Bohra community's annual nationwide upliftment drive begins

The Dawoodi Bohra community on Saturday started its fourth annual nationwide upliftment drive with a focus on improving health and well-being of its members.

A community spokesperson, in a release issued here, stated that a dedicated team of over 20,000 volunteers, comprising community officials, engineers, architects, doctors, lawyers, businessmen and community members from all walks of life have joined the cause.

"Students and faculty of the community's primary educational institute, Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, form the largest delegation in this volunteer group," he said.

Murtaza Hashim Yamani, head coordinator of the upliftment programme said the aspects covered under this year's drive include improving living conditions, providing aid for education and livelihood, counselling on the importance of hygiene and cleanliness as well as ensuring access to proper food and nutrition, along with upholding religious piety and morality.

He said the formative stage of each year's drive witnesses a crucial element called "khabargiri" (inquiring into another's well-being).

"Underpinned by the Islamic concept of silat (connecting with loved ones), volunteers go from door to door with a simple agenda. To ask their brothers and sisters how they are and what help they require, while assuring them of a continued presence and sustained support structure," Yamani said.