The Indian Haj Mission has launched a user-friendly smart-phone application that is compatible with both Android and Apple operating systems.
This app will guide people during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Besides, several high-tech measures would be introduced to facilitate the pilgrimage proceeding for Haj this year.
Dubbed as 'Indian Haji Accommodation locator', the application has a distinct icon reflecting the colors of the Indian flag. The app can be downloaded for free via Google Play Store or iTunes.
Once downloaded, the pilgrims have to click on the app's icon and enter the cover number or passport number and they will get comprehensive details about their accommodation, including building number, tent number or 'maktab' (office) number, plus an easy-to-follow satellite or a regular road map that will lead you to their location, whether in Makkah, Mina or Madinah.
Indian Haj Mission would ensure use of every form of new-age technology, from Google Maps and smart-phone applications, to Facebook, YouTube clips and text messages, to make the journey of pilgrims as comfortable as possible.
The idea is to use every available tool and gadget to keep pilgrims in the loop of communication.
One of the major problems that Indian pilgrims encounter during Haj is losing their way and being unable to find their accommodation, especially in the tent city of Mina, which is where most of the rituals are conducted.
Every person going for the pilgrimage would be provided with a Saudi cell phone SIM card which they can activate on reaching Saudi Arabia.
Haj Committee of India (HCI) is sure that connectivity is not a problem at all in Saudi Arabia. The body sends short text messages to these numbers to keep pilgrims informed about important and immediate developments.
HCI acknowledges that the majority of pilgrims are unaware of the new technology or even the latest gadgets . It is also another problem that not everyone has a smart-phone and not every pilgrim has the wherewithal to download the application or understand its complexities. However, there are hundreds of volunteers ready to help the pilgrims understand the app.
Pilgrims and volunteers often speak different Indian languages, making communication difficult. Any volunteer can just look at the number on the pilgrim's steel bracelet that he or she wears all the time and punch in those details to find out the pilgrim's exact location. HCI is doing this for the first time. It may encounter issues, but mission's mandate is to minimise the suffering of pilgrims.