HDF Scores a Century in Santa Clara

The 1st Annual Silicon Valley Benefit Dinner for the Human Development Foundation (HDF) was held in Santa Clara, California on Saturday July 17, 2004. To say that the event was a resounding success would be an understatement because the area Muslim community showed rare form and once again proved its caring for the poor of Pakistan. Over 500 people showed up and exhibited a sense of spirit and brotherhood that we all can be proud of especially during somewhat difficult times here. From the registration desk upon entry to the closing of the event with (Muslim Kosher) “Halal Music” things went smooth enough to emulate any seminar held by a professional organization. For that, all the team of volunteers, especially the youth along with the community media deserve our appreciation.

The evening started off with a recitation from the Holy Qura’n by Imam Tahir Anwar. This was followed by an introduction by Javed Khan, the event Coordinator who began his speech by welcoming the Pakistani Ambassador to Washington Ashraf Jehangir Qazi and asked for a Dua (prayer) for him. Ambassador Qazi next embarks on a very difficult mission indeed, as the next United Nations Special Envoy to Iraq.

Javed expressed his opinion that the condition of common man in Pakistan had not changed (for the better) in the past 30 years. He asked what we as a community could do to help and whether even the HDF was enough? “There is a lot more that needs to be done,” he said. Urging everyone present to support the HDF he added that helping the needy is a very noble thing to do. “We appreciate your support,” he said.

Two young boys were next invited to the stage to narrate “Lab Pay Aati hai Dua” (A prayer comes to my lips) by Pakistan’s National Poet Allama Iqbal. They did a reasonably good job and reminded many amongst the attendees about their own childhood of which this poem has been a part.

Dinner was served next during which Dr. Shahnaz Khan, one of the pillars of the HDF gave a presentation. “HDF was a gift to Pakistan on its 50th birthday,” said Dr. Khan. She said that since 1997 this organization has very active in that country and that even though Pakistani Doctors in the United States started this organization, it certainly enjoys a much wider support base now. The Co-Chairperson of the HDF also offered some details of the work that this organization has been doing at its current Project Sites in Pakistan at Mardan (NWFP), Rahim Yar Khan and Lahore (Punjab), Shamsabad, Karachi (Sindh) and Zhob (Baluchistan) along with Islamabad. The goals of the HDF as Dr. Khan explained are more ambitious than other NGO’s currently operating in Pakistan. The work of the HDF encompasses Education (including Adult Literacy), Health Care and Economic Development (Micro Credit Programs, Skills Development, Community Physical Infrastructure Programs). HDF seeks partners in development and not charity recipients. Dr. Khan called everyone to action via donations, volunteering time, starting an HDF Network in their geographical area and disseminating of HDF information to others.

Mr. Kevin McDermott who is the Executive Director of the HDF (North America office) next gave a short speech on his observations and resource allocations. It was a pleasure for this reporter to meet an American who does more for Pakistan than most of us who were born in that country. He explained that Greed, Equality an Ignorance were three main obstacles to human development. He added that not much could be done about greed, but in the areas of equality and ignorance, there was much more that can be accomplished. Kevin touched on some issues facing Pakistan such as a dismal 44% literacy rate, a per person GDP rate that can be equated to Sub-Saharan African countries along with malnutrition amongst children. A short film on the HDF was shown soon after Kevin concluded his speech.

Professor Hasan J. Hamdani spoke next. With a poetic opening in Urdu Professor Hamdani said, we are gathered here today for a very noble cause.” “We are here today for light,” he said. He explained that this world was about darkness and light (of knowledge and ignorance). “We can’t just be spectators and watch this misery from a distance,” he added. He explained that knowledge or education was a basic right and that it was supported in our religious beliefs. He also made a strong case for the rights of women in Islam (Its first convert was a woman) and spoke out against extremism in religion.

This backdrop paved the way for the fundraising effort that followed next. Javed Khan set a very ambitious target of $150,000 for the evening and in the final count just over $100,000 was raised. Dr. Rajabally assisted this effort. A collective thanks to all that were generous but one person who gave a substantial amount will be remembered for breaking new ground. Mr. Anil Kapuria from India, a local Silicon Valley entrepreneur also gave a very short speech of encouragement along with his check. Our thanks to Anil for bringing some spirit back into India-Pakistan and Hindu-Muslim relations right here in the San Francisco Bay Area after what seems like a long time.

The keynote speaker the Pakistani Ambassador to the United States and soon to be the UN Envoy to Iraq the Honorable Ashraf Jehagir Qazi was again introduced and invited up to the stage. The Ambassador started off by congratulating everyone “for scoring a perfect century.” For those not familiar with the game of cricket, a century is a hundred runs scored by a batsman, a great honor in the game. And since this gathering succeeded in raising a hundred thousand dollars for a noble cause in Pakistan, it was indeed a “century” scored by all in attendance.

Ambassador Qazi started with comments on U.S. Pakistan relations and the recent sacrifices (in lives) that Pakistan has endured in the war on terror. He said that Pakistan had pursued this course of action for its own benefit and the vision of enlightened moderation currently espoused by the Government of Pakistan led by President Musharraf was the correct path. “The need to defend oneself with force of arms is not the preferred means,” he said, but sometimes it has to be done. The Ambassador went on to explain that in Islam the Prophet (PBUH) went to great lengths to encourage the pursuit of knowledge (to go to China in those days if it is required). “Information and knowledge are power,” said Mr. Qazi and thanked the HDF for pursuing that agenda. “I would like to compliment all of you for,” he said, for setting an example for the rest of our community in the United States. “You are representing Islam and Pakistan in a positive light,” he added. “We will need to see if we can maintain momentum,” he said. He asked everyone to get involved with Pakistan in concrete terms.
“It is a bit of a farewell address,” said Ambassador Qazi. On his new role as UN Envoy to Iraq, the Ambassador said that it was not a personal honor to him but it was an honor for Pakistan. He said that he would be serving the United Nations but most of all “I am going to try and serve the Iraqi people.” Knowing full well of the obstacles present in his path and the huge effort that is required he thanked everyone for their prayers for his success in this endeavor. He said that Pakistan was not considering sending a contingent of its forces to Iraq at this point and that his appointment should not lead to such speculation.

A question and answer session followed and an entertainment session of “Halal Music” provided by violin Maestro Ustad Dilshad Hussain Khan, accompanied by his wife and one other member closed the program.

In conclusion it was great to see the local Pakistani community active once again soon after the last big fundraiser here (for DIL) in March. And it was heartwarming that local Muslims who are not from Pakistan also participated here. Let us hope that as this momentum can be sustained into the future. A special thanks to Ambassador Qazi for attending in spite of his recent announcement of changing assignments. We are not quite sure yet whether to congratulate him or offer our sympathies, on his new appointment for the UN effort in Iraq, but our prayers certainly go with him. Good luck Sir!