The Canada Pakistan Business Council (CPBC) celebrates its 34th Anniversary Gala and honours Awards to prominent individuals who have contributed in their respective fields of specialization. Maintaining its traditions, CPBC event was attended by a cross section of people representing dignitaries, prominent business and community leaders, and members of the academia. And as always, a large contingent from the business community, Pakistan diaspora, and distinguished guests honored the occasion with their presence. As per the mandate of CPBC, this year’s event also witnessed CPBC partnered and welcomed a high-powered ICT delegation, creating an opportunity to connect Canada and Pakistan to bring together each other’s excellence and diverse strengths to enhance collaborations in this sector. To support the cause, Dr. Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation, and Science, Government of Ontario was invited as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
Mr. Fahim Hamid Ali was awarded the ‘CPBC Excellence Award for Arts & Culture 2017’. A self-taught artist, Mr. Ali’s work ranges from People, Wild Life, Landscapes, and historic events. He is highly passionate about the Islamic Calligraphy and Egyptian and Hindu Mythologies. This diversity has enabled him to carve a niche for himself in the art world as a versatile artist who is at home with various subjects and mediums. His work has been exhibited all over the world and he was part of the Aga Khan Museum’s inaugural exhibition.
MAPLE MORNING: The experience of celebrating the Pakistani Diaspora has been extremely rewarding on a personal level for Fahim.Directing and producing MAPLE MORNING has been a great learning experience and has given Fahim the unique chance of understanding of so many dynamic personalities over the course of this project with an insight into the fabric of our society in Canada.
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The project was initiated by the Consulate General of Pakistan with the personal intervention of former Consul General of Pakistan Asghar Ali Golo (now Ambassador) in consultation with Canada Pakistan Business Council and its President Samir Dossal not too long back. CPBC 2017 Entrepnueuer of the Year, Mr. Shakir Rehmatullah President Flato Developments Inc stepped up to be the Honorary Patron for this unique first time ever initiative.
The humble beginning has now evolved to be a project of magnitude with the sequel in progress MAPLE MORNING—-The Journey Continues……This will upcoming production is being supported by one of CPBC Sponsors. With the support from the entire community, it is going to make it bigger & better.
He also has the honour of having his original painting on Tipu Sultan, a Freedom Movement Hero of the Subcontinent, acquired by the National Museum of Pakistan for permanent display at their Freedom Movement Gallery. He also has had the has had the honour of painting Prince Karim Aga Khan’s first ever portrait on glass.
Mr. Ali is of the opinion that his art is representational by choice and if the art of painting is to survive, it must describe and express people and nature; it must communicate.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, prominent among them were Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Reza Moridi – MPP Minister for Research, Innovation and Science, MP Salma Zahid and MP Rob Oliphant – Co-chairs Canada Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, MP Iqra Khalid – MP Mississauga, MP Lorne Coe – MPP Whitby-Oshawa, Dr. Shafiq Qaadri,Dr. Donald Bobaish, Deputy Minister, Global Affairs Canada, Chief Eric Joliffe – Chief of Police York Region, Mayor Linda Jeffery – Mayor of Brampton, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Consul General of Sri Lanka, Mr. U L M Jauhar, Mr. Andrew Turner – Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. David Agnew, President SENECA, Hon. Bryon Wilfert, Chairman CPBC, Samir Dossal – President CPBC and many more.
