By: Marki Aadil
Srinagar, July 01: In a moving tribute to the Gandbal Srinagar boat capsize victims, Srinagar-based NGO ‘We The Helping Hands Foundation’ organized a Naat and Azan competition at Tagore Hall on Monday.
The event, organized by the NGO, aimed to promote Islamic culture and traditions among the youth while honoring the nine lives lost when a boat capsized in the Jhelum River on April 16, 2024, following swollen water levels.
The competition featured numerous talented individuals showcasing their skills in reciting Naats (poetic praises of the Prophet Muhammad) and Azan (the Islamic call to prayer). The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervor as participants poured their hearts into their performances, resonating deeply with the audience.
The first position holder in the Azan competition, Uzain Rouf, was awarded a bicycle, an appreciation certificate, and a cash reward of Rs 7,500 for school fees. The second position holder, Shahid Shafi, received a cricket kit bag, an appreciation certificate, and a cash reward of Rs 3,500 for school fees. The third position holder, Shakir Ahmad, was given a cricket kit bag, an appreciation certificate, and a cash reward of Rs 2,000.
In the Naat competition, Hafiz Arhan, Shahzaib Ahmad, and Junaid Mushtaq claimed the first three positions, respectively, and were awarded prizes similar to those in the Azan competition.
All other participants were also presented with appreciation certificates to uplift their morale.
The NGO also disbursed Rs 15,000 to two girls, the daughters of a man whose mortal remains have yet to be traced. In a humanitarian gesture, the NGO pledged to bear the educational costs of the two young girls until they complete their matriculation.
Additionally, the NGO felicitated blood donors of the Foundation, including Saliq Rashid Khan, Abrar Hussain, Adil Manzoor, and Abid Ahmad, among others, who collectively donated twenty pints of blood.
Prominent community leaders and scholars, including famous Naat Khawan of Kashmir Ghulam Hassan Gamgeen, Mufti Manoor ul Hassan (Naidkhai Sonawari), Maulana Abdul Majeed Lolabi, Mufti Abdul Rasheed Qasmi, and Taha Qadiri, graced the event, emphasizing the importance of remembering fellow countrymen.
The dignitaries commended the foundation’s efforts in fostering a sense of community and encouraging the younger generation to connect with their faith and heritage.
“We organized this event not just as a competition, but as a way to bring people together in remembrance of our brave souls from Gandbal,” said a spokesperson from We The Helping Hands Foundation. “Their sacrifices should never be forgotten, and through this event, we hope to keep their memory alive and inspire our youth to uphold the principles they fought for.”
The competition concluded with an award ceremony where the best performers were recognized and honored for their outstanding contributions. The event was widely appreciated by the attendees, who left with a renewed sense of pride and commitment to their community and faith.
