(MENAFN - Arab News) Indian volunteers, played a commendable role during this Haj season, by extending various services to the guests of God.
Expatriate groups are planning to expand their Haj services considering pilgrims' needs.
"We would like to deploy at least 1,000 volunteers to serve Haj pilgrims next year," said CH Basheer, a senior official of Kerala Relief Wing (KRW), while commending the dedicated services of his volunteers this year.
KRW is one of the first Indian groups to send volunteers to serve pilgrims. "We have been serving pilgrims for the past several years, and realizing the need of Hajis we have decided to deploy more volunteers next Haj season," Basheer said.
During this Haj season, KRW sent about 400 volunteers to attend to pilgrims in Mina and other holy sites, under the aegis of the Industrial City Dawa Office (ICDO) in Jeddah.
Fuad Kawther, general manager of ICDO, commended KRW for its humanitarian and relief activities, and urged other expatriates to follow its good example in offering Haj services.
Basheer said KRW mobilized its volunteers from different parts of the Kingdom.
Abdul Shukoor Ali, president of Thanima and a patron of KRW, thanked local bodies and the Indian Haj mission for their support to its volunteers.
Commenting on the encouraging remarks made by the Haji and Mutamir Gift Organization, Ali said, "Our volunteer services during this Haj season were much better than before, and have been applauded by Saudi officials."
About 40 KRW volunteers supported the Haji and Mutamir Gift Organization, in distributing various gift items, as well as tea and water among pilgrims.
Ahmed Kutty, a 75 year-old from Malappuram, Kerala, who performed Haj this year with his wife, was one of the beneficiaries of the KRW services.
While coming from Muzdalifa to their tent in Mina, the elderly couple lost their way, and were assisted by KRW volunteers.
Noorul Islam, 70 years of age, from Calcutta, West Bengal, was all praise for KRW volunteers. Islam, who only speaks the Bengali language, lost his way and reached the KRW's office in Aziziya after two days.
"One of our volunteers who knew the language fluently, assisted Islam and ensured he returned safely to his tent," said Basheer. Islam was extremely appreciative, thanking the volunteer for saving his life.
