ALBERTA, CANADA: On the eve of Sindhi Cultural Day that was observed in Calgary on December 8, the Government of Alberta has officially Recognized the Sindhi Culture and the contributions that Albertan Sindhi’s have made in the Province.
In his inaugural speech at the Recognition celebration, Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism Honourable Ricardo Miranda officially announced the recognition and lauded the role of Sindhi Community in promoting the diversity and inclusion in the Province of Alberta and the rich heritage and culture of Indus Valley Civilization that that has been introduced by the Community.
The other speakers included Alberta Minister of Community and Social Services Honorable Irfan Sabir and the renowned Pakistani Canadian Scientist and recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Dr. Naweed Imam Syed. Both speakers provided their views on Sindhi culture and appreciated the role of Sindhi community in promoting the Sufi culture of Sindh.
In his welcome speech Sindhi Community Leader and co-organizer of the event, Mr. Mashhood Qazi thanked the Premier of Alberta and Culture Ministry for bestowing the official Recognition to the Sindhi Cultural Day.
He mentioned with pride that Alberta has become the first province in the entire world that has Recognized Sindhi Culture. Mr. Qazi mentioned brief history of Indus Valley Civilization and the commonalities of Sindhi culture with that of Alberta culture.
He thanked Premier of Alberta Rachel Notley and the members of Government Caucus, especially Hon. Culture Minister for hosting the Sindhi Cultural Day celebrations in Alberta.
Mr. Ahmer Nadeem Memon, the co-organizer of the event and leader of Sindhi Community detailed the roots of Indus valley civilization and how the Sindhi culture has progressed over years. He emphasized on the role of Sindhi community as vibrant and inclusive community in Alberta. He thanked all the participants for their presence.
A special message of Alberta Premier Honorable Rachel Notley was read recognizing the Sindhi culture and role of Albertan Sindhi’s in making Alberta a better place to live. The message was read by the Emcee Ms. Deborah Drever, who is the Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly.
Over 100 people were invited by the Government of Alberta to attend this event including members of the Government Caucus, dignitaries from Pakistan, India and other countries, together with large number of Sindhi community members who came from various parts of Alberta.
The honorable Ministers were presented with traditional Ajrak and Sindhi Topi by the organizers Ahmer Nadeem Memon and Mashhood Qazi, while both organizers were awarded with Shields by Alberta Culture Ministry in recognition of their services to promote Sindhi Culture in Alberta.
The program included live performance by Sindhi sisters on famous ‘Mor tho Tilly’ followed by national Sindhi songs by a famous singer Priyamvada and Mashhood Qazi. The participants enjoyed the music and community members performed traditional dances on Sindhi songs. Snacks, tea and coffee were served to all attendees of this colorful cultural event.
The official Recognition Certificate was distributed amongst all attendees followed by a mix and mingle of community with Honorable Ministers.
On this occasion, Sindhi cultural stalls were the centre of attraction for participants that were beautifully decorated by Mrs. Farida Memon. Honorable Ministers took keen interest in learning more about Sindhi culture and appreciated the depth of the roots of this culture.
The program ended with traditional ‘ho jamalo’ sung by all participants .
