Mother Language Lovers of the World Society

03/16/2026

03/16/2026

Transforming International Mother Language Day from a Ceremonial Observance into a Living Academic Mission

The Centre for India and South Asia Research (CISAR) at the University of British Columbia hosted a special event to celebrate International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2026 on Friday, March 13, bringing together scholars and community leaders to discuss the global significance of linguistic diversity and the future of mother language advocacy.

The panel featured three speakers: Mohammad Aminul Islam, President of the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society; Dr. Jessica Barudin, Assistant Professor at the School of Community and Regional Planning, UBC; and Dr. Anwar Ahmed, Assistant Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education, UBC.

In his presentation, Mr. Aminul Islam highlighted the legacy of Late Mr. Rafiqul Islam, recognized as the father of International Mother Language Day. He explained how Rafiqul Islam transformed the inspiration of the language martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement into a global initiative, ultimately leading to the recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in 1999.

Mr. Aminul Islam also spoke about the challenges of advancing IMLD from grassroots advocacy to national recognition. He noted that in Canada the observance reached a historic milestone when International Mother Language Day received Royal Assent in 2023 and became officially recognized in law.

Looking ahead, he emphasized the next stage of international engagement—seeking a declaration from the Commonwealth of Nations. If achieved, this initiative could enable approximately 2.8 billion people across 56 Commonwealth countries to officially celebrate and promote their own and others’ mother languages, histories, and cultural heritage.

Mr. Islam further stated that integrating the BC Model into the school system and establishing an IMLD Award for graduate students would help transform International Mother Language Day from a ceremonial commemoration into an active and sustained academic mission, strengthening research, education, and public awareness of linguistic diversity.

02/21/2026

🌍 International Mother Language Day – February 21, 2026

Language is more than words — it is identity, culture, memory, and the voice of our ancestors. On this International Mother Language Day, we honor the beauty of every mother tongue and the right of every person to speak, learn, and dream in their own language.

🗣️ 2026 UNESCO Theme: Youth Voices on Multilingual Education

Young people are shaping the future of multilingual societies. By embracing linguistic diversity and inclusive education, we build stronger communities, deeper understanding, and a more just world.

Let us celebrate the richness of our languages and stand together for dignity, diversity, and dialogue.

11/22/2025

📢 12th Annual General Meeting – MLLWS
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We are pleased to announce that the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society (MLLWS) will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2025.
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🗓️ The meeting will be held via Zoom (link will be shared soon)
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📝 Agenda includes:
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* President’s Address & 2025 Highlights
* Membership Update
* Discussion and Approval of the New Constitution
* Financial Report
* 2026 Program Plans
* Other business
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We warmly invite all members — and welcome new ones — to join this important gathering. Your participation helps strengthen our mission and community.
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Looking forward to seeing you all! 🌍💛

11/05/2025

Invitation to Dua Mahfil for Dr. Sams Mohammad Anowar Sadat
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Assalamu Alaikum, on behalf of Dr. Anowar Sadat's family and friends, we invite you and our community to a Dua Mahfil to pray for the departed soul of our dear brother Sams Mohammad Anowar Sadat, who returned to his Creator on October 25, 2025.
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إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
(Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un — Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.)
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📅 Date: November 8, 2025 (Saturday)
🕒 Time: After Maghrib Salah (4:45 PM)
📍 Venue: Masjid Al Sahaba - 5768 203 St, Langley, BC
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🚗 Due to very limited parking space, please follow the parking instructions attached to this email.
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May Allah (SWT) forgive all his sins and grant him the highest place in Jannah.

10/29/2025

Assalamu Alaikum,

Here are the latest updates regarding our dear brother Anowar Sadat. The janazah is confirmed for tomorrow (Thursday) - 30 October, 2025.

Schedule:

• 1:30 p.m. – Duhr prayer
• 1:50–2:00 p.m. – Janazah immediately after Duhr
• 2:00 p.m. – Departure for Bakerview Cemetery (Estimated arrival around 3:00–3:15 p.m.)

Let us continue to make du’a and keep our beloved brother Sadat in your prayers.

10/29/2025

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
(Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.)
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Dear Brothers and Sisters, This is to inform you that the Namaz e Janazah (funeral prayer) of our beloved brother Sams Mohammad Anowar Sadat is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 30, after Dhuhr prayer at Surrey Jamea Masjid (12407 72 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 0S9).
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Please note that the date and time are tentative and will be finalized on Wednesday.
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Following the Janazah prayer, the burial will take place at Bakerview Memorial Cemetery (920 272 St, Langley Township, BC V4W 2P8). Burial will be held tentatively at 3:30 PM.
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Please keep Brother Sadat and his family in your duas. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannah, and give strength and patience to his loved ones.

10/26/2025

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
(Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.)
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It is with profound grief and heartbreak that the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society (MLLWS) mourns the tragic and untimely passing of our beloved Director of Research & Development, Dr. Sams Anowar Sadat.
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Dr. Sadat tragically lost his life on the morning of October 25 after drowning in the Vedder River near Chilliwack. His sudden departure has left a deep void in our hearts and our organization.
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He was not only a brilliant researcher and scientist at Cytiva, but also a gentle soul — humble, sincere, and always ready to help others. His kindness, humor, wisdom, and dedication to promoting cultural and linguistic diversity will forever be remembered.
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Dr. Sadat leaves behind his loving wife and two beautiful young children, who were his greatest joy and inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they face this unimaginable loss.
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His body is currently kept at the Aldergrove Mortuary. The details regarding his Namaj-e-Janaja and final rites will be announced once the autopsy and other necessary procedures are completed. We will share updates as soon as we have them.
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We request everyone to please keep Dr. Sadat and his family in your prayers. May Allah grant him Jannatul Ferdous, forgive his shortcomings, and give strength and patience to his grieving family.
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He will be deeply missed by everyone in MLLWS and the wider community.
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10/26/2025

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
(Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.)
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It is with profound grief and heartbreak that the Mother Language Lovers of the World Society (MLLWS) mourns the tragic and untimely passing of our beloved Director of Research & Development, Dr. Anowar Sadat.
---------------------
Anowar tragically lost his life on the morning of October 25 after drowning in the Vedder River near Chilliwack. His sudden departure has left a deep void in our hearts and our organization.
---------------------
He was not only a brilliant researcher and scientist at Cytiva, but also a gentle soul — humble, sincere, and always ready to help others. His kindness, humor, wisdom, and dedication to promoting cultural and linguistic diversity will forever be remembered.
---------------------
Anowar leaves behind his loving wife and two beautiful young children, who were his greatest joy and inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they face this unimaginable loss.
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We request everyone to please keep Anowar and his family in your prayers. May Allah grant him Jannatul Ferdous, forgive his shortcomings, and give strength and patience to his grieving family.
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He will be deeply missed by everyone in MLLWS and the wider community.
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https://www.agassizharrisonobserver.com/news/update-langley-man-41-dead-after-drowning-in-vedder-river-in-chilliwack-8322484
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10/24/2025

2025 Mother Language Festival highlights!

Aug 10, 2025 - Holland Park, Surrey

10/24/2025