DALLAS: South Asia Democracy Watch (SDW) organized a memorial event in Dallas in memory of the late Dr. Qaiser Abbas, which was attended by a large number of social activists, civic leaders, and dignitaries from the Pakistani and South Asian communities.
Dr. Abbas’s wife, Dr. Saleha Suleman, was present along with her two sons, Shahryar Ali Rizvi and Shahrzad Ali Rizvi, to pay tribute to his legacy.
The event paid rich tribute to Dr. Abbas’s scholarly, journalistic, and social contributions. On this occasion, a special certificate of appreciation signed by State Representative Terry Meza, was presented to Dr. Saleha Suleman and her sons by the Texas State Assembly to recognize Dr. Abbas’s exceptional contributions to the Texas community.
President of South Asia democracy watch Amir Makhani while presenting the certificate, praised Dr. Abbas as a leader who always worked for peace, interfaith harmony, and the promotion of social good.
He said that Dr. Abbas’ leadership skills and passion for promoting cultural and academic dialogue have fostered positive connections between different communities.
Democracy watch president Amir Makhani also introduced the board members, including Aftab Siddiqui, Raja Zahid Khanzada, and Syed Fayyaz Hassan.
They paid rich tribute to Dr. Abbas and highlighted his exemplary role. They mentioned the efforts that Dr. Abbas made to promote dialogue on important social and political issues.
They said that as a result of Dr. Abbas’s efforts, important programs such as the conference on “The Situation of Minorities in South Asia”, the lecture on “Genocide” led by Nobel prize winner Professor Amartya Sen, the annual “Asma Jahangir Memorial Lecture”, and conferences on various topics, including women, were organized.
All these initiatives are a clear testimony to his commitment to the promotion of human rights, equality, and social justice, they said.
Dr. Abbas’s wife Dr. Saleha Suleman shed light on various aspects of Dr. Abbas’s life and mentioned his academic and professional achievements.
She said that Dr. Abbas obtained his master’s degree from Punjab University, where she was also a student with him, and later both of them completed their PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States.
She added that Dr. Abbas served as a professor and administrator in higher educational institutions in the United States and provided opportunities for students to advance in the field of education.
She said that Dr. Abbas also organized international conferences on the topic of Sufism, peace in South Asia and the Middle East in various universities and founded “Aiwan-e-Urdu” in Florida to promote Urdu literature and poetry.
She said that Dr. Abbas’s love for the Urdu language was reflected in his work and he was always engaged in such efforts that would help in the development of literature and culture.
She said that Dr. Qaiser Abbas was the author of three books, which reflect his intellectual and literary depth. She said that Dr. Abbas works included a collection of poetry, a study on the social role of television, and a collection of literary and intellectual analytical essays. His writings led to the promotion of deep dialogue on media, culture, and literature, and he left a lasting scholarly legacy through his thought-provoking writings, she added.
Founder of Urdu Ghar, Dr. Aamir Suleman also addressed the event and highlighted Dr. Abbas’s services for the promotion of Urdu in North Texas. He said that Dr. Abbas provided a platform to the lovers of Urdu language and literature through “Urdu Ghar” and united the literary circles with his efforts. Thanks to him, Urdu language enthusiasts got the opportunity to express their views and participate in the development of the language, he said.
The ceremony concluded with a special prayer (Fatiha) by Aftab Siddiqui for the eternal peace of Dr. Abbas. The participants recalled services of Dr. Abbas and said that his efforts will be remembered.
Amir Makhani thanked all the participants and said that the memory of Dr. Abbas will also be alive and his mission will be continued.
