The event was organised on the symbolic date 9th November 2012 to remember the mother of 5 Asia Bibi a victim of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, who received her death sentence exactly 3 years ago. A prayer was said for her release.
Bishop Donnett opened the Award ceremony with a prayer and Dr Martin Stern spoke of the need for people of all faiths to condemn persecution and oppression wherever it surfaces. He spoke of how he was taken into a concentration camp at only seven years old and would not be alive today if he had gone to Auschwitz, where member of his family died within 2 hours. He praised the BPCA Awards, which he felt promoted stronger efforts form within communities and recognised the contribution made by so many worthy humanitarians and community stalwarts.
Below we list the winners their biographies can be read on this link:
http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/shortlist-for-british-pakistani.html
Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA opens the inaugural event to an expectant audience.
Redbridge School Of Gymnastics provided a rousing gymnastics display themed on the Olympics.
The Winners
Best Help from Non Pakistani-Christians
UPKAR RAI - PRESIDENT BRITISH SIKH COUNCIL
Runner Up:
Dan Wooding - President /Editor - Assist News Service (USA)
Apostle Bishop Dr Donnett Thomas of Power of the Living Word Ministries International presents trophy to Upkar Rai- British Sikh Council.
This was one of the hardest categories to judge with the most nominations and closest scores. Judges felt that Dan Wooding deserved recognition and it was agreed to present a smaller trophy.
Community Service
STEPHEN ANJUM
Runner Up:
Reverend Rana Youab Khan
Archbishop of Canterbury's International Interfaith Dialogues Assistant.
Trophy presented to Stephen Anjum by John Pontifex of "Aid to the Church in Need"
Stephen Anjum was joined by his two children on stage.
John Pontifex from "Aid to the Church in Need" presenting Revd Rana Khan with a runners up trophy.
Creative
HAMMAD BAILY
Runner up:
Nish Asher
Bishop Donnett presents trophy to Sally Baily wife of Hammad Baily and memeber of his group
"Voice for Jesus".
Sally Baily celebrates with a smile.
International Humanitarian
JOHN SULTAN - PRESIDENT PAKISTANI CHRISTIANS IN ITALY
Runners up:
Watson Gill - International Christian Voice
Xavier Williams - Life for All Pakistan
John Pontifex and Wilson Chowdhry collecting trophy on behalf of John Sultan.
UK Humanitarian
John Bosco
Bishop Donnet and John Pontifex (ACNUK) presenting trophy to John Bosco.
Exemplary help for Pakistani Christians from UK Group
OOBERFUSE
Ooberfuse with Dr Martin Stern Nazi Holocaust Survivor
At the end of the Event Wilson Chowdhry thanked all the nominees, he said:
"Competition was very tight - the judges all spoke of how excellent each nomination was. It is a shame that we cannot award everyone but in truth every nominee is a winner. Today the BPCA simply gave recognition for the wonderful work and hard endeavour, so many have put into making the lives of others better."
Wilson Chowdhry with Nish Asher and her father.
Nish Asher with Sania Satwat a volunteer for the Awards.
Hannah Chowdhry at the BPCA awards which was open to children and had a real family feel.
Eager participants await the result of the Inaugral Awards.
A glamorous event in the heart of Ilford (Town Hall).
Wonderful work done dear Wilson.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted and would keep praying for your efforts for the community at large and the Pakistani Christians.
Your efforts as a community leader are going in the right direction and I commend them.
Love and blessings my dear.
Dear Wilson,
ReplyDeletethank you very much for recognizing the services of Associatin of Pakistani Christians in Italy for the development and protection of our bretheren in Pakistan. Mr. John Sultan as President of the Association renders extremely valuable services in this regard.
All your efforts, in this particular case of recognizing others work, gives all a sense of belonging to a community. It is a significant service!
with regards!
Prof. Shahid Mobeen
Pontifical Lateran University
Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4
00120 The Vatican City
Pakistan used to have a Human Rights commissioner. Does anyone know what progress human rights commissioners have made in Paksitan since 1947? Pakistan has some of worst atrocities in the world.
ReplyDeleteMubarak Hu Chowdhry Sahib on orgnizing such a wonderful event; We highly appreciate your struggle and recognizaition of rights and services.
ReplyDeleteWell-done Wilson Bhai, awards ceremony was more like developing harmony among nominees. One can never be a winner if there is no competitor or loser as we say, therefore, every nominee has a role to lead one person to be recognized and awarded. You were not wrong when called all participants or nominees as winners. God Bless you and all others in your team who are working for our nation.
ReplyDeletePakistan finally implemented a law requiring for compulsory education for children ages 6-15 years. It look the lashings from the UN and push from UK to get them to move into action. How many lives destroyed and killed over their negliance? THis will make a big impact on civil society for sure. This shows that this federal gov't was always afraid of social mobility because once a person is educated they demand more - "democracy" which they know nothing about!!
ReplyDeleteYou already said,"shame" for not awarding recognition of their tireless work for humanity.
ReplyDeleteThey are already awarded by OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Agnes Massey