Two Bengalureans among hundreds who died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
Bengaluru (PTI): Two pilgrims from Bengaluru are among the hundreds of people who died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said on Thursday.
The deceased have been identified as Kouser Rukhsana (69) and Abdul Ansari (54), residents of RT Nagar and Frazer Town, respectively, they said.
Due to the intense heatwave, the two pilgrims from Bengaluru, like many other nationals, died of dehydration and sunstroke.
"The tragedy occurred when the pilgrims were reportedly taking part in the Ramy al-jamarat (stoning of the devil) ritual at Mina valley located on the outskirts of Mecca," S Sarfaraz Khan, Executive Officer of the Karnataka State Haj Committee, told PTI.
Citing the customs and agreements with the Saudi Arabian government, he said bodies of the pilgrims who die during the pilgrimage are not brought back to their native place.
"So, bodies of both Rukhsana and Ansari have been buried there by the authorities concerned and death certificates will also be handed over to their spouses," Khan said.
According to him, both the victims, along with other pilgrims, were scheduled to return here on June 22.
This year, the state government received close to 13,500 applications, out of which over 10,300 people undertook Hajj pilgrimage.
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‘Dear Virat, Rohit, and Rahul...': PM Modi congratulates Team India after T20 World Cup victory
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the Indian cricket team after their thrilling 7-run victory over South Africa to clinch the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. During a phone call on Sunday, PM Modi commended skipper Rohit Sharma for his exceptional captaincy and lauded his illustrious T20 career, which he announced he would be retiring from.
Dear @ImRo45,
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024
You are excellence personified. Your aggressive mindset, batting and captaincy has given a new dimension to the Indian team. Your T20 career will be remembered fondly. Delighted to have spoken to you earlier today. pic.twitter.com/D5Ue9jHaad
The Prime Minister also praised Virat Kohli for his pivotal innings in the T20 World Cup final and his immense contributions to Indian cricket. Notably, both Kohli and Sharma have decided to retire from T20 internationals following this World Cup triumph.
Dear @imVkohli,
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024
Glad to have spoken to you. Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players. pic.twitter.com/rw8fKvgTbA
PM Modi extended his appreciation to Hardik Pandya for his economical last over, which was crucial in sealing the victory. He also highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's remarkable fielding, particularly his critical catch off David Miller in the penultimate over.
Expressing gratitude to head coach Rahul Dravid, PM Modi acknowledged his significant contributions to Indian cricket. Dravid's tenure as head coach concluded with this World Cup win, and the BCCI will now be seeking a successor.
Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024
His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team.
India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are… pic.twitter.com/8MKSPqztDV
The call followed a video message PM Modi posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he thanked the Men in Blue on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians for winning the World Cup and capturing the hearts of the nation.
In separate posts on X, PM Modi specifically thanked Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid. He wrote, "Spoke to the Indian 🏏 team and congratulated them on their exemplary success at the T20 World Cup. They have shown excellent skill and spirit throughout the tournament. Each player’s commitment is very motivating. 🏆"
