SURREY, B.C. (Maheshinder Singh Mangat ) — The Canada Urdu Association (CUA) hosted its annual Mushaira on August 22 at Fleetwood Community Centre in Surrey, bringing together members of the Urdu-speaking community, poets, cultural leaders and guests to celebrate Urdu language and literature.
MLA for Surrey City Centre Amna Shah attended the event alongside Waqas Ahmed, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver.
Established in 1997, the Canada Urdu Association is a Surrey-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Urdu language, literature and cultural activities in Canada.
The event featured an awards ceremony recognizing individuals for their contributions to Urdu language and literature. Dr. Zareen Naqvi, Qamar Waheed, Farzana Alam and Afshi Aijaz received Appreciation Awards.
Hardev Sodhi Ashk was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Harsimran Singh received the Farogh-e-Sukhan Award. The prestigious Rafiq-e-Urdu Award was presented to Huma Shoaib for her outstanding service to the association and promotion of the Urdu language.
The awards were followed by a traditional Mushaira, where poets presented their work to an enthusiastic audience. Special guest Amna Murad from the United States also delivered a presentation on renowned poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal.
The Canada Urdu Association thanked MLA Amna Shah, Waqas Ahmed, volunteers and all participants for helping make the event a successful celebration of Urdu language, poetry and culture.
