Heart-warming gesture by NGO

Malakpet: As part of its social services, a city-based NGO, Safa Baitul Maal, has started its annual blanket distribution programme. During the night hours, several teams reach out to different places across the city and cover the homeless found sleeping on pavements, at railway stations and on the premises of government hospitals in chilly weather.

In the beginning of this month, Moulana Gayas Ahmed Rashadi, the chairman of organisation, formed teams of volunteers who could take up the task of distributing the blankets late in night hours. "According to the teachings of Islam, every hungry should be fed and every naked should be dressed and every thirsty should be watered.

This service should not interfere with religion or profession. Islam teaches good behavior towards even animals and birds. We should be generous towards fellow humans," he said.

Starting from the night of December 8, the team comprising Mufti Abdul Muhaimin Azharul Qasmi and Moizuddin Quraishi distributed blankets in Begum Bazar and Siddiamber Bazar area. While Mujahid and his teammate Amjad reached out to the destitute of Chandrayanguta, Falaknuma and Charminar areas and Hafez Abdul Ghaffar Ashrafi and his teammate Md Abdul Rahman visited Gandhi hospital and covered those who were lying on the premises of hospital with blankets.

Another team led by Dr Muzzamil Amjad distributed blankets at Moazzamjahi Market, hospitals including Osmania and other places like Koti and Nayapul. "We shall be continuing our distribution programme which was started about 13 years back. As part of this humanitarian effort we shall be extending this to Old age homes, orphanages and other branches spread across the country. Those who are interested to contribute in this endeavour can contact us," he added.