Mir Ibrahim Ali Khan President Delivering Presidential Address at the AGM.

Iqbal Soofi General Secretary Presenting the Annual Report at the AGM.

Iftakhar Ahmed Treasurer Presenting Financial Report before the members.

Dr. Md. Naeemuddin Joint Treasurer Appealed the floor to involve in social welfare activities.

Israr Ahmed Joint Secretary Performed formal vote of thanks at the AGM.

Mohammed Azeemuddin Member Convened the proceedings of the AGM.

IMWA Condoles
the Death of Kuwait's Father Amir
The Indian Muslim Welfare Association (IMWA) of Kuwait offers deepest condolences over the loss of His Highness the Father Amir of Kuwait, Shaikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah who passed away on Tuesday, 13th May 2008.

IMWA offers heartfelt condolences to the Kuwaiti leadership, the government and the Kuwaiti people on the demise of a great leader, a former ruler.  Shaikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah was a heroic leader of Kuwait and his efforts helped promoting long lasting, bilateral relationship between India and Kuwait.

May Allah reward him Paradise.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raajioon!

----

13th AGM News:

Kuwait: IMWA held its 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 23rd May 2008 at the banquet of Delhi Durbar Classic in Salmiya, soon after the Maghrib prayers. Mohammed Hussain Mujeebullah recited the verses from Holy Qur'an to mark the official commencement of the proceedings of Annual General Meeting.

The AGM formally passed the resolution of condolence on the sad demise of His Highness the Father Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Saad Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah who passed away on 13th May 2008.

The president of IMWA, Mir Ibrahim Ali Khan stated that IMWA was founded in the year 1995 with the aim of providing a common platform for the Indian Muslims residing in Kuwait to work cooperatively for the welfare of the community and the society. He also explained the objectives of IMWA to the floor and mentioned its successful past events like series of Islamic lectures, health seminars and mega events.

The Treasurer, Iftakhar Ahmed presented the audited financial statement for the last year which was passed by the floor.  Minutes of 12th AGM were also approved and passed by the floor after reviewing the same.

The General Secretary of IMWA Iqbal Soofi presented annual secretarial report highlighting major events for the year, including IMWA's prestigious Ramadan Competition, Awards Conferral Ceremony, participation in community gatherings arranged by the Indian Embassy, Family Get-together on occasion of Eid, Educational Trips for the students of Indian schools, religious lectures and media activities of IMWA.

Israr Ahmed, Joint Secretary, performed vote of thanks. President of FIMA, Mukhtar Marouf spoke on the occasion emphasizing the importance of media activities, he was present during the proceedings of AGM.

Mohammed Abdul Azeem convened the evening program. The AGM concluded with the dinner.

www.imwakuwait.org

by Mir Ibrahim Ali Khan

Bismillahi-rrahmani-rraheem,,,
Respected senior members and dear fellow members of IMWA,

I welcome you all to the 13th Annual General Body Meeting of IMWA and thank you for devoting your precious time to attend this meeting.
Before proceeding further, on behalf of IMWA, I would like to offer condolences to the H.H. the Amir of Kuwait, Kuwaiti citizens and the expatriate community on the sad demise of the late Father Amir, H.H. Shaikh Saad Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah who passed away on 13th May 2008, Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raajioon!

Coming back to tonight’s proceedings I would like to mention that IMWA was established in 1994 with the aim of providing a common platform for the Indian Muslims to work cooperatively for the welfare of community and the society with the following aims and the objectives:

To have an association to initiate and implement effective program for economic, social, and educational progress of Muslims as well as other communities.

To inculcate teaching of Islam in order to create an ideal community to foster the feelings of fraternity and brotherhood among all human beings.

To promote educational activities by organizing seminars, lectures, counseling of students for career development and creation of awareness on current affaires.

To organize social get-together, artistic and literary activities, competitive and recreational sports.

To create liaison with Government of India for the implementation of educational and welfare programs and co-operate with local authorities.

To have an association to initiate and implement effective program for economic, social, and educational progress of Muslims as well as other communities.

When I look back IMWA had conducted very successful programs and mega events which were followed by other organizations later, like series of lectures by Dr. Zakir Naik and Health Seminars etc.

I take this opportunity to thank the senior members who gave guidance and the fellow members for extending their cooperation in running the organization smoothly.

I hope that the cooperation continues and we improve further to serve the community and the society better.
With this hope and prayers I conclude my speech, wa Aakhiru Da’wana ani Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen!

