At 18 lakh, Indian Muslim Umrah performers in 2023 third highest: Saudi govt
New Delhi (PTI): A total of 18 lakh Indian Muslims performed Umrah in 2023 -- the third highest in the world, Saudi Arabia government officials said on Wednesday.
The officials said they anticipate a yearly increment in the number, according to an official statement issued by the country.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken any time of the year.
Indian Muslim Umrah performers ranked third highest among countries, reaching 18 lakh visitors, the officials said.
They did not mention the names of the top two countries accounting for the highest Umrah performers.
Highlighting the significance of India in the Umrah sector, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, made the first-ever visit to India in early December.
The minister participated in an introduction meeting organised by the unified government platform 'Nusuk' from December 4 to 6.
The event showcased the platform's unique services and facilities to Muslim guests worldwide, with a special focus on those from India. Dr Al-Rabiah addressed concerns, proposed initial solutions, and set the stage for collaboration.
Nusuk has been launched by Saudi Arabia to streamline the process of obtaining electronic visas and automating access procedures for Umrah and visits to the Prophet's Mosque.
The platform engages in extensive partnerships through regional and international roadshows.
A representative from an Indian Travel and Tourism Agency emphasised that Nusuk will significantly contribute to facilitating Umrah for Indian visitors, elevating service standards.
Hasan Al-Dabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the platform's role in developing an integrated ecosystem for the Umrah sector.
This allows the private sector in Saudi Arabia and globally, particularly in India, to serve the guests of the Rahman, benefiting from the platform's services, he said.
Since its launch, Nusuk has empowered the private sector by sharing data, providing training courses, and strategically connecting service providers with visitors.
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NCW slams derogatory remarks against Col Qureshi
New Delhi, May 14 (PTI): The National Commission for Women has strongly condemned the purported derogatory remarks made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, calling for respect for women in uniform.
Though Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar did not name anybody but her remarks come a day after Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's purported remarks against Qureshi sparked widespread outrage.
"It is extremely unfortunate that such statements are being made by some responsible persons which are derogatory and unacceptable towards women. This not only hurts the dignity of women in our society but is also an insult to the daughters of the nation who are playing an important role in the security of the country," she said on X.
"Dear Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a proud daughter of this nation, a sister of all country-loving Indians, who has served the country with courage and dedication," she said, adding the entire country is proud of brave women like her and that such derogatory statements should be "strongly condemned."
The Congress shared a video in which Shah is purportedly heard making objectionable remarks, saying, "'Jinhone humari betiyon ke sindoor ujade the… humne unhiki behen bhej kar ke unki aisi ki taisi karwayi (those who wiped sindoor (vermilion) off our daughters' forehead... we sent their sister to teach them a lesson)'."
Shah later said, "If my words have hurt society and religion, then I am ready to apologise ten times." .
Colonel Qureshi was part of the tri-services team that conducted press briefings on Operation Sindoor alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The Indian military response came after terrorists carried out a brutal attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead
Rahatkar also pointed to the recent CBSE results where girls have outperformed boys in several categories, stating that it is more important than ever to foster a respectful attitude towards women.
"To move towards a progressive nation, it is necessary that women move ahead and lead in every field," she said.
Calling for dignity in public discourse, she urged everyone to adopt respectful language and behaviour towards women.
"Underestimating the participation and contribution of women is not only unacceptable but also an obstacle to the development of the country," she added.
यह अत्यंत दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है कि कुछ जिम्मेदार व्यक्तियों द्वारा ऐसे बयान दिए जा रहे हैं जो महिलाओं के प्रति अपमानजनक और अस्वीकार्य हैं। यह न केवल हमारे समाज में महिलाओं की गरिमा को ठेस पहुंचाता है, बल्कि राष्ट्र की उन बेटियों का भी अपमान है जो देश की सुरक्षा में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका… pic.twitter.com/8u65Cj4Fqq
— Vijaya Rahatkar (@VijayaRahatkar) May 14, 2025
