M Abdul Hakkim, Public Relations Secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Coimbatore, was awarded a shield for social work and communal harmony in the presence of over a thousand people at Kozhinijampara.

The award was given by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Palakkad chapter to honour him for helping students and others from Kerala reach their homes safe. On 5th December when news of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s death was announced, bus and other public transport services were suspended due to which many people were not able to get back home.

Noticing the inconvenience, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind members under the supervision of Abdul arranged free transport service via autos, omni vans and taxis. This free service helped several people who were stranded at bus stops and the railway station at night. The next morning again the service was resumed after the organisation got calls from some girl students from Kerala who wanted a drop to the railway station.

“I am doing this to bring communal harmony in our country. I am not looking for any awards but if I’m able to inspire more people then I think it’s worth it,” Abdul said.