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AMV Outreach Director Syed Zafar Mohsin gets
 "Citizen of the Year" award

Syed Zafar Mohsin with his family members after receiving the Citizen of the Year Award.

By Abdus Sattar Ghazali

The American Muslim Voice Outreach Director Mr. Syed Zafar Mohsin was given the prestigious "Citizen of the Year" award on March 19th, 2005 from the City of Milpitas, CA.

The Citizen of the Year award was given by the Milpitas Mayor Joe Esteves at a special ceremony sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at the Milpitas community center. At the special event, Dave Morris was declared Police Officer of the Year and Douglas Richardson was given Firefighter of the Year award.

Mayor Esteves while presenting the award said that Syed Mohsin has supported the community activities, charities and his own religious activities.

Dr. Agha Saeed National Chairman of the American Muslim Alliance said that the city has chosen a good man to honor as the "citizen of the year"

The AMV Executive Director, Samina Faheem Sundas told the audience that Mr Mohsin has been a model citizen who has worked tirelessly to serve his community and to foster understanding and trust.

Recalling his services, Ms. Samina said, Mr. Mohsin has been a community builder, always ready and willing to serve a worthy cause. “He was instrumental in providing assistance to immigrants during INS special registration and is playing a key role with our ongoing projects, building bridges with other communities and empowering our future generation. We are glad that he is part of the AMV team.”

The AMV Executive Director went on to say that we are Muslim American and proud to call America our chosen home. “We are here because this is our country and we will do everything in our power to make it a peaceful and harmonious one, where every one of us feels accepted, loved, respected and safe.” 

Samina said that ignorance breeds fear and we should help erase the fear by getting to know each other, accept and embrace each other and cherish our diversity.

“Let's pledge today that we will continue to make our communities safe and strong and focus on what binds us together rather than what divides us,” she concluded. (Full text of Samina Faheem Sundas’ speech)

The AMV Executive Director presented a Model City Award to the Knights of Columbus Milpitas in appreciation of promoting acceptance, diversity and harmony in our community.

Congratulating Syed Mohsin Santa Clara Supervisor Pete Mcguge said I will take the phrase from Ms. Sundas that Syed Mohsin has been a model citizen and has done a wonderful job serving the city of Milpitas now it is up to us to make it a home for everyone.

Syed Zafar Mohsin, who was introduced by Deepak Lalwani, Chairperson of Milpitas Planning Commission, thanked the community for reposing confidence in him and nominating him for this prestigious award. He said that he believes that all politics starts at local level and the community should be actively involved to achieve common goals. 

Mr. & Mrs. Mohsin have been residents of Milpitas for over seventeen years. They have two daughters, Sadia and Ayesha, both very active at UC Davis in various committees following in their parents foot steps.

Syed Mohsin, who arrived in America in 1984, has a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Evansville, Indiana and currently works for an Internet company.

He has been involved with the local community since he moved to Milpitas. He was an active member in the construction of new playground at local school. He served on the board of homeowners Association and was also an elected President. He was instrumental in starting a Neighborhood Watch program. He plays a key part in supporting Sunnyhills Neighborhood events.  

Syed Mohsin currently serves as vice-chair on the Milpitas Community Advisory Commission. He recently graduated from the SAFE/ CERT program to serve Milpitas resident in events of disaster. He serves on the American Muslim Voice Board of Directors and is a member of the executive committee of the American Muslim Alliance. He is also a member of Pakistan Association of San Francisco.
 

Dave Morris (left) was declared Police Officer of the Year  and Douglas Richardson was given Firefighter of the Year award

Milpitas Post – March 24, 2005

 Top citizen is active commissioner, rights advocate

By Jay Peeples

Syed Mohsin said to be named Milpitas Citizen of the Year last week by Milpitas Knights of Columbus Council 5796 was amazing. "I am delighted and honored," he said. "I really appreciate the great service that the Knights of Columbus are doing by recognizing the extraordinary work done by Milpitas citizens."

A banquet was held Saturday night at Milpitas Community Center, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, to honor Mohsin and Milpitas' top public safety officers.

Mohsin said he is used to putting personal time into community projects, noting that he has always been involved, even prior to moving to the United States from Pakistan in 1984. When Mohsin, 49, and his family relocated to Milpitas in 1991, he knew it was a good move.

"I saw there are good people willing to help to build the community, and that was very encouraging to me," Mohsin said. "I am born in a society, culture and religion where helping a neighbor is a duty."

Mohsin said his parents taught him at an early age to help his neighbors as much as possible without expecting a reward.

"We are just one big family," he said. "I think getting involved in your community is a unique experience."

Mohsin's activity in the community includes serving on the Milpitas Community Advisory Commission (he is now vice chair), former vice chair of Milpitas Recycling and Source Reduction Advisory Commission, being a member of Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association, arranging a Neighborhood Watch program, and working with children in Milpitas as a teacher and mentor.

"We are all born with some talents," Mohsin said.

A mechanical engineer for Cisco Systems Inc., Mohsin recently participated in the tech giant's "I Give" program, during which Cisco asks its employees to donate time to the community. Mohsin went to a local elementary school and taught second graders mathematics for two hours, he said. He has also volunteered as a mentor to high school students in Milpitas - something he found rewarding.

"At every walk of life, I am always available," Mohsin said.

Mohsin also became involved in American Muslim Voice, a Fremont-based group dedicated to protecting and preserving civil liberties for all Americans. Mohsin is the group's outreach director.

According to Mohsin, he helped people register to vote, and educate them on their civil rights. He said following the Sept. 11 attacks, many area Muslims were being questioned by local law enforcement agencies. Mohsin contacted the American Civil Liberties Union to help educate people on their rights.

Mohsin said he enjoys meeting his neighbors, and sought to dispel any myths or incorrect assumptions made about Muslims following Sept. 11.

"I wanted to tell people we strongly condemn any damage to property or life," Mohsin said. "We are just like you, just different skin color.

"We are one family."

Mohsin said the community could be even better if everyone volunteered only two hours a month.

Mohsin's entire family has been involved in community affairs. His wife of 24 years, Zeya, is a Milpitas Planning Commission member. His daughters, Saadia and Aysha, were both active with the Sunnyhills Youth Association, and now attend University of California at Davis.

In his spare time, what of it he has left, Mohsin enjoys hiking on Mission Peak, performing automobile maintenance and gardening with his wife.

http://www.themilpitaspost.com/Stories/0,1413,93%257E3416%257E2780481,00.html?search=filter