Outreach and raising the voice of Afghanistani New Scots is a huge part of the work of Glasgow Afghan United.
And so we were delighted to welcome distinguished guests and members of the community to a Scottish Parliament reception that not only did both of those things, but also commemorated the legacy of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the National Hero of Afghanistan.
The Lion of Panjshir, as Massoud is affectionately known, opposed the Soviet forces and the Taliban, and played a major role in shaping Afghanistan into a united country with democracy and human rights as core values prior to his assassination.
Today he remains an important and inspirational figure who reminds us what can be accomplished even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
His example of peace-building is important in today’s context.
Our Scottish Parliament reception told his story to a mixed audience of parliamentarians and leaders from civic Scotland, as well as representatives of diverse communities, including of course a strong turnout of Afghanistani New Scots.
We were honoured not only by the generous hosting of Maryhill & Springburn MSP Bob Doris, but also by the spoken contributions of Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart MSP, Fraces Guy of Scotland’s International Development Alliance, and Dr Victor Olisa QPM and CS Emma Croft of Police Scotland.
Colin Vooght of the Lowland Reserve Forces, Steven Henderson of the Wheatley Group, Suhal Ahmed of the Home Office and Alana Forsyth of Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau also took part along with Professor Michael Barry of Princeton University.
Professor Barry knew Massoud and shared his recollections of a man who made time for others and was devoted to culture and literature, despite the significant challenges he faced in unifying tribes and opposing harmful forces in Afghanistan.
It was a thought-provoking and emotional event which also celebrated human rights and citizenship, as well as the contribution of the Afghanistani community in Scotland and the UK.
GAU would like to thank all those who joined us.