In a festive atmosphere on 19 February evening at the Jewish Center in New York Bangladeshi poet Quazi Johirul Islam was awarded "Peace Run Torch Bearing Award" by the Sri Chinmoy Oneness Centre. The award was given to poet Quazi Johirul Islam for his significant contribution to the establishment of world peace through poetry. Including Carl Lewis, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 35th President of UNESCO Dr David Hampton, Billie Jean King, Prime Minister of Timor Lisette Dr Marie Al Kitty, Bangladeshi mountaineer Wasfia Nazreen several renowned peace envoys have won this international award earlier. Arpan D'Angelo, one of the organizers of the Peace Run, along with Professor Dr. Mahatapa Palit, Director of Oneness Heart Center, Chandika Kapalika, Executive Member of Sri Chinmoy Centre and Mr. Peterson, Coordinator of Sri Chinmoy Centre, Brazil, presented the peace torch to the poet. Dr. Palit read the citation. Grace Foundation, Quantum Foundation, Writer-Reader-Artists' Conference, Atmaik Jagaran Sabha and Brahmanbaria District Association also honoured the poet on the same day. On behalf of the organizations, eminent media personality Dima Nefertiti, Professor Imam Chowdhury, Lokman Hakim, artist Tanvir Tamal and HM Iqbal handed over crests, flowers, and gifts. They read out the citation on behalf of their respective organizations. At the beginning of the program organized on the poet's birthday, the documentary 'Icon of Time', written and directed by Dima Nefertiti, was shown on the multimedia projector. On the occasion of the 56th birthday of Quazi Johirul Islam, Dhaka-based NS Publishers published a new book of poems "Fifty-six Thousand Square Miles" with 56 patriotic poems of the poet. On this day, the cover of the book was unwrapped. Unobangal President Mukti Johir delivered the welcome speech after the unveiling of the cover. Prominent people of the community greeted the poet with flowers. Listening to the poetry in the poet's voice was an extra gift for the audience. Nasima Akhter recited a poem written by the poet and Tanvir Tamal performed music dedicated to the poet.
The 3-hour joy-evening ended with the cutting of the birthday cake.
