Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today conveyed his best wishes to 388 pilgrims leaving for Haj pilgrimage from Odisha.
On the occasion, Haj pilgrims selected by the Haj Committee were given a cheque of Rs 10,000 each on behalf of the government to purchase Haj kits. A Haj guide in Odia was also released at the function.
In a video message to the Haj pilgrims gathered at the Jayadev Bhawan here, the CM said that Odisha is famous for peace and brotherhood.
Odisha is a role model for the country for its harmony between different communities, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik said that visiting Mecca-Madina for Haj is a sacred dream for all Muslims. Today their dream has been fulfilled, he added.
“We believe in the welfare of all communities. Welfare of all communities is real development, ” the CM stated.
Highlighting measures taken for people from minority communities in Odisha, he said that different works for minorities have been kept under one department.
He informed that Haj Bhawan has been constructed in Bhubaneswar. Multi-utility Community Centres have been built, he added.
The Chief Minister urged all to work unitedly for Odisha’s prosperity and glory.
In the current year, 388 pilgrims have been selected by the State Haj Committee for Haj pilgrimage.
Out of them, 224 are males and 164 are females.
Among them are three government employees who have been sent as Khadim-ul-Hujjaz by the government to Haj pilgrims take care of the Haj pilgrims.
Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Minister Jagannath Saraka, Rajya Sabha Member Munna Khan, MLA Debi Prasad Mishra, Departmental Principal Secretary Ranjana Chopra and others were present at the felicitation ceremony for Haj pilgrims.
