Tributes paid to Indian religious leader

Tributes were paid to prominent Indian religious and political leader Panakkad Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal at a commemoration programme in Doha on Monday. Thangal, 74, the Indian Union Muslim League national chairman and Kerala state president, passed away in the southern state on Sunday. He was also serving as the vice-president of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema, an influential body of Muslim scholars in Kerala.A number of dignitaries from various walks of life, including Qatar Ministry of Interior's Public Relations Department director Brig Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah, attended the function at Ideal Indian School grounds.Hundreds also attended the absentee funeral prayer of Thangal at the function organised by the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC). Speaking on the occasion, Brig al-Muftah paid homage saying that the gathering bears witness to the grandeur of Thangal. While reminiscing his moments with Thangal during his visit to Qatar, the senior Qatari official said Thangal invited him to visit Kerala several times. "I was fascinated by his simplicity and truthfulness whenever I met him," he said and wished Thangal's descendants God's blessing to keep his great legacy intact. KMCC state president S A M Basheer said that Thangal always upheld the motto of tolerance and togetherness while guiding his community as a virtuous leader. "His ideas will continue to inspire generations," he noted. In a statement to Gulf Times, KMCC Malappuram district general secretary Akbar Vengassery noted that Thangal was an icon and his demise had left an immense void. He noted that he was an inspiring leader, who was simple and approachable for all. KMCC Qatar state general secretary Asees Narikkuni welcomed the gathering. Isamaeel Hudawi led the prayers. Ideal Indian School president Hassan Kunji, representatives of Indian Cultural Centre, Indian Community Benevolent Forum, Indian Sports Centre, Indian Business and Professionals Council, Indian National Cultural and Arts Society, Kerala Islamic Centre, Islahi Centre and Pravasi Coordination Committee were also present.