Moorestown’s Pakistan Day celebration, hosted by the Pakistani American Society of South Jersey (PASSJ), will be held at The Venue at Lenola on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. There will be cultural programs and performances, live music, family-friendly activities, food and vendors for all.
“Our goal is to get a lot of youth involved so that they will know about Pakistan, and we would like them to keep remembering where their roots are from and appreciate their diversity,” said Saima Bhutta, trustee of PASSJ. “At the same time, how can they take their diversity with them going forward and how can they be part of the general mainstream culture?”
“This is not only another forum where the Pakistani community can go back to their culture, but other cultures can come in and see how we do and what we do,” said Sameer Sarfraz, acting vice president and general secretary for the PASSJ. “It brings peace and harmony, knowing each other a little bit better. That can help better as a community, fostering the community in a better way.”
PASSJ is a cultural and community organization dedicated to bringing people together, preserving Pakistani heritage, supporting families, empowering future generations and building meaningful relationships throughout South Jersey. PASSJ welcomes individuals and families who share its commitment to unity, cultural understanding, community service, civic responsibility, cooperation and mutual respect. Through cultural celebrations, educational programs, youth activities, charitable initiatives, civic engagement and community partnerships, the nonprofit works to strengthen the Pakistani American community while helping its members become more connected and engaged with the broader American community.
PASSJ seeks to bring Pakistani-American individuals and families together through cultural, educational, recreational, civic and social programs; preserve and promote Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage, traditions, languages, arts, music, food and history; help younger generations understand and take pride in their Pakistani American identity; develop youth leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, civic awareness and educational opportunities; bridge cultural, generational and community gaps by promoting dialogue, understanding, friendship and cooperation; and provide a platform through which community members can share their skills, experiences and talents for the benefit of others.
PASSJ exists to provide a trusted and welcoming platform through which members of the Pakistani American community can connect, participate, volunteer, learn, celebrate and serve. The nonprofit seeks to strengthen relationships within the Pakistani American community while creating opportunities for cooperation, friendship and meaningful engagement with people from all cultural, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
“A lot of times people don’t know each other, so this will give them a forum to meet each other, share some of their experiences, help each other out and help the community at large,” Sarfraz said of Moorestown’s Pakistan Day celebration. “Not only can people stay in touch with their roots, but they can also foster a relationship and a home away from home.”
“It is always enriching to see (what) the community at large takes away from (these) events,” Bhutta said. “It’s wonderful to see how people love this idea of being a part of a culture. We want the same thing for our children to take back home is that they’re proud of their culture.”
For updates on the Pakistan Day celebration, visit social media channels for PASSJ or The Venue at Lenola.
