SURREY, B.C. — The Canada Urdu Association used its annual Mushaira first to name the people who keep Urdu visible in Surrey, then to give the language the stage.
The Aug. 22 program at Fleetwood Community Centre brought together poets, volunteers, families and two official guests: Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre, and Waqas Ahmed, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver.
The association is a Surrey-based registered non-profit founded in 1997. Its work is language first — public readings, cultural programs and a place for speakers who want Urdu used in the open, not only at home.
Acting General Secretary Farzana Alam opened the afternoon with welcoming remarks on the association’s journey and recent work.
Awards come before the poetry
Awards were the first main block of the program.
Ahmed presented several honours. Shah was then invited on stage for the remaining presentations.
Appreciation Awards went to Dr. Zareen Naqvi, Qamar Waheed, Farzana Alam and Afshi Aijaz.
Hardev Sodhi Ashk received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Harsimran Singh received the Farogh-e-Sukhan Award.
The association’s highest honour, the Rafiq-e-Urdu Award, was presented to Huma Shoaib for her service to the Canada Urdu Association and her work promoting Urdu in British Columbia.
Shah speaks Urdu. That made the ceremony more than a brief official visit. She took part as an elected representative and as a speaker of the language being honoured.
The mushaira
After the awards, the program moved to the mushaira — a traditional gathering where poets read and the audience answers in the moment.
Shoaib hosted the literary portion. Poets presented selections through the afternoon.
Special guest Amna Murad, visiting from the United States, delivered a presentation on philosopher and poet Allama Iqbal.
The association credited volunteers Adnan, Mustafa and Nasheman for stage setup, seating, greetings and refreshments.
A Surrey language event, not a sidebar
Urdu has a large speaking community in Surrey and across Metro Vancouver. A mushaira is one of the few public formats where the language itself is the main event.
Pairing awards with poetry also does practical work. It names the organizers, writers and volunteers who carry the language between annual gatherings.
Shah and Ahmed’s attendance added a civic and consular presence. The substance of the afternoon remained literary.
The Canada Urdu Association thanked both guests and congratulated every award recipient.
Quick Facts
- Event: Canada Urdu Association annual Mushaira and awards
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
- Location: Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84 Ave, Surrey
- Guests: MLA Amna Shah; Deputy Consul General Waqas Ahmed
- Rafiq-e-Urdu Award: Huma Shoaib
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Hardev Sodhi Ashk
- Farogh-e-Sukhan Award: Harsimran Singh
- Appreciation Awards: Dr. Zareen Naqvi, Qamar Waheed, Farzana Alam, Afshi Aijaz
- Organizer: Canada Urdu Association (established 1997)
