Japanese Tea Ceremony Embodies Spirit of Peace

Washington, D.C., United States – UPF-USA hosted a Japanese tea ceremony and appointed Ms. Seemab Asif as an ambassador for peace on August 30, 2025, at the Washington Times Founders Room. Ms. Tomiko Duggan, senior vice president of UPF-USA, welcomed the guests, who were eager to experience the traditional tea ceremony and to honor the new peace ambassador.

Following an explanation of the essence and principles of the traditional tea ceremony, practiced for over 1000 years in Japanese society, Ms. Yuriko Arakawa conducted the ceremony. After the guests enjoyed the matcha tea and accompanying Japanese sweets, the program continued with Ms. Seemab Asif, as guest of honor, recognized as a UPF Ambassador for Peace.

Ms. Asif is an educationist and economist. She is also a Pakistani Christian, known and respected for service to others. Distinguished pastors came from Florida and Pennsylvania, as well as her three sisters, her nephews, and nieces from Canada to witness her appointment.

A short biographical video created for this occasion introduced her father, Asif, who was a prominent bishop in Pakistan, and her mother, Surya, a passionate and dedicated teacher whose commitment to education shaped her daughter’s vision for life.

From her early days at her Catholic school, Seemab Asif showed a natural gift for leadership and a deep desire to serve others. She was profoundly inspired by her parents’ faith, service to the community and emphasis on education. Due to the persecution of Christians, her family fled Pakistan to start a new life in a secure place where they could freely worship God.

In 2022 Ms. Asif was awarded the Fatima Jinnah Award, which acknowledges success and recognizes excellence of character in the recipient’s ability and effort to overcome difficulties. The UPF award and program, characterized by an uplifting and joyful atmosphere, celebrated how far she has come.

 

By Tomiko Duggan, Senior Vice President, UPF-USA

August 30, 2025