Belonging Through Culture and Community
We celebrate South Asian heritage and strengthen connections across Hamilton & Region.
About SAHAHR
South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region exists to educate, celebrate, and connect our community through programs that honor culture, language, and shared experiences.
Celebrate South Asian heritage through culture, arts, and language.
Offer programs that promote belonging, learning, and well‑being.
An inclusive Hamilton where diversity is embraced.
Communities thrive through connection and shared stories.
Community • Inclusion • Respect • Collaboration • Transparency.
Constitution or By‑Laws
By‑laws of South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region (SAHAHR) — 6 February 2021
Download the full by‑laws here. Below is a quick summary of key objectives.
Key Objectives
- Showcase South Asian culture through festivals, arts, and educational programs.
- Support newcomers, youth, and seniors with community resources and mentorship.
- Promote inclusion and civic engagement with partners across Hamilton & Region.
- Foster cooperation among community members and partner organizations.
- Remain non-partisan and respectful of all backgrounds.
Board of Directors
Meet the leaders and volunteers supporting SAHAHR’s mission.
Executive Team
Megha Saxena is a foreign trained healthcare professional who possesses skills related to public relations and community outreach. She immigrated to Canada in 2013. She is a full-time working mom for two loving kids. She was a frontline worker at a long-term care home throughout the pandemic and later joined Hamilton Public Health as a Vaccine Ambassador with the City of Hamilton for South Asian Community. She believes in serving the community and has volunteered with several community organizations with social media and digital skills.
Khursheed Ahmed graduated from India and came to Canada in 1967. After completing his PhD at McGill University, he moved to Hamilton in 1970 with his wife Maroussia and they both joined McMaster University. He has now retired from the University. He is actively involved with Gandhi Peace Festival and other peace and community groups in Hamilton. Khursheed joined SAHAHR in 2011 and has had various roles in the Association, including President for 5 years.
Lamia Syed is a Youth Board Member and Spokesperson for SAHAHR. She learned classical dance since the age of 7 and has since been actively involved in the South Asian community in Hamilton, Toronto, and surrounding regions. Lamia has performed at the South Asian Heritage Festival and other SAHAHR events since the organization was founded. Lamia works as a Policy Advisor in the Ontario Public Service in the Ministry of Labour. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law from McMaster University, and completed a Master's in Public Administration at Queen's University.
Board Members
Mujahid Ahmadzai, born in Kabul, Afghanistan, immigrated to Canada in December 2007. A proud McMaster University graduate, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2014 and completed his MBA in 2023. He is an educator and healthcare leader. Recognized for academic excellence, he was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society in 2013 for the McMaster chapter. He joined SAHAHR in 2016 as a board member representing Afghanistan. Mujahid loves serving our community and endorses diversity.
Ashmin Sharma is a financial professional focused on helping individuals build long-term financial security through smart planning and disciplined investing. He also actively supports Nepalese and South Asian community groups, helping members navigate financial systems and make informed decisions that strengthen their future.
Jesmin Haq is a co-founder of SAHAHR.She is an Educational Assistant at the H-W District School Board and has a part-time business as an Interior decorator. Jesmin was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where she completed BA. She is married to Ashfaqul Haq and they have two children.She is active in Hamilton Association of Bangladesh and organizes many cultural events regularly. Jesmin performed as an actress and hosted other programs at Bangladesh Television.
Sonam was born and raised in Thimphu, Bhutan, and moved to Canada in 2023. She lives in Hamilton with her husband, currently studying at Mohawk College and taking Human Resource Management as her career path. She has a degree in Business Management from Bangalore, India. She worked in Hospitality Industry for 8 years, including in Bhutan and the Middle East and enjoyed meeting people from all over the world.
Sujatha Suresh is the founder director of Swaramudra Dance Academy, Burlington. She works as a teacher in Halton District School Board. She has been a trainer and mentor to children in the Middle East for almost two decades. She is an 'A' grade artist with Indian television network Doordarshan, Hyderabad and served in the Middle East for about two decades as a trainer and mentor.
Born and raised in Punjab, Pakistan, Tehreem Zafar brings a lived, community-informed perspective to her leadership and advocacy across local, provincial, and national forums. She is the Director of Health Equity and Newcomer Services at YWCA Hamilton. Tehreem also serves as a member of Hamilton’s Hate Crime Case Review Team (HCCRT), and other Hamilton organizations. As a Board Member SAHAHR, she is committed to advancing culturally grounded initiatives that promote equity.
Partners & Sponsors
Become a partner
Volunteer with us
Join our events, youth programs, and cultural celebrations. Your skills and time help us reach more families.
Work with us
Interested in partnering, volunteering, or joining our board? We’d love to connect.