Saudi Arabia: Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF), a socio-cultural forum of the expatriate from Kannadigas (people from state of Karnataka in India) in Saudi Arabia, rendered exemplary service in volunteering during this year’s Hajj and won laurel from every quarters. The maiden effort from KCF came under all-round appreciation, thanks to their outstanding service during the pressing times of stampede at Mina. Many of KCF Hajj Volunteers camped three days at the hospital in Mina to dedicate themselves to serve the wounded people. The New Mina Hospital felicitated the KCF Hajj Volunteer group with an appreciation letter.
KCF is engaged in addressing socio- economic concerns of expatriate Kannadigas. It also provides a venue for cultural patronage and helps maintain human dignity while respecting deeply the cultural and religious heritage of Saudi Arabia as well as strictly abiding by the laws of the holy land.
In its maiden effort, the KCF fielded 100 volunteers to serve the guests of Allah at Mina. Taking the help of the experts, KCF had drawn a meticulous plan to carry out this maiden Hajj volunteer service. The volunteers were given strenuous training before being deputed to service. Hundreds of expatriates from the state of Karnataka had come forward to register for the volunteer service. However, considering limitation at the maiden effort, KCF decided to limit an overall number of 100 this year. Thanks to Allah, the first effort has been hugely successful. The highly motivated volunteer group of KCF were found around the scene in Mina very actively helping pilgrims forgetting their personal inconvenience.
KCF volunteers consider it a privilege that Almighty Allah bestowed upon them to get a chance to serve the wounded and dead at Mina Hospital. Due to the emergency situation and shortage of hospital helping staff, the KCF men volunteered to assist the wounded and dead in the best possible way as directed by the hospital staff. KCF volunteers recall heart wrenching moments and thank Allah for getting a chance to become most valuable to so many wounded pilgrims just before their last breath.
KCF group had started its volunteer work even before the prescribed volunteering days at Mina. KCF volunteers had flocked together to Medina and Makkah to help the pilgrims in all possible way when Hajjajs from India started reaching Medina and Mecca. With sole motto of earning the ‘Dua’ of Allah’s guest and thereby the pleasure of Allah, the volunteers were at the door step of Hajis to lift their luggage, to hold their hand, to help them find their ways towards their accommodation and give company to elderly and weak pilgrims.
Saleem Kanyadi, the chief organizer and Althaf Ishwarmangila, the convener of the entire set up are very enthused with the successful initial venture and wish to expand the service to accommodate more number of volunteer aspirants from next year onwards.