Kuwait, Mar 31: Indian Muslim Association (IMA) has organized its annual 'IMA Family Desert Picnic' on Friday, 24th March. It is one of the most awaited and highlighted event of IMA which brings out hundreds of families and friends together to spend some quality time in a beautiful location, away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy city life.

The theme of the event was taken from the verse of Quran 'O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly]' Surah Al-Baqarah [2:208]. And the event was perfectly canvassed with the theme and was giving out a very beautiful picture throughout.

The organizers of IMA had planned the event very smoothly from pickup points to drop without any hindrance and provided all the amenities and services required at the venue. The premises had separate tents for men and women.

Breakfast was arranged for the participants. The event started with the Quran recitation followed by welcome speech of Rizwan Ahmed, chief organizer of the event giving instructions of the programme Javed Ahmed, introduced the IMA Vision 2026, which is an initiative to support mega Vision 2016 programme undertaken by Indian NGO Human Welfare Foundation to address acute humanitarian problems faced by several underdeveloped areas in India.

IMA Vision 2026 initiative supports many projects related to the field of education, health care facilities, vocational centers for ladies, micro finance facilities for providing interest free loans, disaster relief programmes in emergency situations, community development programmes, mass marriages, orphan age sponsorships and drinking water projects among others which will ultimately benefit more than three million Indian Muslims.

Masood Shahab, President IMA delivered speech on 'hold the rope of Allah strongly'. Unity in the community and said that we have to shun marginal differences and unite for the cause of the community. He further emphasized to follow teaching of peaceful coexistence and harmony while living in multi-cultural societies.

Various games and activities such as football, volleyball, kabaddi, running race, short put and tug of war were arranged. Similar activities were conducted for women separately in the area designated for them with female volunteers.

IMA PR conducted a parallel session 'Mushaira' Urdu poetry for the literature and poetry loving participants. Many prominent Urdu Poets presented their poetry and got applause from the audience.

Friday sermon was given by Sharafuddin B S who highlighted the importance understanding broader concept of Islamic teachings, which encompass everything for the successful life in both worlds.

The chief guests of the event Dr Abdullah A-Ateeqi (Bo Qutaibah), Abdullatif Al-Munaifi, Mohammad Kohiya (Bo Muhannad) and Mohammad Ali along with Abdul Momin from Masjid Al Kabeer attended the programme. They appreciated the efforts taken by IMA for organising such an event and congratulated IMA.

They also said that Indian Muslims are one of the most respected and brightest communities in the world.

Programme for children was conducted with video and live skit performance on the topics 'respect your parents', 'respect your neighbours' and a beautiful speech on 'Islam and morality' followed by the Indian national anthem.

IMA Youth wing presented a cultural play on 'enter into Islam completely'. More than 100 Prizes were awarded to the winners and runners up for men, women and children, who participated in sports and games that were held.

A raffle draw was conducted and 9 winners were announced. The Raffle draw winners will avail an opportunity to go for an 'Umrah trip'. The programme concluded with Al-Asr prayers.