Sacramento Community Celebrates the Independence Day of Pakistan
By Ras H. Siddiqui
The Pakistani-American community in the Greater Sacramento region (and beyond) celebrated the Independence Day of Pakistan with a great deal of enthusiasm via a large event held at the downtown Cesar Chavez Plaza on Saturday, August 18, 2018.
Apart from other local activities such as the first Pakistani Flag Hoisting at the steps of the California State Capitol and a dinner at the City Council Chambers in nearby Elk Grove, both of which were held on Pakistan’s birthday of August 14th, it is good to note that a group of leaders, including members of the local Pakistani American Association of Sacramento (PAAS) took the lead and organized this much larger event. Filled with celebration and fun for the whole family and outside community friends, around 2,000 people were in attendance here on an evening filled with Pakistani food, fashion, music and dance for everyone to enjoy.
The program began with a very nice recitation from the Holy Qur’an by a young lady from the community. It was followed by a rendition of Dil Dil Pakistan by two adorable children. Ali Saleemi next started things off with a powerful Naat which was well received and got the attention of everyone. And the formalities began with the American and Pakistani National Anthems reflecting the twin identities of the community present as both flags flew on the stage.
After Magrib prayers emcee Sohail DJ invited some ladies in the audience who were judged to be best dressed in the green and white colors of Pakistan. A prize was given to one of them who got the most supportive applause from the audience. Next up and leading the effort, Shahid Saleemi of PAAS officially welcomed everyone. Following him, the Deputy Consul from the Pakistan Consulate in Los Angeles Shoaib Sarwar congratulated all in attendance on Pakistan’s Independence Day and thanked the crowd for attending the event. It is interesting to note that the Sacramento area has been keeping both Consul General Jabbar and Deputy Consul Sarwar quite busy with the sheer number of events held recently and one can hope that this momentum will continue.
Next up was the all-important entertainment schedule with Malaika Faisal as the opening singing act. Malika sang a number of Punjabi and Urdu songs along with a Pashto number during her performance. She was followed by Pakistani Michael Jackson impersonator (Omar Rajput) who did justice to the late legend with his dance moves to Billie Jean and Thriller. Many kids in the audience joined Omar by dancing too. This was followed by a ceremony during which a number of sponsors of this free-to-the-public event were given awards.
And last but not least the headliner for the event Jawad Ahmed shook up the Cesar Chavez Plaza and Downtown Sacramento with patriotic Pakistani songs and Punjabi Bhangra numbers which were well received by all. He started off with his signature Bin Tere Kiya hai Jeenba and included Oh Kendi Hai with a medley which included Ko Ko Korina along with Dholna, his song dedicated to expatriates. Jawad also sang (an early) Mast Qalandar and a religious number along with Pakistan’s National Anthem. He followed it with Dosti, Jeevay Pakistan and Sohni Dharti too.
It is important that large events like this one held in Sacramento exhibit the non-serious softer side of Pakistan for all to enjoy in America. We have a rich culture, great food and music to offer anyone who wants to learn about our country of origin. And from that yardstick this evening was a huge success.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
