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Vancouver artist Farooq Rai Book's Launch and Film Screening at Richmond Art Gallery a Success
11-28-2019
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 Work book 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 art works 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 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 minsters 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 inter cultural 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 recognised 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 inter cultural 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 recognised for his contribution. Rai presented Pirzada with the Three Commemorative Cards piece especially made for this occasion. The Miracle’s coverage of Rai's past events are 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.
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