Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – A prominent Indian writer and poet has underscored the need to become true models of altruism and humanitarianism with lending a helping hand to those in distress during the current coronavirus pandemic situation. It is a great virtue to show utmost patience and fortitude during the time of tribulation, said Alankode Leelakrishnan. "People all over the world can overcome the unprecedented situation in their lifetime with resilience, redesigning goals of life with strict adherence to morality and health protocol, solidarity with the weaker sections, enhancing proactivity and rectifying their mistakes to nature as well as to their fellow beings," he said. Leelakrishnan made the remarks while delivering a speech on "Recollections of Ramadan in an hour of distress" in a virtual meet organized by the Jeddah-based Goodwill Global Initiative (GGI). The writer noted that the pandemic situation brought home the fact that human beings are helpless and hapless even in front of a microbe despite all their incredible and superb scientific inventions, technological advancement and breathtaking progress achieved in all walks of life. "This trying period reminds us of the need to show self-restraint and resilience with a strong belief in Almighty God and becoming closer to Him with embracing the values of empathy and compassion toward the weaker sections who are the worst victims of this pandemic situation," he said while citing examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on how believers can show patience and fortitude during the time of trial and tribulation. Leelakrishnan emphasized that the Prophet (pbuh) never faltered while facing different divine tests and showed steadfastness with a firm conviction that God's help will come when we strive to be proactive with patience and fortitude in hours of distress. He recalled that it was the Prophet (pbuh) who gave specific instructions, for the first time in the history of humanity, about staying in quarantine in the event of the outbreak of a pandemic. Leelakrishnan, a well-known orator and cultural figure, noted that the Holy Qur'an is the panacea for myriad issues facing humanity in the contemporary world. "There are solutions in the Holy Scripture for many of the basic moral and materialistic issues facing mankind and this is the unique characteristic of Qur'an when compared with other scriptures. He noted that the pandemic situation drew attention to the great harm done by man to the nature as well as to other living beings on the planet. "Now, people can enjoy pollution-free air and water resources, thanks to the adherence of coronavirus-related protocol and advisories. This situation also reminds humans about their helplessness and the need to stand united in confronting challenges by rising above all selfish and vested interests," he added. GGI President Dr. Ismail Maritheri of King Abdulaziz University was the moderator in the Zoom session in which General Secretary Hassan Cheruppa welcomed the attendees and Coordinator Ishaque Poondoli proposed the vote of thanks. Sadiqali Thuvur was the host while Sahal Kalambrattil recited a few verses from the Holy Qur'an. Several writers, community leaders and cultural figures from all over the world participated in the session. They included U.A. Naseer (New York), Sabeena M Sali (Riyadh), Adv. S. Mammu (Kerala), Hamid Hussain (Dubai), Musafir, Ahmad Palayat, Shibu Thiruvananthapuram, Abbas Chemban, Gopi Nedungadi, Mullaveettil Salim, Ad. Shamsuddin, Dr. Muhammad Kavungal, Nazar Veliyankod, C.H Basheer, N.M. Jamaluddin, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Nazer Feroke, Aneesuddin Cherukulambu, Siyas Impala, and Ameer Cherukode. Those who organized the event included Hassan Siddeeque Babu, Musthafa Vakaloor, Jaleel Kannamangalam, A.M. Abdullakutty, Abdurahman Kalambrattil, Kabeer Kondotty, Noufal Palakkot, Ebrahim Shamnad, Aruvi Mongam, P.M. Murthada, Ghafour Kondotty, A.P.A Ghafour, Ashraf Pattathil, Musthafa Peruvallur and Mansoor Wandoor.
