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Report from a
Local Newspaper on Aqa Moula's trip and Airport sent with
Raza of Shehzada Malekul Ashtar Saab and Amil Saheb.
June 25, 2004
Houston
Once again Houston opened wide its arms and rolled out the red carpet
for His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS), leader of the
Dawoodi Bohra community. The red carpet began at the start of the jetway,
but the honors associated with it went well beyond, as His Holiness
exited the customs through the VIP door to an outstanding and respectful
reception in the terminal area.
The warmest
welcome came from President George Bush, who sent a letter of welcome
which was read by a prominent member of the community. The State of
Texas was quick to follow in the person of Mrs. Romina Black, Director
of International Protocol for the State of Texas; as a mark of the high
esteem in which His Holiness is held, she presented him with an Honorary
Citizenship of the State of Texas, signed by Governor Rick Perry, and a
Silver seal of the Star of Texas. M.J. Khan, member of the Houston City
Council, then welcomed His Holiness on behalf of Mayor Bill White.
Recognizing the special charisma of His Holiness, Mr. Khan felicitated
him, saying that his presence had once again brought blessings and good
fortune to the city. Mr. Michael Berry, member of City Council also
welcomed His Holiness. Mr. Lutfi Hasan and Mrs. Carmen Mandujano
represented Congresswoman Shiela Jackson Lee. Many dignitaries and
prominent businessmen were also present to greet and welcome His
Holiness. Prince Malik ul Ashtar Shujauddin, son of His Holiness then
read a message from His Holiness to the gathered VIPs and hundreds of
Dawoodi Bohras who had gathered to welcome His Holiness. Even as the
prince got up to speak, His Holiness interrupted to say that first of
all he wanted to thank President George Bush for sending his message of
welcome.
Apart from a
glittering gathering of prominent businessmen and community leaders, the
gathering was made even more lively and festive by the presence of
nearly 1,200 members of the Dawoodi Bohra community, the men in
traditional white and women and children garbed in colorful finery. The
respectful addresses by the VIPs were interspersed with the sweet sounds
of Maula, Maula as his community members lovingly call His Holiness.
Children softly chanted Madeh, poems in praise of His Holiness and waved
flags of the United States, Texas and flags bearing the words Ahlan
Wasalan – Welcome! His Holiness, who is in Houston enroute to inaugurate
the new Dawoodi Bohra Masjids in Washington DC, Boston and New Jersey
was escorted to his place of stay in Katy by a Houston police escort, an
honor reserved exclusively for State guests and much to the delight of a
police officer his Holiness touched his arm and with characteristic
charm said, Thank you for welcoming me to Houston!
You are more
than welcome! Your Holiness, Houston delighted to have you.
Prince.
Sent By: Shk/
Abizerbhai Tayyebji - Houston
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