Hundreds celebrate Pakistan Independence Day in Lodi

Hundreds of visitors to Lodi Lake on Sunday enjoyed the sounds of music pulsing in the air, along with some mouth-watering aromas of cooking foods.

However, it was not your typical American music drawing a crowd, nor was it the usual barbecue frying steaks or chicken.

It was a variety of Pakistani music and foods, all part of the second annual Pakistan Independence Day event.

There were several important reasons for the public celebration of Pakistan Independence Day, said Robina Asghar, site coordinator for the Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin.

"People often think that because we are Muslim, we are terrorists," Asghar said. "We are not. We are just like every other culture here in Lodi, trying to live in peace.

"By holding this event and inviting the general public to attend, we are trying to show people that we welcome them as friends and that we are peaceful."

People in Lodi have been helpful, Asghar said.

"(City Manager) Dixon Flynn has been such a big help in showcasing cultural diversity," she said.

The event is also important to keep alive the culture and heritage of Pakistan, and to pass it on to subsequent generations, Asghar said.

	Mechi Yang of Sacramento performs a traditional Pakistani dance at the Pakistani Independence Day celebration Sunday at Lodi Lake. (J. Paul Bruton/News-Sentinel)

Asghar spoke of the importance of instilling a message of peace to Pakistani boys and girls who, if instructed properly, will have opportunities to grow up with knowledge of the American system and be able to effect change.

"We are taking this message to the streets," she said. "One main goal is to teach our youth to be proud of their heritage, but in a peaceful manner, through civic involvement and community involvement. If we provide the youth with this message and help them to embrace it, then they have a chance to get involved in the system and help solve their own problems and issues."

The Pakistani celebration was embraced and encouraged by several prominent figures such as state Sen. Mike Machado, D-Linden, and Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi, R-Lodi.

Nakanishi felt the event was a significant milestone for cultural relations. Nakanishi officially kicked off the celebration, presenting the Lodi Community Partnership for Families a certificate honoring the occasion.

"It is important and significant that you are celebrating your Pakistani heritage, but it is even more commendable that you have opened your arms and invited the community to take part in your heritage as well," Nakanishi said.

Longtime Lodi resident Taj Khan echoed the sentiments that the event was important for the community. Khan referred to Lodi as a microcosm of American society.

"While this event is rooted in the Pakistan Independence Day, we would like it to be inclusive of all cultures from now on," said Khan.

Those interested in learning more about Pakistani culture and heritage can contact the Pakistani-American Association of San Joaquin County, at www.pakamsjc.org.

To learn more about the Community Partnership for Families, contact Robina Asghar at 339-1189.