------------------------------------------------------------

The General Secretary's Annual Report at the 13th AGM:
Friday, 23rd May 2008, Delhi Durbar Classic, Salmiya
by Iqbal Soofi

Al Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen,
Wassalatu Wassalamu Alaa Rasoolihil Kareem
Wa Alaa Aalihi Wa Ashabihi-attahireen,,,

Mr. President, Members of the Executive Committee and dear Fellow Members of IMWA,

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,,,

At the outset I would like to thank you all for attending this 13th Annual General Meeting of IMWA this evening. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Office Bearers of IMWA, Executive Committee Members, an all the Fellow Members for the trust placed in me before giving me the responsibility to serve IMWA and to convene its activities as its General Secretary for the ongoing term.  I pray Almighty Allah to strengthen us to work together, sincerely and selflessly, for the cause of Islam, the community and the society at large.

Established in 1995 by a small but elite group of visionary people residing in Kuwait, IMWA has come a long way.  It is an all India body for the Muslim community residing in Kuwait to work together cooperatively for the benefit of community and the society.  You all are well aware that in the past IMWA has done great many programs and has left a permanent impact on expatriate community and the people of Kuwait. 

In this evening program, I am delighted to highlight some of our activities for the year 2007/08:

For the smooth running of activities of IMWA we have conducted a total of 11 Executive Committee Meetings, 9 Operational Cell Meetings and 1 Working Committee Meeting for the whole year.

In response to the invitation of Indian Embassy, the President of IMWA and an Executive Committee member visited the Indian Naval Ships on 15th August 2007 in connection with Independence Day.  These two naval ships were on a friendly visit to Kuwait from India.

IMWA held Welcome Ramadan program at the auditorium of Delhi Durbar Classic Restaurant in Salmiya which was an Iftar party for the member families of IMWA, to recall the bounties of holy month of Ramadan.  The Iftar party was held on 21st September 2007 and well attended by most of the member families of IMWA and was a successful event.  Shaikh Mohammed Qotob and Shaikh Abdul Qader Omari of IPC delivered lectures explaining the importance of the month in English and Urdu respectively.  Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, a visiting scholar from India also gave a talk on Muslims community's present scenario in India.

IMWA conducted its prestigious Abdullah Hamza Dalvi Ramadan Competitions on 29th September 2007 at Al Najat Boys' School. Some 300 students from 6 different countries participated in the Qur'an Recitation, Elocution and Islamic Quiz Competition, which was considered as one of the successful events IMWA had conducted last year.

Award Conferral Ceremony of Abdullah Hamza Dalvi Ramadan Competition was held on 7th December 2007 at the same Al Najat Boys' School which was well attended by the parents of most of the participants and general public. 60 winner students were received mementoes and medals. Certificates were given to all the winners and participants. During this occasion IMWA also honored the panel judges of the Ramadan Competition in recognition of their continued support and services to IMWA in all its Islamic endeavors.

A family get-together under the banner of Eid Milan was held on 21st December 2007 at Raudha Gardens. IMWA member families enjoyed the event amidst unexpected rains and unfavorable weather.

The General Secretary along with other members of IMWA had participated in the community meeting on 8th January 2008, at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait during the visit of H.E. Ram Vilas Paswan, the union minister of chemicals, fertilizers and steel.  The General Secretary had also attended another community gathering at the Embassy during the visit of Hon'ble minister E.Ahmed, Minister of State for External Affairs on Tuesday, 29th January 2008.  The President had attended the Indian Republic Day celebration arranged by the Embassy of India on 26th January 2008.

The Educational Cell had arranged an Educational Trip for the students of Indian Schools, on 16th February 2008. A total of 43 students were taken on a guided tour to Agility, the largest logistic facility in the Middle East.

This year IMWA had also embarked on arranging a Seerat-al-Nabi program on 28th March 2008. The event was held at Kuwait Medical Association Auditorium and approximately 200 people inclusive of women and children attended the lectures on the topic of Seerah.  Eminent religious scholar Shaikh Badrul Hassan Qasimi, Shaikh Yahya, an American revert and Shaikh Abdul Qader Omari of IPC shed light on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  During this event awards were given to four best performers in the Essay Competition conducted by the Educational Cell in connection with its Educational Trip to Agility.  Na'at Khwani was another attraction of the evening.  Dinner was served at the end of the program.

Another major landmark of IMWA this year is the launch of the New Voice of IMWA on 1st July 2007. It is a web based electronic newsletter that reaches approximately 800 recipients. One of the main objectives this newsletter is to promote the writing skills of IMWA people. So far 20 newsletters have published with general, Islamic and informative articles. 

Under the welfare activities IMWA has provided financial assistance to a deserving Indian family living in Salmiya. Fund was generated through contributions from IMWA people to pay the school fees for three girls and to provide them text books.  IMWA always has responded to the genuine needs of the people using its limited resources, and this kind of activities is an ongoing process at IMWA.

With this, I would like to conclude my annual report, I thank Almighty Allah for giving us the opportunity to serve the cause of Ummah and I thank you all for your trust, guidance and support.

Wa Aakhiru Da'wana AnilHamdu Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen.