Patron-in-Chief Pakistan Hindu Council and minority Parliamentarian Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has announced to dedicate the Global Hindu Award, which he recently received in Canada, to Pakistan, on the occasion of National Minorities Day.
Dr Ramesh Kumar dedicates Global Hindu Award to Pakistan on National Minorities Day
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):Patron-in-Chief Pakistan Hindu Council and minority Parliamentarian Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has announced to dedicate the Global Hindu Award, which he recently received in Canada, to Pakistan, on the occasion of National Minorities Day.
In a video message, Dr Vankwani, who is also Chairman of Prem Nagar, said that March 23, August 11 and August 14 hold exceptional significance in Pakistan’s national history, said a press release received here on Tuesday.
Under the inspiring leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, gave a clear roadmap to the dream of an independent and sovereign homeland, while on August 14, 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent state on the world map.
However, he emphasized, August 11, 1947, falling between these two historic dates, is a particularly significant day that provided clear direction regarding the future of minorities of Pakistan.
He said that during the final days of British rule, the region had descended into severe political turmoil, uncertainty and communal tensions. In particular, non-Muslim communities living in the present-day Pakistan faced serious concerns and uncertainty about their future.
Dr Ramesh Kumar highlighted that in such a critical situation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, while addressing the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, clearly articulated the principles of equal citizenship and religious freedom for all citizens of Pakistan.
The Founder of Pakistan assured the people that there would be no discrimination in the new state on the basis of religion, faith or community, and that every individual would be free to worship and live according to their religious beliefs.
Referring to Quaid-e-Azam’s August 11 speech, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani further said, “I am proud that my forefathers responded to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s call and declared Pakistan their motherland.
Today, millions of citizens belonging to Pakistan’s non-Muslim communities, including myself, are passionately playing their proactive role in the development and progress of Pakistan.”
Dr Vankwani further said that being honoured with the Global Hindu Award in Canada recently was more than a personal achievement.
“In fact, it is a great honour for Pakistan,” he said, emphasizing that winning the prestigious global recognition after a highly competitive process involving distinguished personalities from different countries demonstrated that patriotic citizens belonging to Pakistan’s minority communities can also bring honour to their country through their abilities, services and contributions at the global level.
Dedicating the international honour to Pakistan on the National Minorities Day, Dr Ramesh Kumar said that whenever a Pakistani citizen achieves distinction anywhere in the world, the dignity and prestige of the entire country are reflected in that achievement.
According to him, Minorities Day reminds that Pakistan does not belong to any single class, religion or community; rather, it is the common homeland of all its citizens. He stressed the need for all Pakistanis to rise above the majority and minority debate and collectively contribute to the national development.
Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, in his concluding remarks, also expressed his firm resolve to continue playing his due role, in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, in moving beloved motherland Pakistan towards peace, prosperity and a brighter future.
