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I have read with great interest the various reports, testimonials and photos of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Jubilee visits to East Africa and South Asia. I note that the Jamats in various countries were very much part of the festivities in welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam at airports or at strategic locations where Mawlana Hazar Imam's motorcade was passing. Examples of these "happy faces of Murids of the Imam" may be found in various web sites.

This was a good forethought on the part of the leadership in these countries (as applicable) to make the Jamat feel very much part of the celebrations throughout the Imam's visit, rather than for only specific occasions of Mulaqats with the Imam. These events are particularly enchanting for the children and younger members of the Jamat.

Western democracies by and large organize visits by important dignitaries to their respective countries with much fanfare where the public is encouraged to participate. The legislative grounds, the palaces, and various locations around the cities where the dignitaries will visit or pass become opportunities for members of the public or specific citizens to see and express support (or sometimes resentment) for their favourite dignitaries or leaders.

With Mawlana Hazar Imam's anticipated visit to a number of countries such as the UK, France, Portugal and Canada to take place in the next few weeks or months, it is hoped that the same level of opportunities that were granted to the Indian, Bangladesh and East African Jamats will be given to Jamats in these countries. In each of the cities that Mawlana Hazar Imam will be visiting arrangements can easily be made for the Jamats to line up and welcome him at appropriate landmarks such the Legislative Grounds or at centres that Mawlana Hazar Imam will be opening or laying foundation stones, or at roads his motorcade will be passing.

Surely, if these cities can accommodate thousands and thousands of people for national carnivals and events there is no reason why the hopes and aspirations of several thousand Jamati members residing in these countries cannot be met through an arrangement with the local city officials. It is the will of the leadership that will either support or defeat these important initiatives. It is to be seen how the leadership in Western Countries will respond to this important matter. If it can be done by other communities and in other nations it can be done by us as well.

Dear Bantu,
Beautifully expressed and written. If our Beloved Mowla wishes He will inspire our esteemed leadership to become generous and co-operative towards the jamat. Everything is in our Mowla's hands. Not even a leaf can move without His command. Therefore, let us all fervently pray to our Beloved Mowla to smile on us and to grant the jamat the golden opportunity to receive Him and to make all His various programs and projects more festive by inspiring the leaders to allow the jamat's participation.