On November 24th an exciting and unique book launch and film-screening event took place at the impressive Performance Hall in the Richmond Cultural Centre in front of a capacity mainstream audience. It was the first time that an Islamic/Pakistani Art Workbook launch and screening of docufilms of a Canadian of Pakistan origin took place at a renowned public setting in British Columbia.
Following the success of Farooq Rai’s Peace & Harmony art exhibitions across the Lower Mainland in 2018, a book The Journey Continues…(Art related) was published in 2019. An accompanying video based on the book was showcased during this event along with the docufilm, The Luminary.
During his opening remarks Shaun Dacey, Director of the Richmond Art Gallery, stated that he had the pleasure to work closely with Rai and found him to be a humble, compassionate and sincere person.
In his remarks, Rai made three points. Firstly, he conveyed the greetings of Assalmu Alikum- Peace be Upon You. Secondly, he recognized and paid respect to indigenous people, on whose traditional territories we live and work. He stated that we are all here as immigrants and we should not forget this important factor. Finally, he thanked the City of Richmond and the Richmond Art Gallery for hosting such a wonderful event promoting intercultural relations and harmony in the Canadian mainstream.
The honour of conducting the graceful book launching ceremony was given to three youth artists. This was a unique feature since book launching is typically done for promotional purposes. However, Rai’s books and extensive artworks are not for sale and are being donated for good causes. City of Richmond Councillor Chak Au, Richmond Tennis Club’s Board representative Ann Nykforuk, Dacey, and Rukhsana Rai accompanied the youth.
The docufilm The Luminary was shown for the first time in British Colombia. It highlights Rai’s remarkable accomplishments and contribution to the Canadian Society. The following quote was displayed in the film:
Here is a story of a boy who survived the ravages of Partition and eventually rose to prominence in an adopted country where he served ministers, premiers, prime ministers and most importantly, society itself! Along the way, you established many firsts for Canadians of Pakistan origin and repeatedly demonstrated what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and a passion for public service.
Thank you Farooq for sharing the inspiring story of your journey with me and others. And, thank you Farooq for all you’ve done along the way to make this province and country a better place for all!
The audience applauded warmly at the conclusion of the moving docufilm.
The accompanying video of the book was shown next and was extremely well received by the enthusiastic crowd who clapped during some inspiring messages and paintings. Rai thanked Karl Maier, a creative and kind gentleman who produced the video and assisted in the book preparation.
Rai was appointed as the first Assistant Deputy Minister and Head of the Ministry responsible for Multiculturalism and Immigration in 1994. Also a writer and advocate in the community, he is recognized for his dedicated volunteer work and efforts in promoting harmonious intercultural relations. His unique collage artwork also depicts his cultural and literary heritage with a message of peace and harmony.
Several organizations, youth, and media were recognized during the course of the event. The three young artists were given the opportunity to showcase their artwork, which was much appreciated by the audience. The Richmond Tennis Club was recognized for contributing to the health and cultural life of Richmond.
Rai applauded the efforts of all community media outlets who are playing an important role in promoting harmonious intercultural relations while preserving their own cultural heritage. Two prominent Pakistani community media personal were presented with special commemorative works of art in recognition of their significant contribution.
Nasser Pirzada (Print Media), Editor of The Miracle, which is the first Pakistani newspaper in British Columbia, was recognized for his contribution. Rai presented Pirzada with the Three Commemorative Cards piece specially made for this occasion. The Miracle’s coverage of Rai’s past events is highlighted in the book and video.
Naveed Waraich (Social Media), Host and Producer of a popular television program was presented with the Commemorative Poster made by the Richmond Art Gallery for the World Festival Richmond Exhibition. Rai acknowledged that Waraich was the first community leader who interviewed him after the publishing of his first book several years ago.
Media Personalities, Naseer, Intikhab, Naveed ( *I have only 6 Facebook ‘friends’ apart from the family)
Thanks, everyone, when we were planning the event format, I specifically requested to recognize the youth and media. The Director of the Richmond Art Gallery who was the MC of the program kindly concurred with my foresight.
I like to share with you some background info for your particular interest since I also have experience in media work during my extensive government career.
– “ The Maple Morning, A sequel “ is one of the most significant mainstream media exposure of Canadians of Pakistani origin’s contribution in Canada. The renowned Producer and Videographer spend the day at our home shooting the BC part.
– “ The Luminary “ documentary was made using the extensive footage of my interview. I wrote the script for this documentary.
-I have been working hard to preserve our identity and heritage in BC. I wan to improve our image and share positive aspects of Pakistan. I want to counter racism and Islamophobia by promoting inter cultural harmonious relations. With such objectives in mind I went about ‘doing my things’ .
– We set up a ‘studio’ in our home for several months where we meticulously photographed the selected 100 art work paintings ( see some photos ). When a book is published or a film is screened then some times there is a video made to show the background work of how it was accomplished. We kept photos of this process and may compile a documented profile latter on. The limited edition book was published at a cost of $ 250 per book. The book and documentaries turn out to be very time consuming
and an expensive proposition.
-The Book was compiled after great team work. It was the idea of the younger generation to come up with an enticing social media docufilm with English translation for wider circulation. The subsequent video was directed by me and produced by a media company. I choose the music and formulated the script. It is about 50 minutes video which we had to condense considerably for the showing at the event.
-Early this year the family travelled to three continents. Wirth Allah’s blessings performed Umrah, visited our daughter in Africa and had a special book launch and film screen at the renowned Dabistan e Iqbal, ( see their Facebook ) Lahore Pakistan by Mian Iqbal Salahuddin the grandson of Allama Iqbal. We have ties with this family and I really appreciate the work of Mian Yousaf Salahuddin the older brother of Mian Iqbal who organize the music show Virsa: Heritage Revived which is produced from his Mughal-style Haveli’s sehan. (see our family photo from this historic venue ). I am very fond of music and cohosted with
Rafiq the first music program in BC.
-Dabistan e Iqbal made a special documentary of the book launch ceremony which will be shown in BC. It is humbling experience to see a renowned scholar Dr. Tanoli and the grandson of Allama Iqbal recognising my efforts and contribution. Incidentally CG Tariq has seen it and appreciated it. I would like to show you the preview if you are interested.
I have few other projects in mind and time permitting will like to pursue. I want to do a docufilm regarding the first mosque in BC.
I have some rare material in this regard. If any one wish to collaborate I will be interested in this worthy cause . I also want to write an article about the Pakistani Music History in BC and have drafted the outline etc. We must preserve our history in BC and share our contribution for many good reasons. I appreciate and recognize the work of all Pakistani media folks and I wish them continues success.
Regards and best wishes Farooq
