Believe in R.A.C.E not Racism
by Javed Zaheer

TORONTO: The voice, choice and wishes of the people were witnessed at a selected but mammoth gathering held here on November 30 at Crystal Banquet Hall in honour of Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament. While the people were cheering, clapping and dancing, their leader was crying on seeing the deep love and sincere support they demonstrated for him. It was no political drama but a heart-to-heart expression.

            
The occasion was Special Celebration of 15 years as Member of Parliament, in recognition of his love and care for the people and meritorious services. Over 1000 distinguished guests including Ghalib Iqbal, Consul General of Pakistan, Sher M. Jamali, Country Manager of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a senior Chinese diplomat and leading personalities were present. The celebration was in full swing and people were enjoying so much that it became difficult for me to concentrate on the proceedings because of the clapping and cheers.
         
One speaker said that perhaps nobody knows diversity more than Jim and he is truly loved by people of all communities. He is always there when needed and that is one of his great qualities. Most of the speakers said and advocated that Jim should lead them for at least 15 years more because he is a hope for a bright future. Guests stood up and cheered on this wish of the speakers and the people. 

          
Jim Karygiannis, who is M.P Scarborough-Agincourt, became emotional in his address. He could hardly control his tears and continued sobbing. He said that immigrants have helped make Canada one of the best countries in the world. He assured the gathering that the issues of immigrants would be seriously considered because the immigrants are very important and cannot be ignored and neglected. He stated that being an immigrant, he understands the problems and hardships faced by the immigrants.

          
He said that the vision Paul Martin has for Canada is of inclusion and not exclusion. He spoke about his 15 years era and thanked all those who supported him in the successes he achieved. He particularly praised his wife, family and staff and said that without them he was nothing.  Because of all this, he considers himself as one of the most fortunate person in the world. He stated that he has five beautiful and lovely daughters and they hate politics yet they support him in all his efforts and struggle.

           
Jim said people should believe in the four words R.A.C.E. (Respect, Accept, Celebrate and Embrace), which are extremely important and key to success, progress and happiness.

          
Prizes were distributed on the occasion. A calligraphic painting of Fahim Hamid Ali, a young and budding internationally renowned Pakistani origin artist, who has earned both name and fame because of his masterpiece collections and worldwide exhibitions, was presented by Shahid Hashmi, Syed Taghi Abedi and Javed Zaheer on behalf of CanPak Chamber of Commerce.

            
In connection with the celebration, interviews for radio were taken by Javed Zaheer of both Jim Karygiannis and Syed Taghi Abedi, a world known scholar, for 770 AM Radio Program, which is conducted by Fahim Hamid Ali. Jim repeated the same message and thanked the people for their love and support. He assured them that he will do his best to help and serve them.

          
Syed Taghi Abedi said Jim had sincerely and practically done a lot for the people and deserves to be awarded a position in Paul Martin’s leading team so that he could do more for them. People must support Jim and other such leaders in their efforts and struggle. He is particularly loved by the South Asian community and had always stood by them during the toughest times, he added.

          
People are hopeful that he would be made a Federal Minister and provided an opportunity to prove his worth and fulfill his promises and commitments. Canada needs him in the forefront, Syed Taghi Abedi stated.

           
He lauded the CanPak Chamber of Commerce for providing a platform and acting as a bridge in bringing the people closer. He praised Shahid Hashmi, Chairman of CanPak, for his dedication and hard work in this connection.

          
Because of organizations like CanPak, many Canadian leaders now clearly understand and practically support the immigrants and their cause. Jim Karygiannis is one good example. The people are definitely benefiting, he added. 

Political
Social
Economics
Religious
Science