Tutong - The seventh generation descendants of late Abdul Samad Bendahari Teripin and late Halimah Dato Jair (7R GPASH) yesterday held their first Hari Raya gathering at Keriam Primary School's hall, organised by the committee members of GPASH.

Carrying the slogan, "Bersatu, Bermuafakat, Berwibawa Membawa Berkat dalam Berkeluarga", the event served to gather family members of different generations and introduce them to the family tree.

Furthermore, it also served to strengthen ties among them, while at the same time, support the call for family harmony in Brunei, in conjunction with Family Day last May.

The event began with the presentation of a special award to the 'Oldest and Most Special Mother GPASH Seven Generations', Dyg Zainah Bais, who is the eldest granddaughter of the late couple, along with several other awards, as well as the presentation of GPASH Heritage Book.

After that was a presentation of donations to the special needs and orphans, contributed by the generations of families, followed by the recitation of tahlil and doa arwah led by Awg Hj Zimi Hj Umar and Muhd Qistie Dzulkifle, along with teachers and students from Arabic schools, who are the descendants of the seven generations;

The GPASH logo was also launched at the event and a group photo was taken to commemorate the memorable event, which concluded with the singing of Had Raya songs.

The late Abdul Samad was born in 1880, in Kg Pancur Papan, Tutong, while the late Halimah was also born in 1880, in Kg Keriam, Tutong. Together, the Tutong ethnics had eight children - seven of whom have their own descendants - and most of them still reside in different areas in the Tutong District, including Kg Keriam, Pancur Papan, Penanjung, Birau and others.

Meanwhile, some of the family members have moved and are living outside the Tutong District due to work commitment and marriage.

Among the activities planned by GPASH include setting up of a fund for efforts, the documentation of their family tree and organising future gatherings.