at the State House, the president thanked Saifuddin for supporting the government’s low-cost housing initiative as well as the ongoing drought relief efforts.
“We are collaborating with the Dawoodi Bohra community to build low-cost houses to address challenges facing low-income earners, especially in the informal settlements,” said Ruto.
Bohra community has established affordable houses in Athi River and Rongai.
The President acknowledged the role of Saifuddin in philanthropy across the world and his leadership role in fostering inter-faith dialogue.
Saifuddin joined the list of eminent personalities who have previously received the highest award in Kenya for their exemplary work.
Others include Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Aga Khan Shah Karim al-Husayni.
Saifuddin was previously presented with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart award during the inauguration of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah’s Nairobi campus in 2017, the third campus of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s educational institute.
The award was in recognition of his efforts for the cause of education and literacy. The campus, inaugurated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, offers higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate studies to more than 900 students from 24 countries in various disciplines.
In efforts to restore indigenous tree species, the Bohra community’s spiritual leader donated 76,000 seed balls to Kenya in 2019, which were planted near the Amboseli National Park to mark his 76th birthday.
The East Africa region has more than 10,000 community members and Kenya is home to about 5,500, mostly concentrated in Nairobi and Mombasa and a smaller population in Nakuru, Malindi, Lamu, Kisumu, Eldoret and Kitui.
Saifuddin is expected to meet the community members and deliver sermons in the course of his visit.
source: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke / The Standard, Kenya / Home> National / by Jacinta Mutura / December 16th, 2022
