Bhatkal: Condolence book honouring Dr. Syed Khalilur Rahman released at Rabita Awards Ceremony
Bhatkal, July 24: During the second session of the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards 2025, a special tribute was paid to the late Dr. S.M. Syed Khalilur Rahman, a respected NRI businessman and one of the key visionaries behind the Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (Rabita Society). A compilation book of condolence and tribute letters received following his demise was formally released at the event by BMKC.
Karnataka Minister and Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya unveiled the book in the presence of several prominent dignitaries and community leaders. Among those present on the occasion were the recently appointed Superintendent of Police for Uttara Kannada, Deepan M.N., and senior members of leading local organisations.
The release of the book served as a gesture of remembrance for Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who was widely recognised for his contributions to educational and social development in the region. As a longtime resident of the Gulf, he played a key role in mobilising the diaspora for the betterment of Bhatkal. His leadership and foresight helped shape Rabita Society into a strong institution committed to educational empowerment.
Over the years, he became known not only for his business acumen abroad but also for his consistent service to the community back home. His efforts laid the foundation for platforms like the Rabita Educational Excellence Awards, which continue to recognise academic achievement among the youth of Bhatkal and surrounding areas.
The ceremony was attended by leading personalities, including Yunus Kazia, President of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal; Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal; Farooq Musba, President of BMKC; Aftab Kola, President of Indian Nawayath Forum; Ateequr Rahman Muniri, General Secretary of BMKC; Qamar Sada, a fellow NRI businessman; Altaf Kharuri, President of Bhatkal Town Municipal Council; and other key community representatives.
The second session of the Rabita Awards also saw the continuation of the student felicitation programme, as meritorious students from various academic streams were recognised for their achievements.
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Attack on Indian-flagged merchant ship off Oman coast unacceptable: MEA
New Delhi (PTI): An Indian-flagged commercial vessel has come under attack off the coast of Oman but all its 14 crew members are safe, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
It is not immediately known who carried out the strike on the vessel on Wednesday.
The MEA described the attack as "unacceptable".
"The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted," it said.
"All Indian crew on board are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them," it said.
The MEA said India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided.
The vessel was sailing from Somalia and the strike triggered a fire that led to sinking of the vessel, it is learnt.
The crew members were rescued by Oman's Coast Guard and taken to Diba port.
At least two other Indian-flagged ships have been attacked since the war between the US and Iran began on February 28.
The latest attack came amid the fragile security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
