Pakistani Wins “Citizen
of the Year” Award
By Abdus Sattar Ghazali
Syed Zafar Mohsin with his family members |
The American Muslim Voice Outreach
Director Mr. Syed Zafar Mohsin was given the prestigious “Citizen
of the Year” award on March 19, 2005 from the City of
Milpitas, CA.
The Citizen of the Year award was given by the Milpitas Mayor
Joe Esteves at a special ceremony sponsored by the Knights
of Columbus at the Milpitas Community Center. At the special
event, Dave Morris was declared Police Officer of the Year
and Douglas Richardson was given Firefighter of the Year award.
Presenting the award Mayor Esteves said that Syed Mohsin has
supported the community activities, charities and his own
religious activities.
Dr. Agha Saeed National Chairman of the American Muslim Alliance
stated on the occasion that the city has chosen a good man
to honor as the “citizen of the year”
The AMV Executive Director, Samina Faheem Sundas told the
audience that Mr Mohsin has been a model citizen who has worked
tirelessly to serve his community and to foster understanding
and trust. Recalling his services, Ms. Samina said Mr. Mohsin
has been a community builder and was always willing to serve
a worthy cause. “He was instrumental in providing assistance
to immigrants during the INS special registration and is playing
a key role with our ongoing projects, building bridges with
other communities and empowering our future generation. We
are glad that he is part of the AMV team.”
The AMV Executive Director went on to say that we are Muslim
American and proud to call America our chosen home. “We
are here because this is our country and we will do everything
in our power to make it a peaceful and harmonious one, where
every one of us feels accepted, loved, respected and safe.”
“Let’s pledge today that we will continue to make
our communities safe and strong and focus on what binds us
together rather than what divides us,” she concluded.
The AMV Executive Director presented a Model City Award to
the Knights of Columbus Milpitas in appreciation of promoting
acceptance, diversity and harmony in the community.
Congratulating Syed Mohsin Santa Clara Supervisor Pete Mcguge
said, “I will take the phrase from Ms. Sundas that Syed
Mohsin has been a model citizen and has done a wonderful job
serving the city of Milpitas. Now it is up to us to make it
a home for everyone.”
Syed Zafar Mohsin, who was introduced by Deepak Lalwani, Chairperson
of Milpitas Planning Commission, thanked the community for
nominating him for the prestigious award. He said he believes
that all politics starts at local level and the community
should be actively involved in achieving common goals.
Mr. and Mrs. Mohsin have been residents of Milpitas for over
seventeen years. They have two daughters, Sadia and Ayesha,
both very active at UC Davis in various committees, as they
follow in the foot steps of their parents.
Syed Mohsin, who arrived in America in 1984, has a Master’s
degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Evansville,
Indiana and currently works for an Internet company.
He has been involved with the local community since he moved
to Milpitas. He was an active member in the construction of
new playground at local school. He served on the board of
Homeowners Association and was also an elected President.
He was instrumental in starting a Neighborhood Watch Program.
He plays a key part in supporting Sunnyhills Neighborhood
events.
Syed Mohsin currently serves as vice-chair on the Milpitas
Community Advisory Commission. He recently graduated from
the SAFE/ CERT program to serve Milpitas residents in events
of disaster. He serves on the American Muslim Voice Board
of Directors and is a member of the Executive Committee of
the American Muslim Alliance. He is also a member of Pakistan
Association of San Francisco.
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