"A Ceremony of Unity and Perseverance"
The Imambada opening at Kera in Kutch, India on 17th September 2002
 
We can sometimes forget, in the countless meetings and conferences our community holds for its own betterment, the fundamentals for progress; the ingredients necessary to keep our community's spirit alive: unity and perseverance. The opening ceremony of the Imambada hall at Kera shows both these elements. After persevering through a most damaging earthquake, Kutch has by the grace of the Almighty, risen to shine and we must take note of the rays of togetherness and determination that were firmly present in this particular gathering.
   
Not that long ago, on 26th January 2000, Marhum Mulla Asgherali M M Jaffer performed the foundation ceremony during his last official visit to Kera. We now see that this magnificent imambada complements the existing mosque built over 100 years ago which retains its beautiful character in all its splendour. The construction from its beginning to the completion was fully financed from the donation obtained by Alhaj Mohammedbhai G Hassam of Toronto. The chief guest at the opening ceremony was the President of the World Federation - Alhaj Hasnainbhai Walji, together with his delegates. The team had arrived from London after attending the Constitutional conference, the Executive Council Meeting and the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the World Federation.The President formally performed the opening with recitations from the Holy Quran.

Accompanying the President were the Secretary General Alhaj Sibtain Panjwani, Executive Councillor and the Liaison officer Alhaj Aunalibhai Salehmohammed(Ahmedabad), Executive Councillor Alhaj Mustafabhai Jaffer(New York) and Executive Councillor Alhaj Mohammedbhai Moledina(Dallas).  In attendance were the members from the Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri community of Bhuj, Kera, Mundra, Nagalpur and Mandvi. The delegation from the Kutch Federation was led by the Chairman of the Kutch Federation - Akberali Mawji, Secretary of the Kutch Federation - Alhaj Rajabali G Hassam, Janab Mohammedhussein Abdulhussein(Mundra), Janab Ramzanali Damani(Bhuj),Janab Mohammed Jaffer(Kera), Janab Abidali Bandali(Kera), Janab Mehboobali Hassanali(Mandvi). The Jamaats from Gujarat were represented by Janab Sherali Mawji (President- Mariya), Janab Mushtaqali Kassam (Treasurer-Mariya), Alhaj Ramzanbhai Asaria (President - Bhavnagar),Janab Abbasbhai (Secretary - Lalpur) as well as Alhaj Rajabali Dosani ( Past President - Council of Gujarat) Janab Shabbirbhai Noorani ( Editor - Labbaik). Janab Salimbhai Dosani (Ahmedabad) and Janab Bashirbhai Kanani(Lalpur).

After the opening ceremony, there were moving recitations by the children of Kera Madressa followed by a special presentation of awards to students from throughout our community in Kutch marking educational achievements. There are 225 students within our community in Bhuj, Kera, Mundra, Nagalpur and Mandvi out of which 149 students are wholly supported by the Zainabiya Child Sponsorship Scheme. This year 41% of the students did exceptionally well and some of them have achieved over 90% marks in their overall performance. It is apt to say that the ceremony was a signpost for us all. After the earthquake, it marked the beginnings of educational progress and community spirit. This is what we must strive to improve.