Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent
On 6 March 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada successfully held the 14th Annual Abdus Salam Science Fair, reported National Secretary Talim, Dr Hameed Mirza Sahib.
This event is held to promote science among high school students who are encouraged to create and submit scientific projects. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the Science Fair was held virtually. All students were requested to upload 5-minutes videos of their project to Science Fair website. A total of 108 project videos were received.
All received projects were divided into the following major groups:
Girls – Grade 5-8
Boys – Grade 5-8
Girls – Grade 9-12
Boys – Grade 9-12
There were two phases of the judgment. In the first phase, the received videos in each major group were divided into sub-groups of 10 and judged. The top three projects from each sub-groups were selected and then consolidated to represent their respective major group.
Finally, these projects were forwarded to three judges for the final phase of judgment process for each major group. These judges then selected the top five projects for each major group. Prizes were awarded to the top three positions, while consolation prizes were given to the remaining two positions.
This year, a number of dignitaries sent recorded video messages for the ceremony. Prominent among them were Right Honorable Mr Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada (written message), Honorable Anthony Rota, Speaker of the Federal Parliament of Canada, Honorable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Province of Manitoba, Honorable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education, Province of Alberta.
In addition, messages from numerous Members of Federal Parliament of Canada, Members of Provincial Parliament of Ontario, and City Mayors from across Canada were presented before the start of the live program.
The live award ceremony was presided over by Amir Jamaat Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib. The event commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran with English translation, followed by introductory remarks by the Coordinator Abdus Salam Science Fair, Dr Amir Minhas Khan Sahib.
National Secretary Talim, Dr Hameed Mirza Sahib announced the name of winners in each group. After each name, relevant submitted video of the project was displayed.
Many notable figures of the Canadian science scene were also present and shared their appreciation of the Science Fair. Prominent among them were former Canadian astronaut, Marc Garneau, and Professor Dr Eric Rivard, Professor of Chemistry, University of Alberta.
After this, Mujeeb Ijaz Sahib from USA, an expert in electrochemical energy storage, addressed the audience and appreciated efforts of all students who entered their projects.
Then, former astronaut, Marc Garneau, Mujeeb Ijaz Sahib, and Professor Eric answered students’ questions.
After that, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib addressed and congratulated all participants, organisers and judges whose contribution made this event possible.
At the end, the National Secretary Talim thanked all the participants and the organisers. The programme concluded with a silent prayer led by Amir Jamaat Canada.