The launch of
Ariana Afghanistan Community Association (AACA)
New Year and
Eid festival
The Ariana Afghanistan Community Association (AACA) was launched in
South London on 02 January 2007 after obtaining a license from the
British government.
The social and cultural association is hoping to benefit the Afghan
diaspora with short and long-term projects, such as classes in the
native languages of Farsi (Persian) and Pashto, helping Afghans to
understand their duties and responsibilities as well as their rights in
this multi-cultural society and provide them with advice and assistance
as necessary.
The association also hopes to bring harmony and unity amongst Afghans by
holding cultural gatherings and celebrating Afghan and non-Afghan
festivals. With this in mind, the head of the association, Mr Jabar
Ariayee, chose the Eid ul-Adha festival, which coincided with the New
Year, to launch the association at a ceremony on 02 January 2007 at
Selsdon Community Centre, South Croydon, and UK. The ceremony was
attended by a large number of Afghans as well as a number of officials
and politicians from South London.
The programme proceeded as follows:
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The programme was introduced and presented by
Miss Mojdah Lalzad and Ahmad Mostaqeem.
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The programme was officially opened with the
recitation of a verse from the Holy Koran.
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Mr Abdul Jabar Ariyaee, the Director of Ariana
Afghanistan Community Association, spoke about the short and
long-term objectives and the future activities of the association.
He called on all Afghans to join the community irrespective of
racial, linguistic and religious backgrounds, saying everyone should
be proud of the multi-cultural Britain and must contribute to this
society. He outlined a number of the AACA's objectives, including
opening of classes in native languages, maths, and computer and
Koranic studies as well as launching an internet radio.
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Ahmad Mostaqeem, a specialist on Islamic
studies, spoke about the importance of celebrating such festivals
and on the philosophy behind the Eid Al-adhda.
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Then, Mr Abdul Hay Peerzada, an expert on
Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi-Rumi, talked about the teachings of this
mystical 12th century Persian philosopher-literary Sufi on
self-knowledge, love for humanity, spirituality and education. He
overwhelmed the audience with his impressive speech on the teachings
of this great scholar. UNESCO has named the 2007 as the "Year of
Rumi-Balkhi" to mark his 800th birth anniversary.
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After that, Mrs Shahla Hibib, a well-educated
Afghan woman, spoke in Pashto and then read a poem about national
unity, harmony and solidarity amongst all Afghans which was
inspirational to all participants.
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Afterward, Mr Andrew Pelling, Conservative Party
MP for Central Croydon, congratulated the launch of the AACA and
promised his support for the association and wished every success
for it. His speech was warmly received by the audience.
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Abdul Ali Faiq, an activist of the AACA, thanked
Mr Pelling for attending the opening ceremony and Eid festival,
saying the community was honoured by his presence. Faiq also
welcomed everyone and warmly thanked them for their co-operation. He
also praised the British government for promoting multi-culturalism
and the government's continued support for all communities without
any discrimination.
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Two children, Miss Gete Aryiaee 14 and Hamid
Pasdar 14, then sung a beautiful rhyme with the audience applause.
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Latter, a group of 15 kids sung a patriotic song
(Watan Eshaq-e tu) in tribute to their suffering country. Without
any exaggeration, the song amazed everyone and was heavily
applauded.
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After that, a speaker from our Hazara brotherly
ethnic group, Rahmatullah Najafi, delivered a magnificent speech
about national unity.
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The ceremony was further glorified with the live
songs and music played by a young and talented singer, Mr Ahmad
Obaid.
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The dinner was then served and, after a short
break, the music continued to trill the audience until 11:00 pm -
the end of a magnificent ceremony.
For more details you can see the following photos: