SKA Inaugurates Calgary Branch to Expand Cultural and Social Activities in Canada

Calgary, Canada — The Sayed Kayan Association (SKA) celebrated the inauguration of its second branch in Calgary, marking an important milestone in the Association’s expansion across Canada. The central branch of SKA was launched seven months earlier in Toronto, and since then the Association has organized significant cultural, literary, and humanitarian initiatives both in Canada and Afghanistan.

These initiatives include: the commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of Sayed Nader Shah Al-Hussaini Kayani’s passing, the celebration of Yalda Night, the launch of SKA’s online publication, Persian language classes for Afghan newcomers, participation in the UNESCO International Conference on Rumi, the establishment of SKA’s Academic and Writers’ Councils, and emergency aid to 750 flood-affected families in Baghlan, Afghanistan.

A Historic Opening in Calgary

On June 30, 2024, the Calgary branch was formally inaugurated in the presence of hundreds of Afghan community members, including leaders from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. The program was hosted by Mr. Rahmat Ashrafi and opened with a Qur’an recitation by Qari Hakim Maqsudi, followed by a documentary showcasing SKA’s activities.

Messages of congratulations from Sayed Shah Naser Rahnema Naderi and Haj Sayed Mansoor Naderi, founder of the Hakim Nasir Khusraw Balkhi Foundation and leader of the Ismailis of Afghanistan, were read to the audience, praising SKA’s achievements and recognizing the opening of the Calgary branch as a major success.

Distinguished Guests

The inauguration was attended not only by SKA members and community residents but also by notable Afghan personalities in Calgary, including:

• General Zahir Azimi, former Head of Public Relations, Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan
• Sediqullah Tawhidi, former Director of Afghan Mass Media
• Dadullah Hassas, former Director of Information and Culture of Baghlan Province
• Ayub Faryabi, Founder of the Council of Turkmens of Afghanistan
• Kawa Parwiz, Editor-in-Chief of Etilaat Roz (formerly of 8 Sobh Daily)

From Toronto, SKA leadership traveled to attend the opening, including Mr. Deljam Sufi Zada, President of SKA; Mr. Gulabuddin Faizi, Vice President; Mr. Nasir Kazemi, Secretary; and Mr. Abdul Hamid Adil, Secretary of the Cultural Committee.

Speeches and Cultural Program

• Mr. Deljam Sufi Zada, SKA President, reflected on the Association’s formation, constitution, and achievements to date while outlining future cultural and social programs.
• Mr. Dadullah Hassas emphasized the importance of having such associations in Canada, calling SKA a unifying home for Afghans of all backgrounds.
• Mr. Gulabuddin Faizi, Vice President, spoke on unity and the risks posed by social media isolation for youth, stressing SKA’s role in preserving cultural values.
• General Azimi discussed the interconnection of culture with governance, security, and economy, underscoring SKA’s relevance for Afghan communities abroad.
• Mr. Sediqullah Tawhidi highlighted the literary and historical significance of Sayed Nader Shah Al-Hussaini Kayani and Hakim Nasir Khusraw Balkhi.
• Mr. Abdul Hamid Adil spoke on the vital role of mother tongue in shaping identity, thought, and collective culture.
• Mr. Abdul Khaliq Khezrzada, newly appointed Head of SKA Calgary Branch, explained the mission of cultural associations and SKA’s goals in Canada.
• Dr. Abdul Sami Dilyar congratulated the opening and urged greater inclusion of women in cultural associations.

The program also featured artistic performances, including traditional Afghan songs and poetry recitations inspired by the works of Sayed Nader Shah Al-Hussaini Kayani, as well as musical performances with dambura and rubab.

A Community United

The opening, attended by nearly 300 participants—exceeding the 200 originally planned—was a testament to the Afghan community’s enthusiasm. Despite the larger turnout, SKA’s organizing committee managed the event with professionalism and hospitality. Guests also toured an exhibition of Sayed Kayan’s works and paintings by SKA members.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration of SKA’s Calgary branch represents another step in strengthening the Association’s cultural and social outreach. SKA remains committed to promoting Afghan heritage, supporting education, fostering unity, and creating inclusive cultural spaces for Afghans in Canada and worldwide.

The Association expresses its deepest gratitude to all community members, supporters, and distinguished guests who contributed to making this historic event a success.