150TH ANNIVERSARY OF
CANADA: LET’S
PLEDGE TO SERVE COUNTRY BETTER
BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION
AWARD WINNER
TORONTO:
On July 1, 2017, Canadians worldwide celebrated the 150th anniversary of Canada, also
known as the 150th anniversary of
Confederation.
The country has not only made great progress but
attracted millions of people from all over the globe to visit and settle here.
People are allowed to freely practice their religion.
They are encouraged to protect and promote cultural
and social values. Throughout the year we witness the festivals and celebrations.
Once people who make Canada their home hardly go back, particularly their
children and grandchildren.
The 150th celebration included
massive fireworks and celebrations at hundreds of places all over Canada. Speeches
were held on the role and tremendous contributions of Canada and Canadians of
various communities, origins and countries.
The celebrations always provide us the
opportunity to pledge to serve the country and the people in much better ways.
The 150 years were full of tremendous struggle.
The newcomers from all over the world, who were mostly
recognized professionals, specialists
and highly skilled personnel serving on top positions in their
respective countries, and highly educated people, struggled extremely hard to become
a part of the Canadian system and society. The government guides and supports
them in the best possible ways
However new policies and policy changes are badly
needed to allow them to play their important role in the progress and prosperity
of Canada. Canada must benefit fully from the rich experiences and excellent
expertise.
The government must come forward to sincerely help
and support them after listening to their genuine grievances and their desire
to serve Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, like his father, is doing a lot
for all. This is the time to seriously consider this important issue as well.
Justin Trudeau has the ability to do remarkable and memorable things.
NEPMCC: The National Ethnic Press & Media Council of
Canada organized the `Canada Day 2017’
150 Celebrations on July 1, 2017, at the Cypriot Community Centre, 6
Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto.
It was a selected gathering of distinguished
personalities. Rob Oliphant, MP for Don Valley West, Toronto, represented Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau. He spoke on the role and progress of Canada and said
that Canada is a leader in human rights, civil rights, economy and
socialization and we have to maintain this status.
Rob Oliphant praised the role and tremendous
contributions of Thomas S. Saras, CEO and President of NEPMCC, and his daughter
Maria. They were presented medals by Rob Oliphant on behalf of the Government
of Canada in recognition of their meritorious services. Rob said 100 medals
would be distributed to recognize others. It was a well organized event.
The way Thomas S. Saras works is a great source of
motivation and inspiration for all. Now his daughter is supporting him in
managing the NEPMCC. It is a wonderful father-daughter combination.
Thomas has the wonderful ability and understanding
to successfully work with all communities and help and support them genuinely.
LOVE & RESPECT: It was an honour for the Pakistani community when Thomas invited Syed
Muhammad Iqbal, President of Pak Seniors Forum, and three others as special
guest. This shows the great love and respect he has for the Muslim and
Pakistani community.
Syed Muhammad Iqbal keeps an eye on national and
international affairs. He remains in contact with investors and important
people. When they visit Canada, he connects them with investors.
SHAHID
HASHMI: Shahid Hashmi, Chairman, Canpak Chamber of Commerce, and a distinguished
personality is in Canada for decades and keeps playing the very important role
of building bridges, connecting and introducing people and helping and
supporting them. His whole family including wife Seema Hashmi and other family
members are his team members and keep supporting him.
Shahid Hashmi, on June 16, 2017, organized a
selected gathering. The special guests
were Sohail Rana, legendary music director, Nazimuddin Maqbool, who is doing the
extremely important work for promotion of Urdu. Hundreds of children are his
students and benefiting from his efforts and contribution.
His latest book based on his travels and articles
was also presented and sold to the people. Iqbal, son of the
famous and great community leader late Major Abbas, of Muslim Welfare Centre,
also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the work being done by the MWC. He collected
a lot of donation from the people on the occasion. The credit goes to Shahid
Hashmi for the collection.
Shahid Hashmi praised the launching of Eid stamp by
the Canada Post and highlighted values based on Quran. Sohail Rana showed to
the audience the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award he received from the Government of
Pakistan.
Iftar party was also organized on the occasion by
Shahid and Seema Hashmi.
There are several leading Pakistanis who are playing
important roles and contributing tremendously. There is a need to motivate
others to come forward and serve in a much better way. The Pakistani and other
Muslim communities strongly believe in promotion of cultural and religious
values and socialization, which is evident on festivals like Eids, Ramazan,
Eid, Milad-un-Nabi, Muharram and others. Now Pakistanis and Muslims are in
politics, parliaments and on important positions. Those in parliaments and
important positions must focus on building bridges and seriously helping and
solving the issues and problems of the community members. They must keep a good
distance from hypocrites and exploiters, who only focus on their vested
interests and tarnish the reputation of the community.
JZ’S
PROFILE: Founder of SHIR International Network (Serve
Humanity In Reality---SHIR), declared by Judges as one of 75 Finalist Best
Canadian Immigrants, an Honour for the Pakistani Community. Joined Journalism
Profession in 1974 (Daily `SUN’, Karachi) and still serving as a professional
journalist (2014). Javed Zaheer, Free Expression Award Winner (Awarded by
National Ethnic Press & Media Council of Canada—NEPMCC. Award presented by
Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Canada), Desi Idol Recognition Award Winner
(Presented by North American Desi Idol), Member/Honorary Director of NEPMCC,
Veteran Active Member (VAM) of Toronto Press Club, Ex-Member of The National
Club and The Ontario Club, Honorary Editor of English Weekly `Pakistan Abroad’,
Canada, ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `The Ambassador’, Canada,
ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `DAWN', Canada, ex-Senior
Sub-Editor of English Daily DAWN, Pakistan (From 1986-1999), Chairman, CANOPI,
Director of Children Dignity Foundation (CDF---Canada & Pakistan) and
Honorary Director, Canpak, Chamber of Commerce, and Honorary Director
Information, Pak Seniors Forum (PSF), is contributing purely on Voluntary and
Honorary Basis in order to serve all people and communities. Contact:
jazamedia@hotmail.com To read more JZ’s exclusive articles, please visit:
nepmcc website (Editorial Sections. Scan years from 2004). Visit www.javedzaheernews.blogspot.com
for latest exclusive articles.
