ছবি - নবযুগ
Shahab Uddin Sagor, Editor of the New York-based weekly Nobojug ,community activist, and businessman, has been honored with the National Service Honor Gold Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community service.
The award was presented by Hands of Hope Community Outreach, a volunteer organization authorized to confer the U.S. Presidential Award for volunteer service. During a gala ceremony held on July 25, Saterday at a church banquet hall in Brooklyn, the organization's Chaplain, Kim Thomas, presented the award to Sagor.
A total of 12 individuals received the National Service Honor Gold Award at the event, including Shahab Uddin Sagar. In addition to the award, recipients were presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a Proclamation from New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, and a Citation from New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.
A commemorative souvenir publication was also released for the occasion. Among the 12 honorees, Shahab Uddin Sagor was the only Bangladeshi recipient of the prestigious award.
Accepting the honor, Shahab Uddin Sagor said, "I am truly proud and deeply honored to receive the National Service Honor Gold Award from Hands of Hope Community Outreach. I sincerely thank the organization, the planning committee, and Senior Chaplain Kim Thomas for this remarkable recognition."
He added, "I accept this honor not only on my own behalf but also on behalf of the dedicated volunteers, community leaders, and organizations with whom I have had the privilege of serving. For me, serving others has never been just a responsibility—it is a passion, a commitment, and an important purpose in my life."
Speaking about his work as Editor of Nobojug Sagor said he has long been committed to responsible journalism by highlighting issues of public importance and promoting awareness and community harmony. He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the newspaper worked tirelessly to provide the Bangladeshi community in New York with accurate, timely, and life-saving information, helping people stay informed and support one another.
Sagor also spoke about his role as a Federal Chaplain, saying that it has given him the opportunity to provide spiritual care, emotional encouragement, and compassionate support to people during difficult times. He emphasized his commitment to working with people of different faiths to foster mutual respect, understanding, and unity.
"I firmly believe that when we come together to serve humanity, our diversity becomes our greatest strength," he said. "This award is not the end of my journey; rather, it inspires me to continue serving the community with even greater dedication and responsibility."
He concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who has supported and encouraged him throughout his journey, saying that this achievement would not have been possible without their unwavering support.
About the Award
Hands of Hope Community Outreach recognizes the outstanding contributions of community leaders across New York by nominating them for the National Service Honor Gold Award. Following approval by an independent jury board, the selected recipients are honored at a formal awards ceremony and presented with the National Service Honor Gold Award, also recognized as the Presidential Award for volunteer service.
