An Enlivening Eid Dinner
A Pakistani Link Report
The COPAA Eid Party at the glittering
LA Westin Hotel hall on November 19 was a rare event. The
community turned up in record numbers. The event brought
together Pakistani-Americans of all ages and backgrounds.
The young and the old, IT experts, medical doctors, and
entrepreneurs, provided proof of a closely-knit community.
The event seemed to vividly demonstrate the collective strength
of the community. The air of festivity was marked and all
too evident.
Above
:Glimpses of the COPAA Eid Dinner
Prominent community members, including Mr. Safi Qureshey
and Mr Ahmad Adaya, were among the attendees. Mr. Noor Mohammad
Jadmani, Consul General, was also present. He presented
a plaque to former COPAA President, Mr Ahmed Ali, in recognition
of his services.
The audience was thoroughly enraptured by the fashion show,
songs, bhangra dance, and skits presented by a large number
of talented artistes.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hamid Malik, COPAA President,
remarked: “This evening we wanted to provide you with
good food, great entertainment and a profound speech. I
can promise you we will deliver you on two of these goals.
In fact, when the organizing committee heard that I was
going to deliver a speech, they promptly reduced the cost
of admission.” The modest Mr. Malik was wrong. He
delivered on all three promises. His speech was both profound
and thought-provoking. A few excerpts:
“Seriously, my friends, today we live in a different
and challenging environment. It is a challenge to our identity
and our faith. The very subject of discussion in our social
gatherings has changed. We now discuss the environment our
children are going to face in future, and their acceptance
in American society… I believe it is a very critical
time for us here in the United States. We must understand
the gravity of the situation. We need to work together,
help each other out. We need to ensure that our rights as
Americans are protected… America is a great society
and a great country. Let us not for get that our community
adds to this greatness. Now we must move a step further
and ensure that the overall society understands this…”
He exhorted members of the community “to work together
in building a community that is a pride and joy for all
of us…. I would also like to see our community helping
each other like one big family…”
Similar sentiments were expressed by the other COPAA members
who spoke on the occasion.
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