A new center aimed at promoting Pakistani literature and culture, as well
A new center aimed at promoting Pakistani literature and culture, as well as connections within the community, was opened on March 8 in the Ditmas Park area of Brooklyn, with community leaders, elected officials and others in attendance, reports Anna Gustafson in Ditmas Park Corner.
New York University’s Alliance for Pakistan and Urdu Studies (APUS) and the Brooklyn Rebuild Immigrant Community and Knowledge (BRICK) organized Sunday’s debut of the APUS Community Center at 920 Foster Avenue, by E. 10th Street. Numerous political and civic leaders came out to support the facility that will offer everything from immigration services to the rapidly growing South Asian population to events highlighting the Urdu language – and which many stressed will play a crucial role in breaking down barriers between neighbors who may not often interact in their daily lives.
“The Alliance for Pakistan and Urdu Studies at New York University is proud to celebrate the inauguration of the APUS Community Center in Brooklyn,” Gabriela Nik. Ilieva, a professor and chair of NYU’s APUS program, said during the ceremony. “APUS in Urdu means ‘person-to-person’ and ‘reciprocity,’ which is our motto. Our organization has worked towards the promotion of a culture and a language, with a rich and complex history. This history encompasses centuries-long social, ideological, political processes envisioned and articulated through its unique literary and intellectual traditions.”
Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams was in attendance, as was Council member Mathieu Eugene. BRICK leader Shahid Khan will be spearheading programs and services at the new center, Ditmas Park Corner reports.