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Jubail: The Gulbarga Welfare Society (GWS) Jubail chapter successfully organized a grand iftar event at Cookzone Restaurant, bringing together over 150 distinguished guests, primarily from the Gulbarga community.

This gathering reflected GWS’s commitment to fostering unity and support within the community. It is one of many social initiatives regularly organized by GWS to strengthen community bonds and promote charitable efforts.

The chief guest of the event, Mr. Bathruddin Abdulmajeed, delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramzan and commending GWS’s valuable contributions in supporting the Gulbarga community.

Mohammed Abul Khasim, President of the GWS Jubail chapter, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants and contributors. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to uplifting the underprivileged by providing education, healthcare, and social support. He also stressed the importance of unity among Gulbargavis and encouraged attendees to actively engage in community welfare by becoming GWS members.

GWS advisor Syed Nasir Khursheed, who joined the event virtually from Riyadh, praised the president and executive committee of the Jubail chapter for their dedicated efforts in supporting the underprivileged in both Gulbarga and Saudi Arabia. He urged attendees to connect with the GWS team and contribute generously to help those in need.

The program commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Abdul Shukur, followed by a beautiful recitation of Quranic verses by Miss Aleena Iffat. Shafiuddin Ustad, Vice President of the GWS Jubail chapter, presented the vision and ongoing initiatives of GWS, highlighting the vital role of charity in uplifting the less fortunate.

In a special segment, Mohammed Abul Khasim introduced the chief guest and presented him with a memento as a token of appreciation for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for community welfare.

Adding to the event’s significance, Mohammed Imdad Ali, past president of the GWS Riyadh chapter and core committee member, addressed the audience, encouraging them to join hands with GWS in its noble cause.

The event’s logistics were managed by Mohsin Sanghar, who handled the registration desk and delivered the vote of thanks. The success of the event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Jubail executive committee, including Hidayathulha Khan, Mohammed Altaf Shaikh, Syed Ahmed Hussaini, Dr. Abdul Shukur, Ghaziuddin Patel, and Sarfaraz Basha, who worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.

This iftar gathering was a remarkable initiative that not only celebrated the spirit of Ramzan but also reinforced GWS’s dedication to humanitarian service and community development.

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

Jeddah: The Jeddah Kerala Pouravali Community hosted a heartfelt Iftar gathering, exemplifying the values of human brotherhood and unity. The event brought together representatives from diverse social, political, educational, cultural, and religious organizations, further enriching the spirit of inclusivity. Adding to its significance, office bearers from all fourteen districts of Kerala’s local bodies also participated, underscoring a strong sense of solidarity and shared purpose.

Kabeer Kondotty, Chairman of Jeddah Kerala Pouravali, highlighted the impactful activities of the organization and delivered an inspiring message on the essence of Ramadan. He emphasized that fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but a transformative journey toward spiritual purity, self-discipline, and compassion. "Fasting nurtures the heart, purifies the soul, and reminds us of our shared humanity, fostering empathy, humility, and gratitude," Kabeer noted.

He further addressed the growing issue of drug intoxication, stressing the Jeddah Keralite community’s commitment to combating this social menace. Through collective action and awareness, the community aims to break the chains of addiction and promote a healthier, drug-free future.

General Convener Mansoor Wayanad warmly welcomed the attendees, setting a tone of unity and camaraderie. Treasurer Shareef Arakkal concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants in making the gathering a meaningful success. The seamless organization of the Iftar was ensured by key coordinators Beerankutty Koissan, Jaleel Kannamangalam, C.H. Basheer, Unni Thekkedathu, and Navas Thangal.

Additionally, the dedicated office bearers of Jeddah Kerala Pouravali, including Salah Karadan, Mirza Shareef, Venugopal Anthikkad, Abdul Khader Aluva, Shameer Nadvi, Rafi Beemapally, Ali Thekkuthodu, and Noushad Chathalloor, played a pivotal role in the event’s smooth execution.

Beyond a shared meal, the community Iftar gathering served as a platform for exchanging Ramadan greetings and strengthening bonds of unity and mutual respect among attendees from various walks of life.