IndiansInSaudi.Com

32 expats benefit from training program

Admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:14:26 +0000

Jamal Alwaye, chief patron of Youth India's north Jeddah chapter, distributes certificates to participants of a professional training program for expatriate workers. (AN photo)

By ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Youth India, a cultural organization of Indians in the Kingdom, recently organized an 11-day training program for expatriate workers in Jeddah to improve their skills and capabilities.

Jamal Alwaye, chief patron of the organization, distributed certificates to 32 participants of the “Free Job Skills Empowerment Training” at the completion of the course.

P.K. Ibrahim, Ahmed Mehboob, Rasheed Ameer, Mohammed Irshad, M.H. Sulaiman, N.K. Abdul Rahim and Sirajudheen Pandikkad gave lectures on various topics during the course at Al-Hayat International School.

“The main objective of this training program was to empower the youth with basic job-related skills,” said Fasal Kochi, president of Youth India’s north Jeddah chapter.

He said the organization was formed recently in order to boost youth potential in community service. “This course was the first public service initiative of our chapter,” he added.

Indian leader makes a case for Muslim unity

Admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:58:46 +0000

Akbaruddin Owaisi

By SIRAJ WAHAB | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: A prominent Indian leader from Hyderabad who performed this year’s Haj said his party has created the right template for the success of Indian Muslims in democratic India.

Speaking at a packed Al-Hayat Continental Hotel on Wednesday, Akbaruddin Owaisi, whose Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen party shares power with the centrist Congress Party in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, said when MIM was launched more that 50 years ago, there were many skeptics who rejected the idea of a separate Muslim political party.

“When my grandfather and father went about the task of reviving the MIM, the odds were heavily stacked against them,” he said.

“It was not easy to organize the Muslims of Hyderabad on a political platform after what had happened in 1948,” Owaisi said. “There were many Muslims who thought the creation or revival of a separate Muslim party would be counterproductive and disastrous.”

Fifty years later everyone is trying to emulate the MIM example in the rest of the country, he said.

“Look at Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, the Muslims of all these states have finally realized that political empowerment is possible only through the creation of their own parties,” he said. “Assam followed our example recently and the only Muslim party there succeeded in winning a number of assembly and parliamentary seats.”

The MIM is now a force to reckon with in Andhra Pradesh politics, and because of its robust electoral strength is constantly wooed by mainstream political parties at the time of government formations. The party has a major presence in the AP Assembly and the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, and is represented in the Parliament by its charismatic leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

Akbaruddin Owaisi says the success did not come easy. “We worked for the people of Hyderabad on multiple fronts; we worked at the grassroots level for political empowerment, educational empowerment, financial empowerment, and the protection of Muslim endowments; winning the hearts and minds of the people wasn’t easy; it took time and real hard work,” he said. “Now that we have the people behind us we consider it our sacred responsibility to honor the trust they have reposed in us.”

The success of his party, Owaisi said, was a result of the unity of Hyderabadi Muslims. “If Muslims of other states want to succeed, they need to unite behind one party like the Muslims in Hyderabad did,” he said. “Nothing is possible without unity.”

He admitted that MIM has its fair share of critics. “Critics are important, they should continue to criticize us because that keeps us challenged and focused. However, criticism should not be just for the sake of criticism, it should be for the good of the community. Let them continue with what they have been doing and we will continue to do what we know best, that is to serve the people.”

Expatriates from Hyderabad turned out in large numbers at the event organized by a host of Indian organizations, including Bazm-e-Ittehad. Among the audience were prominent members of the Indian community. One particular reason for the fairly large turnout was the brutal attack on Akbaruddin Owaisi sometime back by goons backed by a very active land grabbing mafia. Not only did he survive the grisly assassination attempt, he made it a point to perform Haj at the first opportunity.

“His supporters have come here in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their favorite leader,” said prominent Indian expatriate Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood. “This young man’s survival, despite receiving multiple stab wounds and four bullets, and coming to this holy land six months later, is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

Prominent Saudi national Dr. Faiz Al-Abideen acknowledged the contribution of Indian Muslims to the development of Saudi Arabia and conveyed Eid greetings on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif. “We wish the Indian community and its leadership well,” he said in a speech that was full of warmth for the Indian expatriate community.

