A local South Asian man wan awarded in the Cultural Ambassador category as more than 200 people celebrated winners of the inaugural Surrey Mayor’s Art Awards during a breakfast event last Friday (June 9) at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel. Mohammad Aminul Islam won in the Cultural Ambassador category. “Mohammad is the president of the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society, based in Surrey. For the past 10 years, he has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve linguistic diversity and cultural

heritage within Surrey and throughout 

BC through the celebration of the International Mother Language Day, recognized annually on February 21 worldwide. In Surrey, every year approximately 70,000 students, representing 172 various mother language speakers have the opportunity to know about and celebrate their languages, identify their cultural heritage and share this with others. Mr. Islam’s work promotes diversity and respect for other cultures through cross-cultural sharing,” said a press release from Surrey Board of Trade, which judged nominees on “the degree to which they had a positive impact on Surrey, the number of people they served, their history and involvement in performances, exhibits, commissions and fellowships, and their artistic and professional affiliations.”

Winners in four award caterogies were announced – here are the other winners:

Arts and Innovation category winner: Surrey Youth Orchestra

Philanthropy category winner: Westminster Savings Credit Union

Legacy category winner: Sheila McKinnon