Hasan Yusuf awarded late SM Basheer Lifetime Achievement Award by KKMA
KKMA student awards, Family Benefit Scheme distribution held in Mangaluru
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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Priyanka Gandhi calls for ‘moral accountability’ over names in ‘Epstein files’
Wayanad (Kerala) (PTI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday called for "moral accountability" from public office-bearers whose names appear in the 'Epstein files', alleging that such accountability was lacking in India.
Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Vadra said that across the world, those in public office whose names appear in the 'Epstein files' have resigned.
Her remarks come at a time when Congress is demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, whose name figures in the 'Epstein files' released in the United States.
“But here, our government does not seem to think there is any moral accountability towards the public. There is a moral accountability,” she said.
She added that if a person’s name appears in such files, they bear moral responsibility.
“Not just your name, but if you are repeatedly emailing back and forth and are clearly aware of this person’s activities, if you have been engaging in conversations and meetings, and if you are a minister, you have a moral responsibility towards the people of your country,” she said.
She noted that in other parts of the world, ministers and even members of royal families had been arrested or investigated and had resigned.
“But here, there seems to be absolutely no consciousness that there is some responsibility owed to the people. If you are interacting with a convicted paedophile and criminal, then surely there should be some accountability,” she said.
The 'Epstein files' refer to documents held by the US government relating to Jeffrey Epstein, containing details of his interactions with wealthy, prominent and influential individuals.
Epstein was later convicted of sex crimes, particularly involving the sexual abuse of underage girls.
When asked about Kerala Health Minister Veena George suffering injuries during a KSU protest, Vadra said she was not in favour of any form of violence.
On houses to be provided by the state government to over 170 families affected by the landslide, she said she was glad people were receiving homes, but stressed that the process should be expedited, including the construction of houses by the Congress for victims.
She also took a dig at the Union government, alleging a lack of assistance from the Centre. “We have received practically no help from the Centre, which I feel is tragic,” she said.
She added that the landslide was declared a severe disaster only after prolonged efforts, despite demands to classify it as a national disaster.
The landslide claimed over 200 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes in July 2024.
“These are times for all of us to come together, above politics. I know it is election time, but when something of such scale happens, we must all unite,” she said.
On the change of the state’s name from Kerala to Keralam, she said she was getting used to it like everyone else.
“I keep saying Kerala and then correcting it to Keralam. I will get used to it,” she said.
When asked about a Congress MP criticising the name change, she said she was not aware of the remarks made by other leaders in her party. “It is the prerogative of the government. A lot of names have been changed recently,” she said.
Responding to recent allegations of medical negligence against the state government, Vadra said Kerala needed stronger healthcare outreach.
“Such instances would not occur if there were sufficient doctors, staff and administrative support. Much more can certainly be done. People should receive better healthcare,” she said.