Education key to Muslim uplift: Kidwai

Admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:56:31 +0000

Aligarians sing the 'Tarana' at the Sir Syed Day event in Jeddah. (AN photo)

By AQEEL JAMIL

JEDDAH: The alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)-Jeddah Chapter marked Sir Syed Day with traditional zeal and tributes to the AMU founder mixed with celebratory fervor at the Holiday Inn here.

Safdar Hussain Khan, chairman of the Minorities Commission, Delhi, was the chief guest, and Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, consul general of India, was the guest of honor. Other dignitaries included senior Alig Mannan and consuls Shakeel Ahmed, Rashid Khan and Madan Kumar Ghildiyal of the Indian Consulate.

The evening was marked by speeches, a quiz competition and a docu-drama on the mission of Sir Syed.

Chief Guest Khan, an Alig, lauded the efforts of Sir Syed and his mission while sharing some of his bright moments in AMU. He briefed the audience on the activities of the Minorities Commission and the various schemes such as coaching, self-employment, training and scholarships.

Although around 84 percent among minorities are Muslims, only a minor percentage — less than one percent — of the community makes use of these schemes, said Khan.

He also briefed the gathering that the Minority Commission Delhi is making efforts, through awareness camps called “Minority Commission at Your Door,” and urged the community to avail of the facilities provided by the government.

“AMU as an educational institution has done great service to the community in the subcontinent,“ said Consul General Kidwai in his address. “But today after the Sachchar Committee report it has been realized that the education level of the Muslim population is still very low, and this should be seriously debated,” he added.

The highlight of the evening was a docu-drama presented by young boys and girls on Sir Syed. The skit focused on Sir Syed’s concern for Indian Muslims and how it finally culminated in the establishment of AMU. It stressed the condition of Indian Muslims today, and underlined the need for reformers and leaders like Sir Syed to guide the community. The skit was written and directed by Khurram Ilyas.

Asim Zeeshan hosted the program in his usual pleasing style, Ateeq Siddiqui recited Qur’an, Abdul Bashir gave the welcome address and Aqeel Jamil presented the vote of thanks. The program concluded with traditional AMU anthem “Tarane Aligarh.”

Volunteers earn fulsome praise from pilgrims, authorities

Admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:49:58 +0000

Two Indian volunteers carry an elderly pilgrim to his camp in Mina on Tuesday. (AN photo)

By SIRAJ WAHAB | ARAB NEWS

MINA: One of the key roles in the successful completion of Haj rituals by the Indian and South Asian pilgrims was that played by the army of volunteers who arrived in Mina on the second day of Haj.

The volunteers, numbering nearly 2,000, belonged to different social and cultural forums such as the Indian Pilgrim Welfare Forum (IPWF), Jeddah Haj Welfare Forum, India Fraternity Forum (IFF), Kerala Muslim Cultural Congress (KMCC) and the Risala Study Circle. The best part is that despite all of them coming from India, they do not restrict themselves to just helping the Indians. On any given day at the Haj, Arab News saw the volunteers rendering help to all nationalities just as the incredible Saudi Boy Scouts.

The volunteers had the complete support of the Indian Consulate and its closely affiliated Indian Pilgrim Welfare Forum. The entry of the volunteers into Mina and their accommodation facilities were all organized by the Indian mission. From the pilgrims’ point of view, the presence of these volunteers at key junctions in the tent city of Mina was a source of relief and assurance.

The India Fraternity Forum was among the most organized. Having been at the Haj for a number of years now, its volunteers seem to have mastered the art of providing the right kind of help to the pilgrims. They were easily identifiable by their blue T-shirts and the saffron-colored jackets provided by the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY).

The primary job of the volunteers is to take care of the elderly pilgrims, especially those who lose their way in Mina while performing the challenging rituals. There were thousands of such pilgrims, both men and women, especially from South Asia who had lost their way or had become separated from their spouses or groups.

The IFF volunteers were the ones the pilgrims turned to in their time of distress. These volunteers not only rose to the occasion as they always do during Haj, but they would ensure that they were dropped at the doorstep of their camps.

According to IFF’s chief coordinator Mohammed Ashraf Morayur and deputy coordinator Basheer P.K., they got immense support from the Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Haj Consul B.S. Mubarak, IPWF President Kader Khan and General Secretary Saleem Quadri. “We couldn’t have done anything without their active support. They were on the ground with us and we coordinated all our activities with them,” Morayur told Arab News.

