In a world that is becoming increasingly digital and fast-paced, the simple act of gathering in a shared space can feel like a quiet act of rebellion. For the Hazara community, however, gathering is much more than a social choice—it is a vital necessity. At SabaGroup, our vision is to see a resilient and unified community that is recognized for its excellence. We believe that the path to that excellence isn’t just paved with individual achievements, but with the collective energy found in our events.
Whether it is the somber reflection of a Memorial Day, the vibrant joy of Hazara Culture Day, or the physical challenge of a Youth Hike, these moments are the threads that weave our social fabric together. But why do we invest so much time and energy into these gatherings? Why is it “important” to have events?
The answer lies in the intersection of identity, healing, and the nurturing of future leaders.
1. Preserving the “Living Library” of Our Heritage
Our mission is to celebrate our heritage through world-class cultural events. But what does “heritage” look like in a diaspora? For many of us, heritage isn’t just found in history books; it lives in the way we brew our tea, the rhythm of the Dambura, and the specific dialect of our poetry.
When we host events like Shab-e Chellah, we are opening a “living library.” For our elders, these events are a bridge back to the soil of their ancestors. For our youth, who may have been born thousands of miles away from Hazarajat, these events are a portal. When a young person sees the intricate needlework of a traditional dress or tastes a dish prepared exactly as it has been for centuries, they aren’t just observing a performance—they are reclaiming a part of themselves.
Without these events, culture becomes a memory. With them, it remains a living, breathing identity that provides a sense of belonging in a complex world.
2. The Power of “Visible Excellence”
One of the core pillars of our vision is to be “recognized for excellence”. Excellence thrives when it is witnessed. This is why our Annual Awards Night is so much more than a trophy ceremony.
When a student, an artist, or a small business owner stands on that stage, they become a beacon. For the children in the audience, that excellence becomes “visible.” It moves from being an abstract idea to a tangible reality. They think, “If they can achieve that, so can I.” Events provide a platform for us to tell our own stories of success. They allow us to celebrate the social and economic prosperity we are building together. In a world where the narrative about minority communities can often be focused on struggle, our events allow us to shift the focus to our brilliance, our intellect, and our contribution to society.
3. Healing and Solidarity: Turning Trauma into Strength
We cannot talk about the Hazara community without acknowledging the resilience born from hardship. Events like the Hazara Genocide Memorial Day are essential for our collective mental health.
Grief is a heavy burden to carry alone. When we gather in silence to remember those we have lost, that burden is shared. We find strength in the person standing next to us. These somber events provide a space for “Unity in Remembrance.” They remind us that our survival is not just a miracle—it is a responsibility. By coming together in these moments, we turn our history into a catalyst for advocacy and a commitment to ensuring a safer future for the next generation.
4. Nurturing the Leaders of Tomorrow
Our mission explicitly mentions nurturing the next generation of leaders through active engagement. This doesn’t happen in a classroom; it happens on the trail of a Youth Hike.
When our young people step away from their screens and into the natural beauty of our local landscape, they are challenged. They have to communicate, lead, and support one another through physical exertion. These events are “leadership laboratories.”
On a hike, a quiet teenager might find the courage to lead the group. At a cultural festival, a young volunteer might discover a passion for event management or public speaking. By providing these spaces, SabaGroup isn’t just giving youth something to do—we are giving them a place to grow. We are building the confidence they need to lead us toward that “future of social and economic prosperity” we all dream of.
5. Building the “Social Capital” of a Unified Community
At the end of the day, a community is only as strong as the relationships between its members. Events are where “Social Capital” is built.
In the corridors of our halls, during the breaks in our programs, people meet. A job seeker might meet a business owner. A new arrival might find a mentor. A family feeling isolated might find a lifelong friend. This is the “unified” part of our vision in action.
When we are unified, we are resilient. We are less vulnerable to the challenges of life because we know there is a community behind us. Our transparent social programs are the structure, but our events are the heartbeat that keeps that structure alive.
Your Presence is the Gift
We don’t host events for the sake of the calendar. We host them for you.
Every time you show up to a SabaGroup event, you are contributing to the resilience of our people. You are a participant in our culture, a witness to our excellence, and a pillar of our unity.
Whether you are volunteering for our next Distribution Manager role or simply attending Shab-e Chellah with your family, you are part of this journey. Let us continue to gather, to celebrate, and to remember. Together, we are building a legacy that will last for generations.