My fellow ahlebaite Muslims, Salaam Alaikum. As promised, I am attaching a photo essay of my most recent trip to India and Afghanistan. I am not providing a narrative this time around; the photos will tell a thousand telling tales. Joining me were Dr. Afzal Yusufali, a resident heart specialist from Dubai, Mohammed Somji, a professional photographer from Dubai and my 14 year old son, Alihussein Yusufali. Fortunately, my sister Sabira Somji and her daughter in law Fatema conspired to restrain 6 year old Maaha Zainab and entertained her in Dubai, They are wise; for I would have been in serious trouble had Maaha Zainab accompanied us to the grueling trip to Bengal and Kargil. My sincere thanks to both Dr. Yusufali (who's observations are attached here) and Mohammed (who's constant clicking of camera still ring in my ear) for accompanying me. I am sorry I could not provide you with the comforts of a traditional vacation but I am sure you will treasure and appreciate the humbling experiences we encountered; your care and company is genuinely appreciated. As I have stated many, many times before, the base equalizer as a weapon against poverty and misery is education. Period. Early September, Comfort Aid International will, insha'Allah, inaugurate an elementary school in Uri (Kashmir India) where the 2005 earthquake had demolished it. We are in great need for a school in Heraat, Afghanistan; please keep this in your checklist for contributions. CAI will also consider a small clinic in Namsoora, a remote enclave above Kargil where primary medical care is desperately and critically needed (read Dr. Yusufali's report attached). These projects are only possible with kind and generous donors like you. Please enjoy the photos; they may give you some perspective of the world beyond. Jazaak'Allah
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