For the first time this year, the IFF fielded 40 women to help women pilgrims. “In all, IFF had more than 1,000 volunteers. They came from different Saudi cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha and Tabuk,” said Morayur. “These Indian expatriate volunteers came from 11 different states and spoke 11 different languages,” he said and clarified the perception that the IFF is a Keralite group was not correct.

“The map that was used to locate Indian camps in Mina was actually designed by the IFF and printed by the Indian Consulate in large numbers. The map had clear instructions of the exact location of the Indian camps in Mina. More than 3,000 such maps were printed on glossy paper. These are no ordinary maps. They are tailor-made for locating South Asian camps,” Morayur added.

As reported earlier, pilgrims get disoriented because of the sea of tents in Mina and they find hard to locate their camps because of the huge mass of pilgrims.

“The IFF volunteers are not just any expatriates. They are actually taken on board after a thorough screening process. Those who have performed Haj before and those who are aware of the topography of the holy sites are given preference,” said journalist Ahmed Kutty, who was among the first ones to come up with the idea of voluntary services at Haj eight years ago. “Once selected, the volunteers are then given adequate training in handling cases of missing pilgrims and elderly persons.”

The volunteers work a 12-hour shift each. When one batch is tired, it is replaced by another batch. The clearly identifiable jackets for them are provided by WAMY. In addition they have a large number of wheelchairs. “It is always a pleasant sight to see the IFF volunteers succeed in taking the lost pilgrims to the right camps,” said Javed Ahmed, an Indian pilgrim. “The lost pilgrims on reaching the right tents almost always break down into tears and shower heaps of praise on the volunteers.”

“This is our reward,” said Morayur. “We consider this to be our small contribution to the pilgrims. Our only quest is to earn their blessings. Nothing more, nothing else.”

SNM event marks Diwali, Eid Al-Adha festivities

Admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:46:14 +0000

Indian Welfare Consul S.D. Moorthy is presented with a memento by the SNM executive members in Jeddah. (AN photo)

By ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: The Senthamil Nalamandram (SNM) used the proximity of two major festivities of two major religions in India to promote harmony within the Tamil community here.

The SNM is an organization focusing on socio-economic interest of the Indian Tamils in the Gulf region and took the initiative to organize Diwali and Eid celebrations recently.

The event was attended by a cross section of Tamil community, who were made aware of the importance to respect and share the diverse festivities that the community marks in India.

In line with Diwali tradition the program started with firing of colorful firecrackers by children, followed by a welcome address by SNM’s Sheriff.

Children showcased their skills in dance, songs and special skits under the guidance of Starwin.

It was amazing to see a three-year-old telling the full form of 50 abbreviations in the IT field. In the kaviarangam (poem recitation) organized by Gopal Veda many new talents emerged, while the pattimandram (talk/debate) on “Who contributes more to a child’s development, mother or father?” that was judged by Amir Basha proved a big hit.

Pandian gave the presidential address explaining the welfare activities the SNM group conducted under the guidance of the welfare section of Indian Consulate General, Jeddah.

Indian Welfare Consul S.D. Moorthy attended the event and spoke about the welfare activities carried out by the Indian Consulate. He urged all Indians to register with the Indian mission.

Moorthy stressed the importance of supporting needy fellow Indians. He emphasized on abiding by the laws of Saudi Arabia and gave some tips on dos and don’ts in KSA.

A memento was presented by the SNM to Moorthy appreciating his services to destitute Indians.

C. Vetrivel applauded the efforts of the SNM in bringing the Tamil community together and developing budding talent. Vijendran hosted the program, while Mohideen proposed the vote of thanks.

Islam’s holiest site turning into Vegas

Admin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:38:08 +0000

Makkah, September 24: Behind closed doors in places where the religious police cannot listen in residents of Makkah are beginning to refer to their city as Las Vegas, and the moniker is not a compliment.

Over the past 10 years the holiest site in Islam has undergone a huge transformation, one that has divided opinion among Muslims all over the world.

Once a dusty desert town struggling to cope with the ever-increasing number of pilgrims arriving for the annual Hajj, the city now soars above its surroundings with a glittering array of skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury hotels.

To the al-Saud monarchy, Makkah is their vision of the future – a steel and concrete metropolis built on the proceeds of enormous oil wealth that showcases their national pride.

