S M Krishna Flags off First Flight of Haj Pilgrims

27 October 2009

S M Krishna, the union minister for external affairs, flagged off the first flight of Haj pilgrims scheduled to fly from Bajpe airport on October 25, Sunday.

He spoke at the programme conducted for the pilgrims in Ansari Masjid, Bajpe, and said that the Haj pilgrimage from this city had become a reality because of the efforts of the UPA government. He said: “After the UPA government rose to power at the centre for the second time, there was a lot of other urgent work on hand. As such, the work related to arranging the Haj pilgrimage from here had to wait for some time. However, it was completed in time.”

He said that, besides handling serious issues such as the swine flu and issuance of international passports, the government has worked hard to make it easier for the Haj pilgrims to undertake their journey. He requested the pilgrims to bear with the government if they faced any inconveniences.

He also said that the services of nearly 300 medical professionals have been taken in order to impart orientation programme for the pilgrims and to provide them medical help at Riyadh and Jedda consulates.

He extended his warm wishes to the pilgrims and said: “You are the representatives of India and therefore responsible for the spread of Indian culture. Please stand by the peace, harmony, and good values that this country has always stood for and pray for India.”

S M Krishna flagged off the flight at Bajpe airport and also the buses carrying the pilgrims at Ansari Masjid grounds at Bajpe where the Haj camp is located. Ullal Tangal, Assaiyyad Abdul Rahman Musliyar, performed the religious rituals.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Mumtaz Ali Khan, the state minister for WAKF and minority development; Oscar Fernandes, the Rajya Sabha member; Janardhan Poojary; the former union minister; and several others.