THE FLAME OF LOVE & AFFECTION

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

1st March 2011 issue-

                         THE FLAME OF LOVE & AFFECTION

It is an historic moment for the entire Dawoodi Bohra Shia Muslim community and those who endorse peace and humanity. The spiritual head of the community, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) who is world wide regarded as the Ambassador of peace will be completing 99 years and entering 100^th year of his life. His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin was born on 20^th Rabi-ul-Aakher 1333 as per Hijri calendar and correspondingly 6^th March 1915, in Surat, India. The current 1433 year of Hijri calendar heralds the joyous occasion of His Holiness completing 99 years and entering the 100^th year of life. 

Millions of faithful are yearning to greet His Holiness on his 100^th year with heartfelt realization of the commendable services His Holiness has offered which consequently elevated them on Religious, social and economic distinction.

While there are myriads of activities being planned and executed in view of the Centenary celebration, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Vishakhapatnam organized a BATON RELAY. They are traveling across all the cities of South India and the community members are participating in the Baton relay in their respective cities.

                                    

The Baton is made of Gold, Silver and decorated with jewellery. The Baton plate is made of Silver with hand carved borders of Gold. The plate is also engraved with the name of Allah and Khamsat At’haar(AS) made from solid Gold and studded with Ruby. It also consists of the official 100^th Meelad (Birthday) Logo made of Gold and the tip of the plate is 100 shaped Logo made of Silver and studded with Diamonds. The handle of the Baton is made from copper and is Gold plated and the total height of the baton is 24 inches.

In Bangalore, the Baton Relay was scheduled on Saturday, 26^th February 2011. It was flagged off from Burhani Masjid, situated in Gottigere, Off Bannerghatta Road, at 8am by the Aamil Saheb of Bangalore, Sk. Khuzaimabhai Yamani, who is the representative of His Holiness for Bangalore city. The area Corporator Mrs S.K.Pushpa and other representatives attended the event. The Baton was then relayed by the community members who were all dressed in their traditional attire from Gottigere and terminated at Markaz-e-Fakhri, the Dawoodi Bohra community Centre situated in J.P.Nagar 5^th Phase. The area MLA Mr. Satish Reddy, the Counsellor Mr. Jelly Ramesh also participated in the Baton Relay and attended the concluding event. The Baton was then officially handed over to the Vishakhapatnam Dawoodi Bohra team who will carry it to the next city of Mangalore.  

Janab Aamil Saheb of Bangalore, Sk Khuzaimabhai Yamani congratulated the Vishakhapatnam team for this unique event and appreciated their effort of traveling to the cities of South India for relaying it.

After covering all the cities of South India, the Baton will be presented to His Holiness which will be an endorsement of the love the affection of his followers.