Yet growing numbers of citizens, particularly those living in the two holy cities of Makkah and Medina, have looked on aghast as the nation’s archaeological heritage is trampled under a construction mania backed by hardline clerics who preach against the preservation of their own heritage. Makkah, once a place where the Prophet Mohamed insisted all Muslims would be equal, has become a playground for the rich, critics say, where naked capitalism has usurped spirituality as the city’s raison d’être.

Few are willing to discuss their fears openly because of the risks associated with criticising official policy in the authoritarian kingdom. And, with the exceptions of Turkey and Iran, fellow Muslim nations have largely held their tongues for fear of of a diplomatic fallout and restrictions on their citizens’ pilgrimage visas. Western archaeologists are silent out of fear that the few sites they are allowed access to will be closed to them.

But a number of prominent Saudi archaeologists and historians are speaking up in the belief that the opportunity to save Saudi Arabia’s remaining historical sites is closing fast.

“No one has the balls to stand up and condemn this cultural vandalism,” says Dr Irfan al-Alawi who, as executive director of the Islamic Heritage Research Foundation, has fought in vain to protect his country’s historical sites. “We have already lost 400-500 sites. I just hope it’s not too late to turn things around.”

Sami Angawi, a renowned Saudi expert on the region’s Islamic architecture, is equally concerned. “This is an absolute contradiction to the nature of Makkah and the sacredness of the house of God,” he told the Reuters news agency earlier this year. “Both [Makkah and Medina] are historically almost finished. You do not find anything except skyscrapers.”

Dr Alawi’s most pressing concern is the planned £690m expansion of the Grand Mosque, the most sacred site in Islam which contains the Kaaba – the black stone cube built by Ibrahim (Abraham) that Muslims face when they pray.

Construction officially began earlier this month with the country’s Justice Minister, Mohammed al-Eissa, exclaiming that the project would respect “the sacredness and glory of the location, which calls for the highest care and attention of the servants or Islam and Muslims”.

The 400,000 square metre development is being built to accommodate an extra 1.2 million pilgrims each year and will turn the Grand Mosque into the largest religious structure in the world. But the Islamic Heritage Foundation has compiled a list of key historical sites that they believe are now at risk from the ongoing development of Makkah, including the old Ottoman and Abbasi sections of the Grand Mosque, the house where the Prophet Mohamed was born and the house where his paternal uncle Hamza grew up.

There is little argument that Makkah and Medina desperately need infrastructure development. Twelve million pilgrims visit the cities every year with the numbers expected to increase to 17 million by 2025.

But critics fear that the desire to expand the pilgrimage sites has allowed the authorities to ride roughshod over the area’s cultural heritage. The Washington-based Gulf Institute estimates that 95 per cent of Makkah’s millennium-old buildings have been demolished in the past two decades alone.

The destruction has been aided by Wahabism, the austere interpretation of Islam that has served as the kingdom’s official religion ever since the al-Sauds rose to power across the Arabian Peninsula in the 19th century.

In the eyes of Wahabis, historical sites and shrines encourage “shirq” – the sin of idolatry or polytheism – and should be destroyed. When the al-Saud tribes swept through Makkah in the 1920s, the first thing they did was lay waste to cemeteries holding many of Islam’s important figures. They have been destroying the country’s heritage ever since. Of the three sites the Saudis have allowed the UN to designate World Heritage Sites, none are related to Islam.

Those circling the Kaaba only need to look skywards to see the latest example of the Saudi monarchy’s insatiable appetite for architectural bling. At 1,972ft, the Royal Makkah Clock Tower, opened earlier this year, soars over the surrounding Grand Mosque, part of an enormous development of skyscrapers that will house five-star hotels for the minority of pilgrims rich enough to afford them.

To build the skyscraper city, the authorities dynamited an entire mountain and the Ottoman era Ajyad Fortress that lay on top of it. At the other end of the Grand Mosque complex, the house of the Prophet’s first wife Khadijah has been turned into a toilet block. The fate of the house he was born in is uncertain. Also planned for demolition are the Grand Mosque’s Ottoman columns which dare to contain the names of the Prophet’s companions, something hardline Wahabis detest.

For ordinary Makkahns living in the mainly Ottoman-era town houses that make up much of what remains of the old city, development often means the loss of their family home.

Non-Muslims cannot visit Makkah and Medina, but The Independent was able to interview a number of citizens who expressed discontent over the way their town was changing. One young woman whose father recently had his house bulldozed described how her family was still waiting for compensation. “There was very little warning; they just came and told him that the house had to be bulldozed,” she said.

