The Hyderabadi Cultural Association of Greater New York (HCA) held its first annual gala dinner at Akbar Restaurant in New York On Saturday the 19th of May 2012. The HCA had been formally inaugurated in January 2012, with the objective of the promotion of the arts, culture and traditions of Hyderabad. It is the first formal association of diasporic Hyderabadis in the New York area, and fills a much needed void. The program was attended by over 350 attendees, mostly from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, but also from other adjoining states.
Charter President Quddus Mohammed stressed the need to preserve Hyderabadi culture and imbue it with the ethos of globalization. He also used the occasion to announce important initiatives that HCA would spearhead in the area of education, which will be called the “Gift of Education & Gift of Hope” programs.
The association received a citation from Hon. County Executive Ed Mangano of Nassau County, New York.
The keynote speech for the event was delivered by Janab Zahid Ali Khan, the Editor of Siasat Daily. Zahid sahib stressed the need for public service by the successful Hyderabadis in the region, especially in the service of the underprivileged. He presented the HCA officials with an account of the impressive efforts made by the Siasat group in the aid of struggling Hyderabadis. The HCA honored Janaab Zahid Ali Khan with its inaugural”Shared Vision Award”.
The guest speaker for the event was Mohammed Hameeduddin, who is the mayor ofTeaneck, NJ, and the first among the Hyderabadi diaspora to be elected mayor ina US town. Mr. Hameeduddin spoke to the need for younger diasporic Hyderabadis to set their sights higher, and believe in their dreams.
Mr. Hussain Baqueri, the Charter Executive Vice President of the HCA, honored prominent Hyderabadi professionals in the New York area. The evening concluded with a delicious Hyderabadi dinner, and a cultural program that included mazahiya shayari and a musical program.
