Islamic scholar to address gathering

MUSCAT: Eminent Indian Islamic scholar Shaikh Aboobacker Ahmed Kanthapuram will address a gathering at a special interactive programme to be held at the Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi on Friday.

Dr. P. Mohamed Ali, vicechairman and managing director of Galfar, and Yusufali M A, managing director, Emke Group, will also attend the event. More than 1,500 people are expected to attend the event.

Rich tradition

“The programme intends to highlight the rich tradition and history of the two friendly countries — India and Oman — and throw light on the long relationship between the two,” an official said. “People from different walks of life will gather in the programme to recollect their times of hardships and the kind co-operation from the local people, especially when they first arrived in Oman.”

Diligent

“Our aim is to encourage fellow NRIS to be conscientious and diligent in their respective fields of work,” the official added.

The programme, which is going to be the first of its kind in the Middle East, is being organised by the Malayalam Daily Siraj.

Awards

A scholar-leader and a respected social reformer, Shaikh Aboobacker Ahmed Kanthapuram has won many awards including the Ras Al Khaimah Islamic Academy Award for the best Social Worker, in 1992, the Indian Islamic Centre Award in recognition of the best Educational and Social Services, Hamil Al Ghait International Holy Quran Award – 2005 and the first MACC- UA E Award for the best Indo-arab Islamic Personality, 2006.