Another Makkahn added: “If a prince of a member of the royal family wants to extend his palace he just does it. No one talks about it in public though. There’s such a climate of fear.”

Dr Alawi hopes the international community will finally begin to wake up to what is happening in the cradle of Islam. “We would never allow someone to destroy the Pyramids, so why are we letting Islam’s history disappear?”

Under Threat

Bayt al-Mawlid

When the Wahabis took Makkah in the 1920s they destroyed the dome on top of the house where the Prophet Mohammed was born. It was thenused as a cattle market before being turned into a library after a campaign by Makkahns. There are concerns that the expansion of the Grand Mosque will destroy it once more. The site has never been excavated by archaeologists.

Ottoman and Abasi columns of the Grand Mosque

Slated for demolition as part of the Grand Mosque expansion, these intricately carved columns date back to the 17th century and are the oldest surviving sections of Islam’s holiest site. Much to the chagrin of Wahabis, they are inscribed with the names of the Prophet’s companions. Ottomon Makkah is now rapidly disappearing

Al-Masjid al-Nawabi

For many years, hardline Wahabi clerics have had their sites set on the 15th century green dome that rests above the tomb holding the Prophet, Abu Bakr and Umar in Medina. The mosque is regarded as the second holiest site in Islam. Wahabis, however, believe marked graves are idolatrous. A pamphlet published in 2007 by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, endorsed by Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, stated that “the green dome shall be demolished and the three graves flattened in the Prophet’s Masjid”.

Jabal al-Nour

A mountain outside Makkah where Mohammed received his first Koranic revelations. The Prophet used to spend long spells in a cave called Hira. The cave is particularly popular among South Asian pilgrims who have carved steps up to its entrance and adorned the walls with graffiti. Religious hardliners are keen to dissuade pilgrims from congregating there and have mooted the idea of removing the steps and even destroying the mountain altogether.

Courtesy: The Independent

India opposition wants probe of home minister in telecom case

Admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:33:05 +0000

By REUTERS

NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders on Thursday called for India’s Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram to face a federal probe after a government memo suggests he failed to rectify the underpriced sale of telecoms licenses that lost the treasury up to $39 billion.

“A Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry has become necessary,” said Subramanian Swamy, leader of the small opposition Janata Party leader who presented the document to the Supreme Court which is reviewing the terms of the sale.

Chidambaram was finance minister in 2007 when companies were awarded 2G telecoms deals at rock-bottom prices.

The memo, written by the finance ministry and sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this year, suggests Chidambaram in 2008 chose not to revise the underpriced telecoms deals despite recommendations from other officials to do so.

Former telecommunications minister Andimuthu Raja was arrested and imprisoned in February in connection with the telecom scandal, one of a string of corruption allegations involving the Congress Party-led government.

Raja denies any wrongdoing.

The Supreme Court will decide in the coming days whether the note is sufficient grounds to order an investigation into Chidambaram, though B. Devashekhar, a lawyer at the court consulted by Reuters, said the court was unlikely to be consider the note as relevant evidence.

The Congress party stood by Chidambaram.

“The Congress party does not question Mr. Chidambaram’s integrity,” party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters.

Saudi National Day 2011

Admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:23:04 +0000

Saudi nurses need to improve people skills: Survey

Admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:07:08 +0000

JEDDAH: Eighty percent of Saudi men and women would rather be treated by a foreign nurse than a local one, according to an Arab News survey.

Twelve percent of around 200 people responded to the online survey said they did not care about the nationality of the nurse, while only 8 percent said they preferred a Saudi to treat them.

“Saudi nurses don’t have people skills and don’t care about your pain and feelings. If I had to describe them using one word, I would say ‘unkind’,” said Mouneera Dawood, a 38-year-old schoolteacher.

“I have been dealing with them for a while and every time I go for a checkup I ask my doctor for a new nurse, until I gave up on Saudis and decided to have a Filipino nurse who was more gentle when dealing with my pregnancy,” she added.

Saudi nurses are in a dilemma between meeting their patients’ needs and conforming with local culture and tradition, according to nursing consultant Dr. Sabah Abuzinadah.

