This Ramzan will be special for Rahman, an automobile mechanic from Autonagar. Unlike last year, he does not have to toil hard even while fasting to buy monthly groceries for his family thanks to the novel initiative by the Vijayawada north zone wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and the United Forum for Quranic Studies, the two organisations that have taken upon themselves the task of supplying quality rice, pulses, oil and other groceries sufficient for a month, free of cost.
Over 130 families in Sanathnagar, Muralinagar, Ayyappanagar and some of the surrounding areas have received adequate stocks of groceries distributed free of cost by the two organisations.
“Most of these families eke out livelihood by working as daily wage coolies. Recognising the fact that during the holy month of Ramzan when Muslims fast, it gets really tough for these workers to toil hard empty-stomach, the organisations decided to shower what they call ‘Ramzan Gift’ packs on the families which comprise 25 kg rice, 5 kg wheat, 3 kg oil, red gram, sugar, tamarind and other items,” says Mohammed Dawood, Chairman of United Forum for Quranic Studies.
Each pack costs Rs.1,775. Appeals were made to people at different mosques and many philanthropists and organisations donated for the noble cause.
Efforts are being made to extend the service in as many areas as possible for the benefit of people, he says.
Survey“Volunteers had conducted a survey to identify the beneficiaries. In most of the families, widows and senior citizens are the bread-winners. They could not have asked for a better gift on this occasion,” says Mr. Dawood.
