Mangaluru: Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (Karnataka Chapter) held a ceremony on Sunday, July 30, at the Highland Islamic Forum (HIF) Auditorium in Falnir. The event aimed to provide assistance and recognition to its members and their families through various welfare schemes and awards.

During the ceremony, the Family Benefit Scheme was distributed to the families of deceased members as a compassionate gesture from the association. Additionally, the deserving patients were recipients of the Free Dialysis Scheme, providing vital medical support to those in need.

The occasion also saw the distribution of the Late SM Basheer Memorial Student Scholarships, which offer educational support to deserving students. Moreover, the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon CAO of Shepherd International Academy, Hasan Yusuf, a respected figure recognized for his substantial contributions to social services over the years.

NA Muneer, the former chairman and trustee of KKMA, delivered the inaugural speech, highlighting the association's commitment to taking care of its members even after their passing. He emphasized how the association, which began in 2002 and now boasts over 16,000 members, has been able to extend financial assistance totaling more than Rs. 15 crore to 255 families who have lost their loved ones. Muneer applauded the selfless contributions of KKMA members, who, despite being small-time earners, generously contribute from their hard-earned money to support bereaved families. He urged the families of the deceased members to pray for the well-being of KKMA members, who tirelessly work for this noble cause.

Yusuf Rasheed, the KKMA Karnataka president, delivered the presidential address, underscoring the association's dedication to the well-being of its members and the underprivileged within society. This dedication is evident through the distribution of facilities such as free dialysis and educational scholarships, aimed at uplifting and empowering the community.

The ceremony also witnessed an address by Architect Mohammed Nissar, Chairman of Indian Design School Mangaluru. Nissar encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of the opportunity and urged the association to provide guidance to these students so they can pursue professions that benefit both themselves and the wider community.

SM Farooq, KKMA Karnataka State President, paid tribute to his late brother, the esteemed SM Basheer, and recounted how he tirelessly worked for the welfare of KKMA Karnataka Chapter. He also highlighted how the Family Benefit Scheme offered essential support to the families of deceased members during crucial times.

In recognition of his exceptional service to KKMA Karnataka Chapter, SM Farooq was felicitated at the ceremony.

Several students were awarded with the KKMA students award for their academic excellence in various exams while several other deserving students were awarded educational scholarships during the event.

The event concluded with Abdul Latif extending the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and supporters. Uzaif compered the event.

Prominent personalities like SM Basha and Munir Kodi were among the dignitaries present during the event.

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Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.

Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.

In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.

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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.

According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.

"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.

The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.