HASANAT AHMAD SYED
(President, Human Rights and Race Relations Centre)

Mr. Hasanat Ahmad Syed, a well-known figure in Toronto circles, hails from India, settled in Pakistan and later immigrated to Canada over twenty five years ago.

Active in the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre since its inception in 1994, and currently as its Chair, Mr. Syed has diligently brought to attention issues of racism. His has a passion for a just and equitable society ., his unique and positive way of rewarding those who are actively involved in the eradication of racism in our society has contributed significantly to creating harmonious relations between various communities. The Centre annually holds the grant of awards to community leaders, politicians, media personalities and police officers.

He figures in Canadian WHO's WHO every year

In addition, Mr. Syed uses his journalistic talents to raise profile of the community issues

As Editor of New Canada for a decade and a half, he has highlighted the significant contribution of immigrants to ensure their enhancement of political, social and civic life in Canada. His enthusiasm for, and prowess in journalism comes from his parents who were both eminent journalists in India and Pakistan. His father, Dr. Shafi Ahmad, was a leading Muslim journalist in Delhi, and his mother, Begum Shafi Ahmad, was a pioneering woman journalist in Pakistan. He belonged to elite Information Service of Pakistan, and in that capacity, he served as a Public Relations Adviser to many Federal Ministers of Pakistan.

Mr. Syed is a prolific writer and is the author of a number of books, including the latest one, "Outstanding Immigrants in the New Millennium" prompted the following comment from the Governor General, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson", the enormous amount of work involved in publishing this wonderful book speaks loudly of your commitment to promote great Canadians at home and abroad."

Mr. Syed has played a very prominent role in the successful settlement of his community (Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam) in Canada, including the building of a $25 million housing project in Toronto .He has received numerous awards including one in January 2003, Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal was conferred on him by Government of Canada.

.Mr. Syed is President of South Asian Journalists Club ,a Director of Canadian Ethnic Journalists and Writers Club. He was on the Board of Directors of the Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace Inc. (1992-2001), and on the National Secretary for External Relations of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Canada (1989-2001). He was elected as Secretary of Canada Day Committee of Metropolitan Toronto(1996-2003), and Executive Director / Project Director of the Centre for Internationally Trained Professionals.

He holds a Law degree, and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations.

Mr. Syed had been a contributor to UNESCO Features, Paris, during 1955-58, which were circulated in seven world languages by the UNESCO.