Surrey’s Mohammad Aminul Islam Champion of Promoting Mother Languages Honoured by BC Government
Three South Asian individuals have been recognized by the BC government for their outstanding contributions to the community. Mohammad Aminul Islam from Surrey, Parminder Virk from Saanich, and Navjit Moore from Burnaby were among the 21 recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship (MGC). The MGC is a prestigious award that acknowledges individuals’ selflessness, service, and generosity.
Mohammad Aminul Islam, a resident of Surrey, has been a prominent advocate for mother languages and multiculturalism in Canada. Aminul Islam serves as the leader and president of the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society, B.C., and is a valued member of the Arts Council of Surrey. In a province that boasts 172 mother languages, Aminul Islam’s unwavering commitment to preserving, celebrating, and integrating these languages into mainstream society has significantly enriched the cultural fabric of British Columbia.
Aminul Islam’s groundbreaking B.C. Model has revolutionized the education system by incorporating mother languages into schools. By recognizing children as carriers of their mother tongue, this model has been successfully implemented in the Surrey school district, providing approximately 70,000 students with the opportunity to embrace and share their cultural heritage through 172 different languages. The impact of the B.C. Model has extended beyond Surrey, aligning with UNESCO’s Education 2030 Framework.
To showcase the diversity of mother languages, Aminul Islam spearheaded the creation of Lingua Aqua, Canada’s first Mother Language Monument. This permanent monument, fully funded by the City of Surrey, stands as a testament to the importance of linguistic diversity, encompassing braille and sign languages.
Aminul Islam’s dedication to promoting linguistic diversity is also evident through the Mother Language Festival, Canada’s largest celebration of its kind. Since 2013, this cultural extravaganza has been an annual event that raises awareness about various mother tongues. The festival, funded by a City of Surrey cultural grant, highlights Aminul Islam’s tireless efforts to preserve and promote linguistic diversity.
Furthermore, Aminul Islam played a pivotal role in the recognition of International Mother Language Day in Canada. His years of collaboration with MPs and senators culminated in the passing of Bill S-214 on March 30, 2023. This landmark bill, receiving Royal Assent on April 24, 2023, made Canada the first country globally to acknowledge February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
Parminder Virk, a resident of Saanich, has also been honored with the Medal of Good Citizenship for her exceptional community contributions. Virk has been a dedicated advocate for Punjabi culture, serving as a cultural ambassador and community builder. Through her leadership roles in organizations such as the Punjabi Cultural Community Association of Victoria and the India Canada Cultural Association, Virk has tirelessly worked to preserve Punjabi culture, foster diversity, and bring communities together.
Virk’s commitment to her community is further evident through her role as the coordinator for the Outreach Bridging program with Island Community Mental Health. She has shown unwavering dedication to supporting individuals on their path to recovery, providing them with long-term support.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Virk has led numerous initiatives to support those in need. She prepares hundreds of free meals annually for organizations like the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society, Our Place Society, and school hot-lunch programs. Virk’s organization also extends support to charitable causes, including the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and the Esquimalt Syrian Refugee program.
Navjit Moore, a resident of Burnaby, has made significant contributions to the community through her work with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. As the president of the Fraser Valley East Chapter, Moore has been instrumental in providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Through her monthly support meetings, Moore addresses crucial topics such as medications, nutrition, mental health, and fertility, offering vital support to patients and their loved ones.
The recognition of these individuals highlights the immense value they bring to their respective communities. Their dedication, selflessness, and commitment to making a positive impact serve as an inspiration to us all. The BC government’s recognition of their extraordinary contributions is a testament to the power of community and the importance of recognizing those who go above and beyond to make a difference.