“Saudi nurses are under the spotlight. They are always closely watched and criticized. I believe it’s because people expect nurses to be compassionate and caring while traditions push them to be conservative,” she said. “Most Saudi female nurses cover their faces and this is one of the reasons why people are not comfortable around them, because no one knows if they are smiling, frowning or even joking as you don’t see their facial expressions,” she added.

Abuzinadah said the same people who ask for women nurses to be friendly are the same people who will later claim they are not decent or have no morals.

“Non-Saudi nurses on the other hand get away with almost any attitude,” said Abuzinadah. “If a Saudi nurse was serious, people would say that she is humorless and not gentle, which makes her unfit for the job,” she added.

Interacting with people is one of the main and important topics that nurses study in college.

“One of the basic courses that nurses receive is how to deal with people from different backgrounds, but this does not reflect on the background of the nurse herself,” said Abuzinadah. “Saudi women always put their traditions at the back of their head when dealing with anyone. They always think of what actions might affect their reputation and avoid them. So taking people skill classes will not change anything,” she added.

Nursing in Saudi Arabia is very weak and needs a lot of developing, said Abuzinadah.

“We have been asking for years to have a supreme nursing council like other countries of the world. This nursing council will be in charge of monitoring Saudi and non-Saudi nurses in the Kingdom,” she said. “Saudi nurses face another problem — most of them are graduates of health institutes instead of from a college or university. I believe that nurses cannot finish their studies in two years and go to the nursing field as professionals.”

Saudi Arabia has more than 120 health institutes, even though Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah demanded their closure in 2007 and to upgrade them to colleges or universities.

“The World Health Organization has ordered the closure of all health institutes in the world by 2010. It’s already 2011 and we have more than 120 private health institutes that are operating and its graduates cannot find jobs,” said Abuzinadah. “Hospitals prefer to hire nurses with bachelor’s degrees rather than those with a two-year diploma and this is why graduates from health institutes cannot find a job,” she added.

By RIMA AL-MUKHTAR | ARAB NEWS

IDB offers assistance to develop Wakf properties in India

Admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:51:08 +0000

K. Rahman Khan, deputy chairman of the upper house of Indian Parliament, addresses a press conference in Jeddah on Saturday. Consul General of India Faiz Ahmad Kidwai is also seen. (AN photo)

JEDDAH: The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is keen to develop Wakf properties in India, said K. Rahman Khan, deputy chairman of India’s upper house of Parliament, while lauding the bank’s enthusiasm to boost ties with India.

“The bank is optimistic of working with the Indian government for the uplift of Muslims and the people of India,” Khan said at a press conference. Khan, who held a series of meetings with IDB officials including its chief Ahmad Muhammad Ali, said they explored ways to cooperate in different fields.

Khan and IDB officials agreed to cooperate primarily in three areas. “We discussed Islamic banking in India, thousands of hectares of Waqf properties and lastly educational infrastructure,” Khan said.

In fostering Islamic banking, IDB is hoping to hold a conference in India at the earliest, said Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, who was also present at the press conference.

“There’s skepticism about the Islamic banking system in India and that needs to be tackled through dissemination of information and I believe the proposed conference will help clear misconceptions,” Khan weighed in.

The bank is keen to initiate Islamic banking through “Tabung Haji” system — Malaysia’s pioneering effort in Haj management. If India adopts this system, the bank is ready to provide all assistance. Khan said the bank is willing to finance not only Wakf properties in India but also to develop seven Rubaats (Haj shelters) in Makkah for pilgrims’ accommodation.

“The proposal to construct multistoried buildings in place of seven Rubaats is worth considering. I will discuss this proposal with the caretakers of these Rubaats in India,” Khan said, adding, “We have 200,000 hectares of Wakf land in India and IDB is willing to help develop it.”

On education, Khan stressed India is a knowledge destination of the 21st century and offers wide-ranging educational facilities. “This will get a further boost with the opening of around 500 new universities in next 10 years,” he said.

The bank is hoping to tap this potentially-viable sector. It already provides $43 million worth of scholarships through its assistance program to 262 institutions.

“We explored the possibilities of jointly promoting a virtual university to cater to the growing needs of thousands of people in both countries.”

The cooperation, Khan said, will be on two levels — primary and secondary. On primary level, IDB wants to fund existing madrassas, which will be linked to the National Council of Open Schools, to make them competitive, and on secondary level, it wants to promote a virtual university system.

By SYED FAISAL ALI | ARAB NEWS