NEWYORK: Khyber Society of America celebrated Pashtun Cultural Day with great enthusiasm in New York.
The Pashtun Cultural Day was organized at a local restaurant in New York. The cultural day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthems of America and Pakistan.
The event was moderated by Mohammad Nasir Khan and Rehana Makin.
A large number of people from different cities of Pakistan living in New York participated in the Culture Day and conveyed the message of peace, love, unity, harmony and tolerance.
Founder of the Khyber Society of America Taj Akbar said that an employment scheme was initiated for our Pakistani nationals in view of the increasing inflation and unemployment in Pakistan under which many families benefited. He said that this scheme will be continued.
A shawl and a cultural cap was given to the president of the gathering and Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Amir Ahmed Atuzai. Amir Ahmed Atuzai also recited a poem in Pashto at the beginning of his speech. He said that the spirit of support, mutual cooperation, sympathy and help among the Pashtun nation is commendable.
Special guest Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar described her ancestors’ connection to the city of Multan in Pakistan as a source of pride.
The first Pakistani-American Assemblywoman from the state of New Jersey, Shama Haider, highly appreciated the employment scheme of the Khyber Society. She said that Pakistanis living in the United States should join politics at all levels.
Prominent figures from the Pakistani American community associated with politics, society, business, arts and literature were also present at the ceremony.
Khyber Society of America President Zaman Khan Afridi and Chairman Dr. Shafiq Khan said that the Pashtun community, wherever they live, definitely plays its role in the development and progress of the society and it has been our tradition to praise such individuals.
A board member of the Khyber Society Tahir said that our civilization, culture and traditions are our valuable assets. Culture is beyond the confines of borders, that is why it connects hearts.
It was also announced to provide decent employment to four people living in Pakistan through the lottery of the employment scheme.
APAG President Ali Rashid said that the Pashtun nation has an ancient civilization and culture, they are examples of hard work, perseverance, courage, boldness and bravery. He said that this is not just a celebration of culture but also of our ancient civilization and culture and humanitarian traditions.
Other speakers also expressed their views, while a young representative of the office of Assembly Member Michaelle Solages delivered the message of the Assemblywoman for the Pashtun community.
Traditional Pushtun cultural music was also played which was enjoyed by the audience.
Later, awards, commendations and certificates were presented to several personalities for their outstanding work in various fields and community services.
