The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : YSR sees off first batch of Hajis

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

YSR sees off first batch of Hajis

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, DEC. 13. The first batch of Haj pilgrims from the State embarked on the hallowed journey on Monday amidst chants of "Labbaik, Allahumma labbaik ... ". A total of 442 pilgrims, including 227 women and an infant, flew by a special flight to Madina Munawwara at 10.30 a.m.

Earlier, Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, flagged off the bus carrying the pilgrims at Haj House. Wearing a white cap, Dr. Reddy offered `salam' to the pilgrims and to their pleasant surprise he addressed them in chaste Urdu.

He expressed happiness that they were the chosen ones to perform Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam. Purified of all sins, he hoped they would begin a new life after Haj.

Appeal to pilgrims

The Chief Minister requested the pilgrims to pray for the prosperity of the State.

He said that the Government was committed to providing 5 per cent reservation to Muslims in jobs and educational institutions. Later, he released a small booklet containing important telephone numbers and information brought out by the Customs Department, Hyderabad.

Mohd. Fareeduddin, Minister for Minorities Welfare, said efforts were made to provide all facilities to the pilgrims under one roof.

He said the Centre was offering a subsidy of Rs. 20,000 to the pilgrims.

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