London : DIL Trust UK held its second fundraiser at Claridge’s Hotel

Ms Ahmereen Reza, DIL Trust UK Chairperson, addressing the audience, said: “2009 was a particularly challenging year for our charity’s work in Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier Province. But our courageous students and staff, with the continuing, generous support of our donors, were able to achieve their educational goals. The year 2009 saw the launch of our first vocational training initiative in Britain aimed at imparting skills to under-privileged British women from multi-ethnic communities. We see this effort as an important means by which to foster greater levels of community cohesion here in Britain.”

Baroness Sandip Verma, Shadow Minister for Children, Schools, and Families, who also serves as a Patron of DIL Trust UK, addressing the audience, said: “The education of females is crucial to the economic and social progress of any nation and that is why the work of the DIL Trust UK is essential and must be supported fully. I am honoured to be a Patron.”

Mrs Pinky Lilani, the Founder and Chairman of the Annual Asian Women of Achievement Awards, who also serves as Patron of DIL Trust UK, addressing the audience said: “The work DIL does is vital and in launching the vocational training it not only gives self confidence and raises aspirations but more importantly gives hope.”

Mr Manoj Badale, Chairman of The British Asian Trust, addressing the audience said: “The British Asian Trust is a social fund helping donors become philanthropic investors, leading to long-term change and encouraging strategic giving to South Asia. We are proud to be supporting an organisation such as DIL that is high-impact, has a track record of growth and is effectively helping Pakistan meet its future challenges.”
The evening also included an auction which comprised of a wide array of artworks by renowned artists such as M.F. Hussain, Unver Shafi, Mashkoor Raza and Faiza Butt amongst others. Led by Caroline Oliphant of Bonhams, the auction as well as a pledge drive helped DIL Trust UK raise in excess of £30,000.

The entertainment highlight of the evening was a melodious ghazal and folk singing performance by highly acclaimed singer, Tahira Syed. Mrs. Syed has been an ardent supporter of DIL - she has also performed for DIL's fundraisers in San Franciso, USA in 2009. Known as the Reigning Diva of classical and folk music, Mrs. Syed has won several accolades for her singing throughout her career. At the evening, her performances included classics such as 'Abhi To Mein Jawan Hoon' and 'Chanjar Phabdi Na' which continue to draw her fans since the launch of the songs in the 1970s.