The Asian People's Disability Alliance (APDA), a UK-based charity that has been providing culturally designed and unique services to disabled and elderly individuals in the London Boroughs of Brent, Harrow, and Tower Hamlets for over 30 years, recently organized a combined celebration for Eid-al-Fitr 2023 and the coronation of King Charles III. The event brought together APDA's service users, staff, and specially invited guests, a press release informed.
The festivities were enriched by captivating performances by talented visually impaired musicians Ghow Ratnarajah and Ziad, who masterfully presented a special duet featuring cultural songs from Tunisia and Lebanon. In addition, the APDA Muskaan dance group, comprised of both service users and staff, delivered a vibrant and spellbinding performance.
Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Cllr Abdi Aden, the Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, who expressed his profound connection to APDA and their shared vision of supporting disabled and elderly individuals within the community.
Founder of APDA, Michael Jeewa, Board Chair, Pradip Shah, and Former Mayor of Harrow Cllr Ghazanfar Ali cutting a cake in honour of His Majesty King Charles III during the EID and Coronation celebration
While Cllr. Ghazanfar Ali, the former Mayor of Harrow, along with members of the Brent Council Partnership Engagement team, pleasantly surprised everyone with their hidden singing abilities. Cllr Mahmood Arshad also added to the celebrations, joining in the festivities for the day. The event was further honoured by the presence of Pradip Shah, APDA's Board Chair, accompanied by his wife, Rashmi, as well as the charity's founder, Michael Jeewa.
Throughout the day, guests and service users were treated to an array of delightful performances and heart-warming displays of talent. Among these was a beautiful and serene Thai dance presented by APDA's art and craft therapist, Noo O'Donnell, which garnered resounding applause from the audience.
As a special tribute to Eid-Al-Fitr, a lavish feast was prepared, and a ceremonial cake was cut to honour King Charles III. Furthermore, a pre-recorded video message was captured, conveying well wishes for a long and prosperous reign to the King and Queen.
FILE PHOTO: Floral tributes are laid following a vigil for the victims of the knife attack in Southport, Britain July 30, 2024. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja
