Pakistan Culture
Los Angeles: The Consul General of Pakistan Mrs. Raana Rahim hosted the Annual Christmas Dinner Party for the International Committee of Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and the Consular Corps at her residence on Sunday, December 15, 2002.
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Mrs. Francoise Balabanian, President, Board of Directors, International Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, addressing the audience
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The Consul General hosted the party in a spirit of inter-faith harmony and it was highly appreciated by the large number of American guests who attended. In fact, the turnout was considered the largest that has been seen in the previous years.
Pakistani music and sampling of Pakistani food were served to the guests who greatly appreciated the warmth and hospitality which was shown on the occasion.
The President of the International Committee Mrs. Francoise Balabanian, in her speech wished Eid-ul-Fitr to the Pakistani guests present on the occasion and deeply appreciated the fact that the Pakistani Consul General had opened her home to provide a glimpse of Pakistani culture to the international community to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season. It was considered a friendly gesture and a first one from a Muslim Consul General. The guests listened with keen interest to the playing of Pakistani music throughout the evening.
Consul General Rahim in her response stated that the Muslims held all Christian traditions in great respect as we were all part of the same divine tradition. She thanked the President of the International Committee for wishing the Pakistanis Eid-ul-Fitr Mubarak, stating that it is important that we all share in each other’s joys and open our hearts to one another to live in peace and tolerance and greater understanding. She extended best wishes for Christmas and a happy New Year to the guests.
At the end of the Christmas Party, hand-embroidered souvenir gifts from Pakistan were presented to the guests.
The International Committee of Los Angeles Philharmonic Association began with a small unique group of civic minded, internationally oriented, music appreciative women who support the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. In an effort to reach out to the international community represented by the presence of the Consular Corps stationed in Los Angeles, the 1st “International Night” was created and the International Committee was born. The wives of the Chef de Poste of the Consular Corps were invited to become special members of the International Committee thus fostering international goodwill and understanding through the universal voice of music.
The International Committee has also been at the forefront of various fundraising projects and community service.