HSDN International’s collaborative seminar “Mother Language and Future Sustainable Societies”

HSDN International and Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) organized a seminar “Mother Language and Future Sustainable Societies” on February 18th, 2017, in AccessPoint Danforth, Toronto. On February 18th, 2017, community members gathered in AccessPoint Danforth meeting room to attend a seminar on “Mother Language and Future Sustainable Society”. This seminar was to learn and understand the importance of mother tongue and what its impact or role in developing future sustainable society. Seminar was organized by of Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) and Holistic Sustainable Development Network (HSDN) International. HSDN International is working to have positive changes in the society in terms of environment and holistic sustainable development. And BCS has been serving this community for 17 years with its various programs and activities. This seminar featured academics, policy makers, dignitaries, and community members. HSDN International’s Chair and BCS Executive Director Dr. Nasima Akter inaugurated the seminar with her welcome speech. Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Fahim Quadir, Dean Faculty of Graduate Studies & Professor of Social Science and International Development, York University spoke about the concept of cosmopolitan citizenship and the language movement. Meanwhile, Carrie Lester, representative from Indigenous community shared her real life experience about the importance of mother language in community, cultural heritage and history of Native reserves and residential schools for indigenous community. Finally, government officials including M.P. Nathaniel E Smith, M.P.P. Arthur Potts and City Counsillor Janet Davis shared their ideas and thoughts about their role in this aspect. MP Arthur Potts read the message from the premier Kathleen Wynne and Counsillor Janet Davis read the message from the Mayor John Tory. IMLD monument committee president Dewan Azim gave an update about the proposed monument. Seminar was moderated by Mr Halim Miah, MD of NRB tv and editor in chief of BanglaMail. The afternoon ended with the audience asking the various speakers any questions that they had. Finally, all of the speakers were presented with crests of honors which were given by BCS & HSDN board members. HSDN Executive Director Mr. Jannatul Islam closed the event with his thank note and closing remark. The seminar ran for three hours and attend by 60 participants. We are thankful that so many community members came out and joined us in the conversation while also listening diligently.

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