Minister for Haj Bhavan as multi-cultural centre

Minister for Urban Development and Haj R Roshan Baig on Wednesday said the proposed Haj Bhavan in Mangaluru should be a multi-cultural centre.

Addressing the gathering during a programme organised by Mangalore Haj Committee to inaugurate haj pilgrimage of first batch from Dakshina Kannada and surrounding districts, Baig was responding to the demands made by ministers and local MLAs alike to give a push towards realisation of Haj Ghar.

Baig said that a similar facility at Calicut in Kerala and other places remains defunct for most of the time, but Haj season. It should not happen in the case in Mangaluru. Except for marriage ceremony, it can be used for cultural activities, debates and other purposes.

Recalling the days in mid 90’s when haj pilgrims from the state were forced to embark from Mumbai (Bombay), Baig credited the then Union Minister for Civil Aviation Gulam Nabi Azad for introducing flight services from Bengaluru Old Airport only for the benefit of haj pilgrims later. It was followed by the embarkation points at Hyderabad, Srinagar, Mangaluru and Cochin.

He also appealed to the pilgrims to pray for peace and welfare of the country, as not many are destined to take the holy tour. Most importantly, one should pray for peace in coastal region, given the recent disturbances in the society, he added.

He also extended an invitation to dignitaries on the dais for the inauguration of Haj Bhavan in Bengaluru scheduled to be held on August 27.

Common demand
Mangaluru North MLA Moiddin Bava demanded for additional allocation of Rs five crore in the next budget, against Rs one crore allotted for Haj Bhavan in Mangaluru. Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader wanted the minister to build the Bhavan at Belagavi too—for the benefit of the devout from the community from the same region. Minster for Forest, Ecology and Environment and District In-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai and MLA K Abhayachandra Jain also impressed upon Minister Baig towards dedicating the Ghar to devotees at least by next Haj tour.

Memo to minister
Earlier, President of District Haj Advisory Committee S M Rasheed Haji submitted a memorandum to Minister Baig apprising the latter about one acre and 92 cents of land identified for haj ghar near the airport. It would be beneficial for haj pilgrim from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Kodagu districts, he said.

Siddu’s son
Mentioning the recent demise of Rakesh, elder son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Baig appealed to the pilgrims to pray for the departed soul at Mecca.
DH News Service