Sacramento Celebrates Pakistan’s 75 Years
By Ras H. Siddiqui
A team of hard-working Pakistani Community Members (PCM) hosted an event to celebrate Pakistan’s 75 years of Independence at the Town & Country Event Center parking lot in Sacramento, California on Saturday, August 13, 2022. Under the umbrella name of “Sacramento Pakistani Community” this grouping continues its attachment to our country of origin and hopes to pass on the affection to the next generation of American Pakistanis who were born in the USA. The event was attended by around 2,000 people representing three generations (if not more). There were some youthful nationalistic songs from singer Mohsin Abbas Haider, traditional Pakistani entertainment presented by Shazia Manzoor and finally new wave Rap from Pakistani-American Rapper known as Bohemia. Add to that food, various booths selling merchandise and the chance to meet old friends and we had a winning evening.
The evening was not without its challenges for which the organizers cannot be blamed. They had advertised a start time of 6:00 PM but our community did not arrive till 8:00 and the proceedings started after evening prayers at around 8:15 PM. Now the real challenge was that the cutoff time for music to be played in the area was 10:00 PM so the whole program had to be squeezed into a short time of a little less than two hours. It could easily have gone on till midnight, but that was not possible here.
The formalities started when emcee Sohail Shahzad invited Khizer Anwar for the customary recitation from the Holy Qur’an followed by a Naat-e-Rasool which was presented by Asad Khan. And in a surprise, words of welcome this time were presented not by an old VIP but by Eshaal Kashif, a young lady of our community. And a follow-up by the young duo, Iza Qumar and Mohammad Yahya ensured that the next generation was given a leading role in carrying the message of the American Pakistani community forward. These young people did a commendable job (okay maybe even better than some of us old folks!).
Continuing with the spirit of the evening, colorfully dressed kids came on stage to add their presence to honor the two countries they represent. First to be played was the Star-Spangled Banner of the United States, the country where they were born. Waving the Stars & Stripes and the Green & White with the Crescent Moon, they also enthusiastically participated in the follow-up playing of the Pak Sar Zameen Shaad Baad, the national anthem of Pakistan, the country where either their parents or grandparents were born. Special thanks to the organizers for this segment. It sure hit the mark.
The entertainment segment started next with Mohsin Abbas Haider clad in a green Kurta and a white Dhoti and armed with a great deal of energy. He sang a number of patriotic songs starting off with Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai and Jazba Junoon during which he left the stage and physically joined the audience. He also sang Dil Dil Pakistan and topped his segment off with some Bhangra.
Next up was seasoned singer Shazia Manzoor. We last saw her perform here in Sacramento in 2019 during which she was able to perform for the length of time which was able to showcase her full talent. At this event she was unfortunately pressed for time. She started off with Jugni made famous by Arif Lohar and followed up with an excellent Jeevay Pakistan along with two high energy Punjabi numbers before she closed with Mast Qalandar during which many people young and old were on their feet, dancing.
Last, but not least, was Pakistani American Rapper Bohemia, whom I had not seen perform before. His real name is Roger David, a Karachi-born Punjabi from the Christian community who now lives in this country. Bohemia has style, energy and from what we discovered here quite a young fan following. His fans were so enthusiastic that I had to flee the stage area! It appears that several young people had come here only to see him perform. We need to have him back in a quieter setting before he is out of our reach.
Since the music had to be shut down at 10:00 PM a raffle of various goods and services along with awards for the best dressed kids continued past that time to close the show. We know that someone must win a prize but in reality all of our community kids who came to the event in their best Pakistani clothes were the winners.
To close, one knows that Pakistan faces many current fiscal challenges and party politics is very much in the picture both there and amongst supporters here. But a humble and gentle reminder that Pakistan and the celebration of its Independence should remain above our political divisions. All should pitch in to help the country if they can. Pakistan just celebrated its 75 Years and one can work for, hope, and pray that it reaches its 100 years in much better shape. Pakistan Zindabad from Sacramento, California.
