Commemoration of the 53rd Anniversary of Sayed Nadir Shah Al-Hussaini Kayani

Toronto, Canada — The Sayed Kayan Association (SKA) held a cultural and academic gathering to mark the 53rd anniversary of the passing of Sayed Nadir Shah Al-Hussaini Kayani (Sayed Kayan) — the renowned poet, philosopher, mystic, historian, and religious leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

The event was warmly welcomed by community members, cultural figures, and academics residing in Canada and abroad. Those present in Toronto participated directly, while many other distinguished personalities shared written and video messages in honor of the occasion.

The program, moderated by Abdul Hamid Adil, began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Ayaz Sultani, followed by an overview of the Association’s mission and a short video presentation on SKA’s previous activities. A documentary on the life and contributions of Sayed Kayan was then screened, setting the stage for a series of keynote reflections.

Key Highlights

• Mr. Deljam Sufi Zada, President of SKA, spoke on Sayed Kayan’s enduring influence and outlined the Association’s future plans.
• Mr. Gulabuddin Faizi, Vice President, presented a message from Haj Sayed Mansoor Naderi, Head of the Hakim Nasir Khusraw Balkhi Cultural Foundation.
• Mr. Dadullah Hassas, former Director of Information and Culture of Baghlan, reflected on Kayan’s cultural contributions and the wider efforts of Afghan cultural institutions.
• Mr. Mahmood Baher Farmeli, former President of the Afghan Union, emphasized Kayan’s mystical stature, his connections with Allama Iqbal Lahori and Mawlana Jalaluddin Balkhi Rumi, and urged stronger unity among Afghan cultural bodies in Canada.
• Mr. Abdul Karim Paikar Pamiri, poet and writer, highlighted the need to preserve and document the history of the Ismaili community in Afghanistan for future generations.
• Engineer Nasiruddin Muhammad Shah shared Kayan’s teachings on the nafs-e-ammara and pathways of spiritual self-discipline.
• Mr. Sami Darai compared the poetry of Sayed Kayan with Hakim Nasir Khusraw, noting their shared emphasis on tolerance and rationality.
• Mr. Abdul Karim Tabesh recited a ghazal by Sayed Kayan.

Messages from Prominent Figures

The commemoration also featured messages of respect and remembrance from notable Afghan and international leaders, including:

• H.E. Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan
• H.E. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former Chief Executive and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation
• Ms. Fatima Gailani, former President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society
• Dr. Massoud Khalili, son of the late poet Khalilullah Khalili
• Prof. Nematullah Shahrani, former Vice President of Afghanistan
• Dr. Yaqub Yesna, literary critic and Shahnameh scholar
• Ms. Wana Jan, granddaughter of King Mohammad Zahir Shah
• Dr. Massoud Mirshahi, President of Kourosh University and academic of Tajikistan
• Dr. Mirza Mohammad Roustayi, former head of publications, Academy of Sciences of Afghanistan
• The Kakar History Foundation
• Dr. Mohiuddin Mehdi, former Member of Parliament, who also pledged full cultural cooperation with SKA

A notable announcement came from Mr. Nasir Khalid, President of Omid 24 Television, who pledged to establish a dedicated television channel for SKA, gifting it to the Association to strengthen its media presence.

Closing

The program concluded with an exhibition of Sayed Kayan’s works — both physical and video displays — followed by a shared meal with guests.

Through this event, SKA reaffirmed its mission to preserve Afghan cultural heritage, promote education, encourage dialogue, and foster unity across the Afghan diaspora. The Association extends its gratitude to all speakers, contributors, and participants who helped make this commemoration a memorable and meaningful gathering.