Brazil’s Independence Day celebrated

Much that Pakistanis and Brazilians have in common - love for sports, music and good food - was represented at the Independence Day celebrations of Brazil last week.

“We are very old friends, two warm, creative and hospitable peoples. We were the first country in South America to recognise Pakistan a short time after the partition and also the first to open an embassy in Pakistan,” Ambassador of Brazil Claudio Lins told guests at the Marriott hotel, where he welcomed foreign dignitaries and Pakistani guests to commemorate Brazil’s Independence Day.

Ambassador Lins was particularly delighted to introduce Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood. “He is deeply admired in his country and by the foreign community for his integrity, competence and patriotism,” he said.

He commended the government for dedicating 4pc of the GDP to the education sector in the coming years and appreciated the concept of a knowledge economy.

Mr Mahmood emphasised the necessity of arming people with skills and education to transform lives and nations. While he hoped that his country would overcome the difficulties of the present times, his speech was dominated by atrocities in India-held Kashmir.

Guests were treated to authentic Brazilian cuisine and music. with Brazilian chef Kiki Ferrari and DJ Tamara Maravilha present in Islamabad on the occasion.

Italian embassy hosts fundraiser

The Italian embassy and Serena Hotel hosted a fundraiser with a performance by the Compagnia Soleluna Folk Rock Ensemble and seated dinner in support of Shifa Foundation’s early detection and management of autism in children.

The event raised more than Rs8 million, which Shifa committed to matching.

Ambassador of Italy Stefano Pontecorvo said: “Thank you all for your support. This is something Lydia and I feel very strongly about. Autism is very rampant with one in 70 children worldwide affected. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the show, which is south Italian music, and the funds we have raised will go to a very good cause.”

The ensemble performed a variety of numbers from their repertoire of contemporary and traditional dance and music. An auction of three paintings by young autistic students was well received by the guests at the black-tie even,t as was the lucky draw with numerous Italian gifts and a return air ticket to Rome.

Prof Filippo Muratori, professor of child and adolescent neuropsychiatry at the University of Pisa, flew in to share his expertise and participate in the event.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2019