Date: 29th Nov 2014
An initiative taken by the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif to rename a portion of Lawrence Road Lahore to “Cecil Chaudhry Road,” has been highly praised by Christians.
Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry (SJ, S Bt and President’s Award for Pride of Performance) was a national hero, a highly decorated war veteran, and a human rights activist.
He was bestowed with numerous honors from gallantry awards to equally high peace time citations for his bravery and courage.
A grand ceremony was organized in Lahore today by the Pakistan Air Force; Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was the Chief Guest and the family of Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry were the Guests of Honor. The program was attended by a large number of people from various walks of life.
The ceremony commenced with a prayer by the Archbishop of Lahore Bishop Sebastian Shah, a one minute silence was observed for the reposed soul of Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry.
A citation was also read out recognizing the services of the Group Captain to the Air Force and the country at large.
A documentary prepared by the Pakistan Air Force honoring the life of Cecil Chaudhry was screened; which created an extremely emotional atmosphere. Then later a plaque was unveiled by the Chief Guest which was later fixed at a prominent location of the road..
The Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan paid glowing tributes to Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry’s life; as an ace fighter pilot of the PAF, an accomplished educationalist and an acclaimed human rights activist. He ended his tribute by stating “I leave you with one last thought; there is a Cecil Chaudhry in every Pakistani, so let us bring him out in our spirits, so that the nation may reap the harvest of his courage and goodness ”
Speaking on the occasion Ms Michelle Chaudhry daughter of Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry and President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation(CICF) stated “This is an extremely emotional moment for us as a family; we stand humbled and honored; even after his passing away our father continues to give us reasons to hold our heads high with pride. It is a moment of great pride not only for our family but for the nation at large.”
The BPCA believes small gestures like this are important in recognising the contribution made by Minorities in Pakistan. Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA, said; “It is knowledge of these great sacrifices or achievements by non-Muslims, that have helped the nation of Pakistan develop, that will galvanise support for equality reform in Pakistan. This will hopefully create a fairer society over a period of time.”
