Montreal Welcomes New Branch of the Sayed Kayan Association

Montreal, Canada — The Sayed Kayan Association (SKA) proudly inaugurated its Montreal branch on December 8, 2024, marking the Association’s continued growth across Canada. Following the establishment of SKA’s central office in Toronto (2023) and the Calgary branch (2024), this new chapter reflects the Association’s expanding reach and the strong demand among Afghan communities for cultural, educational, and social initiatives.

The inauguration ceremony drew a large and diverse audience of Afghan Canadians, including cultural, academic, and political figures from across Canada, as well as special international guests. Among those in attendance were Mr. Hassan Soroush, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Canada; Dr. Faramarz Tamanna, scholar and politician; Dr. Mohammad Daoud Qayoumi, researcher at Laurentian University; Dr. Malek Setaiz, international relations and human rights scholar (from Europe); Mr. Sharif Ghalib, President of the Afghanistan-Canada Advisory Council; and other distinguished community leaders.

Program Highlights

The event, co-hosted by Mr. Abdul Hamid Adil and Ms. Manizha Haidari, opened with a Qur’an recitation, followed by a documentary on the life and legacy of Sayed Nader Shah Al-Hussaini Kayani.

• Mr. Hamidullah Ahmadi, newly appointed Head of the Montreal Branch, emphasized the importance of preserving Afghan cultural heritage and mobilizing community resources.
• Ambassador Hassan Soroush highlighted the values of tolerance, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence, noting their alignment with SKA’s mission and urging stronger engagement between Afghan immigrants and Canadian society.
• Dr. Malek Setaiz underlined the role of cultural institutions in international relations and praised SKA as a trusted organization capable of serving diaspora communities worldwide.
• Dr. Faramarz Tamanna spoke on development, social justice, and rationality as principles reflected both in the works of Sayed Nader Shah and in the vision of SKA.
• Dr. Mohammad Daoud Qayoumi stressed SKA’s role in identity preservation, cultural diplomacy, and youth education, especially in promoting the mother tongue alongside integration into Canadian society.
• Mr. Sharif Ghalib highlighted the theme of empathy in Sayed Nader Shah’s works as a foundation for social cohesion.
• Mr. Qanbar Ali Zare, former professor at Nasir Khusraw University, pointed to the importance of providing cultural and social support to new Afghan arrivals in Canada.

Cultural and Literary Features

The evening also included the unveiling of two major initiatives:

• The SKA Cultural and Literary Award Statue
• The first issue of the SKA Quarterly Journal

Poetry recitations by Afghan writers, musical performances with traditional instruments, and artistic presentations enriched the atmosphere, connecting participants with the cultural heartbeat of Afghanistan.

Recognition and Closing

SKA honored three members — Mr. Khushnood Nabizada, Mr. Sediq Danish, and Mr. Ahmad Naveed Sufi Zada — with certificates of appreciation for their impactful contributions.

The event concluded with a collective prayer, group photographs, and a reception for over 250 guests.

Building a Cultural Home in Montreal

The successful launch of the Montreal branch further establishes SKA as a trusted and inclusive institution for Afghan communities in Canada. With active branches now in Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal, SKA is committed to expanding educational opportunities, promoting Afghan literature and culture, and fostering unity among diaspora communities while building bridges with Canadian society.