Colorful Pakistan Day Celebrations in Sacramento
By Ras H. Siddiqui
The 23rd of March is known as “Pakistan Day” for millions of Pakistanis around the world including members of the Diaspora from the land of green and white here in the United States. To celebrate the occasion on the west coast of America, the Pakistan Consulate in Los Angeles usually does not travel too far from its home base. But this year in a first of sorts, the venue officially chosen by the Consul General and his staff was Sacramento, the Capital of California where (possibly) the oldest community of “Pakistanis” has been residing in this country. There are families settled here from pre-Partition times (for about a century) when some of the land which became Pakistan was then known as British India.
Upon entry, it was no surprise that the California State University Harper Alumni Center venue was decorated in Pakistan’s colors (and it was not St Patrick’s Day). Even the napkins were green tonight. A full hall greeted us here as we arrived from another event on campus named “A Night of Hope & Healing” to remember the recent tragedy in New Zealand. Needless to say, this Pakistan Day program was much happier in comparison. We overseas Pakistanis should feel grateful for the country of origin that we still have as it has itself battled terror for many years and now appears to be winning.
After a brief samosa and chat appetizer session, event emcee MrsDurriya Syed called everyone’s attention and invited Imam Aamir Hussain to deliver the customary recitation from the Holy Qur’an with translation. This was followed by a wonderful rendition of the Pakistani national anthem by San Francisco area Bhangra and Sufi singer Riffat Sultana. She was assisted in her singing here by just about everyone in the audience as this is a community which retains its close ties to Pakistan and takes them seriously. Rtffat also sang “Chand Meri Zameen” to the delight of us all.
Deputy Consul General ShoaibSarwar was invited on to the stage next and he delivered the official statements of Pakistan’s President ArifAlvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion of Pakistan Day. A break for Magrib Prayers followed.
A short keynote by Consul General Abdul JabbarMemon followed. Memon highlighted the long years of friendship that Pakistan and the United States have had. He included the fact that America was amongst the first few countries to recognize Pakistan immediately after its birth. He added that one could also not ignore the close relationship that our country of origin has had with the State of California either, specifically its universities which helped to launch Pakistan’s agricultural revolution. Currently, there has been a great deal of activity in high-tech cooperation between Silicon Valley and Pakistan and there will be some significant steps taken in the near future, he informed. The Consul General also took the opportunity to accept a copy of a Pakistani American Day Resolution introduced by California Assemblyman Brian Dahle highlighting the contributions made to our Golden State by Pakistani Americans.
One of those Pakistani Americans is Irvine City Councilmember Farrah N. Khan (who grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and went to school at UC Davis). She was very much present at this event and delivered an inspiring speech on inclusion and political involvement. She said that besides celebrating our country of origin we should not forget that we also have a job to do here in this country which is to make sure that we have a seat at the table where decisions are being made. She encouraged all to get involved locally in politics and become a part of the fabric here in the US.
A number of community individuals were next invited to the stage and given certificates of appreciation for assisting with Consular Camps and their services to the community in Northern California.
Local Attorney Tanya Syed next elaborated on the significance of Pakistan Day when 25 men gathered into a room 79 years ago without a name for the country, with just a concept and belief and little else to create a vision on that day. She said that all of us have a family story of partition and shared the experiences of her maternal grandparents and their journey from India to Pakistan after partition, leaving all material possessions behind and building a new life for themselves in their new country. (One can add that many have done the same as immigrants to America).
The most colorful and enjoyable segment of the night was the fashion show and regional dances by our youngsters. Representing Sindh, Baluchistan, KPK and Punjab provinces, both in music and attire, the kids deserved all the applause that they received. This segment was introduced by Beela Shaikh who also made a short speech on the occasion. And one cannot forget the sweetness of the occasion reflected in a cake-cutting ceremony (designed in Pakistani and American flag colors) with “Happy Pakistan Resolution Day 2019” written on it. Mohammad Akbar Khan also spoke briefly, presenting a Congratulatory Message from Member of Congress Brad Sherman, before Asif Haq closed the formalities with a powerful rendition of MerayPyareWatan. The evening ended with a dinner catered by Haveli Grill.
(I would like to dedicate this March 23rd event report to Bangladeshi national, Shahnaz Rahmatullah (Begum), who brightened our lives with two classic national songs, SohniDharti and Jeevay Pakistan. Sadly, Shahnaz Begum left this world on March 23rd 2019 at the age of 67. Rest in Peace)
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