KARACHI: Setting a golden example of Muslim-Hindu fraternity, the Sindh Al-Khidmat Foundation celebrated Diwali across the province. On the occasion, the foundation organised gift-distribution ceremonies in a total of 6 mandirs in various areas, including Sukkur, Khairpur, Kashmore and Shikarpur districts.
Starting from October 17 to October 22, Diwali celebrations by Al-Khidmat Foundation were observed with great religious fervour and spirit of brotherhood.
Keeping up with the Diwali spirit, foundation’s leadership distributed special gifts among the members of the Hindu community who were gathered in droves in Sukkur at the city’s Shamshan Ghat (cremation ground), Thal Mahadev Mandir and Samadha Ashram. Similar Diwali gatherings were held at the Baba Ghareeb Das Mandir in Tehsil KindhKot of Kashmore district, at the Panchayat Hall in Khairpur, as well as at the Sacho Satram Das in Shikarpur city.
Given by Al-Khidmat as a token of love and respect, gifts consisted of water-coolers, hundreds of stitched clothing pieces and quilts that were given to the needy members of the Hindu community in particular.
In his speech of welcome Pakistan Al-Khidmat Foundation Senior Vice President Syed Ahsan Ullah Waqas said, “The Al-Khidmat Foundation is always in the forefront when it comes to celebrating the holy festivals of those who are commonly referred to as a minority.”
He said that Hindus in Pakistan enjoy the same rights given to the Muslim majority, but a lot more is still required to bring minorities into the mainstream.
Among those who were present on the occasion were Sindh Al-Khidmat Foundation Minority Desk Member Dr Shankar Lal and the foundation’s Sindh Disaster Management Programme Director Khair Mohammad Tino.