The sacred call of Hajj resonated once more at Vijayawada International Airport as Andhra Pradesh’s second and concluding contingent of 177 pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia on Sunday. This event, steeped in tradition and state support, symbolized the government’s unwavering dedication to its Muslim populace.
Minister for Minority Welfare, NMD Farooq, led the flag-off ceremony with blessings for a trouble-free pilgrimage. Recalling the previous day’s dispatch of 156 pilgrims, he noted the smooth execution from the Hajj camp at SM Convention Centre.
Speaking to the assembled crowd, Farooq credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the elaborate facilities making the journey hassle-free. The state’s focus on minority welfare shone through in every detail, from premium lodging to nutritious meals provided selflessly by organizers.
A host of officials, including Hajj Committee Chairman Hassan Pasha, Urdu Academy President Mohammad Shubli, and others, witnessed the send-off. Emergency medical aid remains on standby, assured the minister.
Key advisories included staying vigilant against extreme temperatures, punctuality in transit between holy sites, and avoiding prohibited gas appliances. Farooq shared exciting updates: a Hajj House in Amaravati is on the horizon, and future pilgrim quotas could multiply five times, bolstered by aviation priorities.
Out of 2,005 total Hajj participants from the state this year—about 50% women—Vijayawada saw 333 take flight in two batches. The remainder head to Hyderabad, ensuring every devotee reaches the Kaaba with dignity and ease. This coordinated effort not only fulfills religious aspirations but also strengthens communal harmony.
