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First ever Pakistani /Islamic Art Exhibition in British Columbia
9-19-2018
For the first time in British Columbia words like 'Urdu' and 'Allama Iqbal' echoed loudly in a renowned public gathering venue. Pakistani literary heritage was prominently exhibited in the impressive Upper Rotunda of the Richmond Cultural Centre. Scores of interested dignitaries and invited guests for the opening reception and launch of the art exhibition, had some difficulty with the word 'Urdu' and wanted to know how it is pronounced. Some eager youngsters of Pakistani origin readily jumped in to help. Most were also unfamiliar with Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. During the tour of the exhibition they keenly read in English about his brief biographical sketch. An explanatory note also provided information about Urdu and Pakistan which was placed at the start of the exhibition for public information. The onlookers spent time reading English translations of Allama's poetry and appreciated the appealing universal message.
Farooq M. Rai's Peace & Harmony Art Exhibition was presented by Richmond Art Gallery and Richmond World Festival. The award winning Richmond World Festival attracted thousands of visitors. The unique collage art work exhibition of Pakistani cultural and literary heritage was the first ever in British Columbia.
The opening reception to launch the Peace & Harmony Art Exhibition was hosted by the Richmond Art Gallery on September 1st 2018 in the roof top garden patio of the Richmond Cultural Centre. This beautiful setting was a remarkable sight, where in a standing room capacity, guests from various ethnic communities witnessed the Mayor of the City of Richmond graciously accept a painting with a plaque. The plaque contained the following inscription:
"As-salamu ?alaykum, peace be upon you. On the occasion of the 2018 World Festival, in appreciation of the City of Richmond’s commitment to promote intercultural harmony, this artwork by Farooq M. Rai from his Peace & Harmony Art Exhibition is presented to Richmond City Hall."
Mayor Malcolm Brodie thanked Mr. Rai for his thoughtful gift to the City of Richmond. Also, it was nice to see the Mayor of Richmond speak highly about his significant contribution. As a member of the Pakistani community, Mr. Rai was recognized for his dedicated volunteer work and efforts in promoting better intercultural relations.
It is a matter of our community’s pride that Pakistan's cultural identity and heritage was showcased during the significant event like World Festival in Richmond. There were warm hugs and emotionally charged feelings among the Canadians of Pakistani origin when they saw the large posters with Allama Iqbal's poetry and Surah Ar-Rahman in translation (Which then the bounties of Allah will you deny?) prominently displayed. It was heart warming to see students from the distant Fraser Valley University Abbotsford attend the reception and art exhibition. The extensive volunteer work by Mr. Rai was quite obvious in accomplishing all this with the assistance of the City of Richmond staff. Mr. Rai also acknowledged their support during his opening remarks.
The official website of the Richmond Art Gallery shared the following information for promotional purposes:
"Farooq M. Rai: Peace & Harmony Art Exhibition
Richmond Cultural Centre Upper Rotunda, Presented by Richmond Art Gallery and Richmond World Festival
Farooq Rai, Richmond-based Canadian of Pakistani origin artist considers the inspirational message of Allama Iqbal (poet and philosopher b. 1877) as a means to preserve a unique cultural identity and heritage within British Columbia. The exhibition presents a selection of Rai’s unique collages highlighting Arabic/Urdu calligraphy and a message of peace and harmony.
Rai was appointed as the first Assistant Deputy Minister, and Head of Ministry responsible for Multiculturalism and Immigration in 1994. Also a writer and advocate in the community, Rai’s passion and sincere commitment to raising awareness of the Pakistani/Islamic literary cultural heritage is core to this body of work."
During the memorable reception to launch the art exhibition, the Acting Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Fahad Amjad, stated that:
"It gives me great pleasure to be here on this auspicious occasion of the Opening Reception and launch of the Art Exhibition: Peace & Harmony by Mr. Farooq Rai, a Canadian of Pakistani's origin who hails from a family who laid their roots in British Columbia well over a century ago.
I want to convey our appreciation to those who facilitated this Art Work exhibition to take place in this beautiful setting. I understand that the World Festival in Richmond is one of B.C.'s signature multicultural festivals which celebrates cultural diversity. I acknowledge and recognize Mr. Rai’s passion and sincere commitment to raising awareness about the Peace & Harmony message, which is the theme of his unique Collage Art Work Exhibition. While in this pursuit he is also highlighting Pakistan's unique cultural and literary heritage.
I again want to thank the Mayor and the City of Richmond for their continuous contribution and wish all the success to Mr. Farooq Rai for his passionate volunteer work."
Mr. Rai in his passionate remarks emphasized that he "wanted to convey a message of peace and harmony from a citizen's perspective rather then from of any political, or religious organizations."
Mr. Rai mentioned that he was motivated by the growing recent unfortunate incidents of intolerance prompting him as an art enthusiast to present his exhibition with the theme of "Peace & Harmony."
He also emphasized that there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that we, as proud Canadians of Pakistani origin, are committed and actively involved in making our country ever stronger, safer and prosperous. We are peace-loving, civic-minded and united in making Canada the best country in the world. Such sentiments along with the loud message of peace and harmony was warmly applauded by everyone. The audience was visibly moved by the proceedings and the art exhibition with the theme of "Peace & Harmony."
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