ComNews_DIL GALA EVENT

Dil Gala & Fashion Show
Hilton, LAX
September 11, 2005

How far a burning candle can go? You could have got the answer if you were at Westwood Federal Building, California on November 8, 2005, a chilled and Special Statewide Election night. A vigil was observed in 29 cities around the world for South Asian Earthquake one-month anniversary announced by Saquake.org. More that 500 vigilantes crowded the Cross Street of Wilshire Blvd and Veteran Ave by the Federal Building, Westwood.

Despite all the possible humanitarian help arrived in Pakistan within 30 days from all over the world, Earthquake victims and survivors still in lament condition lacking basic necessities of live. Its not that aid is not there, it is the geographical venue and weather conditions of the ground zero that resulted in slow response and reaching the survivors. But, a great deal of help still needed in the second phase of relief for reconstruction and rehabilitations and overwhelming response from the vigilantes proves the sense of commitment and continue support within the community.

The candlelight evening started with sorrow hearted but vigorous vigilantes carrying the banner with slogans reaching hearts of the passing traffic. “A disaster of unimaginable proportions”, “How many children have to die before we do more?”, “Donor fatigue is no excuse. 80,000 dead. And counting.” were the lines convincing enough to get honked by the passing traffic throughout the night.

Ms. Erum Hasan conveyed cordial message from Congresswomen Linda Sanchez that she fully supported the cause, she told. Mrs. Mariam Rashid from DIL.org thanked all the attendees and volunteers making the vigil possible and successful in a short notice. “I appreciate COPAA, PSA, Dr. Mansoor Shah, and Consul General Noor Muhammed Jadmani for making this event possible and also the vigilantes who showed up in spite of chilling weather and voting night,” she commented.

Consul General Noor Muhammad Jadmani provided the audiences with facts as why we need more help now after a month that registered 78,000 confirmed dead, 70,000 still injured and more than 3 Million homeless. “Weather conditions will be the fear factor in reestablishing the lives of survivors and we need more weather proof tents, doctors and medical supplies at ground zero in days to come,” he stated. It’s the spirit that that makes us one nation and do keep these candles alight until the end of the task, he added.

It was an evening though spent in candlelights but those hearts could be seen far from 29 cities all around the globe like a full moon in the dark sky showing love for humanity. God bless Pakistan.

Click Here For Event Picture Album

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